Skating & Skating

To say Minnesotans are passionate about hockey and skating would be an understatement. The indoor Rec Center has ice skating and hockey year round (you can rent skates there too), but once the weather starts to freeze there are lots of free outdoor options too. Some of the more popular ones have lights and warming huts for evening activities like Northern Heights and Allendale Park. Soldiers Field offer these amenities too, plus a beautiful oval ice rink.

Sledding & Tubbing

Some of the best sledding hills in Rochester, MN include:

Kellogg Middle School in the Rochester, MN North East Neighborhood

Judd hill and Smite Park in Rochester, MN North West Neighborhood

Ironwood Springs in Stewartville, Camp Victory near Zumbro Falls and Steeplechase in Mazeppa. Some even offer night time tubing so check them out!

Skiing:

I remember so clearly the first trip we took to Welch Village. The GPS said we were 5 minutes away and as I looked out the window, I saw nothing but miles of flat farmland. It is truly amazing when that little resort appears. It may be small but it is quite mighty and where our kids learned to ski. We have so many fond memories on those slopes. Another great place for kids to learn is Coffee Mill, so be sure to check out both venues. Both have options to rent gear and offer ski school for kids (and adults!) They offer night time skiing too. Both are just shy of an hour away.

Adventures - The Ice Castles & Social Ice

What’s not to love about ice castles? From the dream of one man, Brent Christensen, who moved from a sunny climate to a snowy one and decided to embrace the winters, his company started in his backyard creating ice castle for his kids. Today, the concept has expanded to multiple states, but the goal is still the same - to bring happiness, laughter and unforgettable winter memories. We definitely have our own fond memories of visiting the ice castles, so go check them out. From slides, to caverns and archways to crawl tunnels and hot cider or hot chocolate, you’re sure to make some great memories too.

Science Experiments

A simple Google search will bring you more winter science experiments to do with your kids than you’ll ever need, but some of our favorite ones over the years include:

• Tossing a pot of boiling water over mom’s head in temps so cold it immediately vaporizes into a cloud (be sure temps are actually cold enough and test it first!)

• Spray painting snow banks

• Building ice sculptures for the Fairies

• Freezing ballons to make snowball sculptures

• Freezing hair into cool creations

• Turning snowmen into bird feeding sculptures

YOU GOT THIS!

Breathe. Prepare. Embrace

If you need help with getting your family ready for winter please reach out.

If it’s not winter yet CLICK HERE for 7 Fun Kids Activities To Keep Them busy until then

Drop me an email or call anytime!

Sandra Reid