Family Sports and Fitness are a great way to spend time together. A 2018 study has found that fathers who exercise raise healthier children – even into adulthood. Why not find fun ways to set that good example. We keep a running list of events that have been submitted to us here. We have also included some product links for items we feel may help families promote fitness. We do receive compensation from Amazon for purchases through these links.
If you have a sporting event you would like to share, please keep in mind our parameters and mission. Events must be something that can be participated in as a family and it must be a stand-alone event with no long-term commitment. Please feel free to email Joy with your submissions
ONGOING:
Now-12/30/19: Indoor Public Skating | Saint Louis Park Rec Center | $3.50/youth; $4/adult; $3/rentals | Open skating sessions. Call 952.924.2567, option 7, to confirm dates and times | All Ages.
Days and times
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Noon – 1:30 p.m. (no skating Dec. 25 and 27)
- Saturday: 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. (no skating Dec. 28)
- Sunday: 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Image courtesy of the City of St. Louis Park
Now-04/01/20: Family Nights | Braemar Field Dome | $5/pp | Walk or run laps, play in the open field or take a turn in the batting cages in Edina’s climate controlled dome. | All Ages.
Wednesdays (Oct. 30 – Dec. 18) 6 – 7 p.m.
Fridays (Jan. 3 – March 27) 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Wednesdays (April 1 – 22) 3:30 – 5 pm
Click Here to Find Dance Studios
Fall Classes at Moore Than Dance | Moore Than Dance, 1220 E. Moore Lake Dr., Fridley, MN 55432 | Your child will receive a quality performing arts education in a fun and wholesome environment. Many styles of dance and musical theatre offered including our NEW Movin’ with the Moose classes for our youngest students. Contact Moore Than Dance to get started! | Times and fees vary by class selection. Sign up today!
Now-04/30/20: School Year Open Gym Times | Gleason’s Gymnastics | Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am; Fridays 9:30-11:30am and 12-2pm | $8/per child; max $10/per family | Anne loved this option when she had small kids that needed to run off energy.
Click here for the Twin Cities Family Wellness Guide
DECEMBER FAMILY SPORTS & FITNESS IDEAS
12/8/19: Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener | Elm Creek Park Reserve | FREE | Try skiing for free with free rentals and free mini-lessons for skiiers of any level. When you tire of skiing, check out the kids area and participate in fun family activities. There will be a concession stand with lunch deals on site.
Three Rivers Parks invites you to get out and enjoy the snow.
12/8/19: U.G.L.Y. Sweater Dash | Louisiana Oaks Park | $25-$45/pp | Wear your ugliest holiday sweater to run this 5K, then warm up at Park Tavern. Race begins at 5:30 p.m.
Image courtesy of City of St. Louis Park
12/21/19-2/15/20: Friday Family Fun Nights | Como Park Ski Center | 5pm-10pm | $60/family of 5; $15 additional | On Friday nights a family can ski or snowboard for just $60. Price includes rope tow tickets as well as downhill, cross country, or snowboard rentals.
FEBRUARY FAMILY SPORTS & FITNESS IDEAS
2/8/20: TC Kids Fieldhouse Fun Run | U of M Fieldhouse, Minneapolis | 8am | $10 | Kids choose between races from 1/8 mile up to 1 mile run. Families can enjoy entertainment and activities inside the newly remodeled U of M Fieldhouse. All participants receive a finisher medal and participant gift.
Image courtesy of Twin Cities in Motion
MORE WINTER FITNESS FUN FOR FAMILIES
Outdoor Activities
- It’s Snowshoe Fun to Exercise Outdoors in Minnesota in January!!!
- Twin Cities Sledding Hills Guide
- Snow Tubing for the Family – Best Twin Cities Hills
- Where to Find Outdoor Rinks in the Twin Cities Metro
Indoor Activities
- Creative Indoor Exercise Alternatives – Aerial Arts & Folk Dancing
- Tot Times, Open Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities
- 5 Easy Ways to Make Family Exercise a Reality
- Family Exercise Fun: Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools
- Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas Guide
- Robin Hedrick, Director of Healthy Kids, YMCA tells us why the Play is Important to Health
- 6 Cool Twin Cities Roller Skating Rink Family Deals
SPRING 2020 EVENTS
5/16/20: Rotary People of Action 5K | Central Park, Maple Grove | 9am | $ | Enjoy a beautiful run through the paved paths of central park and along the lakes and gardens. Events include a 1 mile health walk, a timed 5K race and a timed competitive race event. Pet and stroller friendly. The facilities make it a fun surrounding for kids and adults to enjoy. Proceeds will go to military families.
5/16/20: TC Kids Cross Country Fun Run | Como Park, St. Paul | 9am | $10+ | All ages are welcome to run the rolling hills of Como Park at the TC Kids Cross Country Fun Run! Distances ranging from 1/2 mile to 5K allow every child to succeed. Guardians are welcome to register and run alongside their child. Warm-ups are led by Team USA Minnesota athletes and all registered participants receive a short sleeve shirt and finisher medal. A picnic lunch is included with registration and can be enjoyed in the park post-race.
Image courtesy of Twin Cities in Motion
SUMMER 2020 EVENTS
7/18/20-7/19/20: Kids Obstacle Challenge | Afton Alps | $36-$60 | An adventure and obstacle course race for kids ages 4-14. More information coming. Keep an eye on discounts sites like Goldstar. Last year their were plenty of deals to be found close to the event time.
FALL 2020 EVENTS
10/3/20: Twin Cities Marathon Family Events | State Capitol Grounds, St. Paul | $7+ | Bring your family and friends to the fall-running kickoff event at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. From the tiniest tots to serious runners, there’s something for everyone at the Twin Cities Marathon Weekend’s Saturday Events. Participants receive a shirt, a participant gift, a finisher’s medal, and admission to the activity tent with music and entertainment! Family event distances include:
- Half Mile
- Family Mile
- Toddler Trot
- Diaper Dash
10K 5K Kids Races – Image courtesy of Twin Cities in Motion
MORE FAMILY SPORTS & FITNESS IDEAS
- Explore local parks. We have over 400 park reviews in our directory!
- Stay Home and Try Some of These Fun Activities: 45+ Fun Physical Activities for Kids of All Ages, Categorized