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 (haha punny) of events that have been submitted to us here.
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
We recommend calling ahead to verify through the remainder of this winter season
January Family Sports & Fitness Opportunities
All January: Mall Walking
Northtown Mall | FREE | Mall walking will begin one hour before the mall opens. 11am on Sundays and 10am Mondays – Saturdays. Enter through door #5 near Burlington to start your walk. Phone: 763-786-9705.
Maplewood Mall | FREE | Mall walking Monday through Saturday at 10am and Sunday at 11am. Enter through Mall Door 3 or 5. Phone: 651-770-3763.
Reader Favorite Indoor January Activity:
Our readers love Indoor Waterparks in January.
The good news: Some of these indoor parks have begun opening for lap swim and lessons.
Now – February: Open Skate
Eagan Civic Arena | $2-$3/pp | Wed: 7:15-8:30pm; Sun: 2pm or 3pm| Open Skate times are subject to change. Registration for specific time slot required. Register and find up-to-date schedules online or call 651-675-5590.
Now – February: Open Skate
Parade Ice Garden, Minneapolis | Adults and Youth: $3; Seniors: $2.75; Kids Under 5: Free | Monday and Wednesday: All Ages, 3-4 pm | Open for up to 25 skaters on the ice at a time; children under 12 must have a parent or guardian with them on the ice. Online pre-registration required. No skate rentals available.
Mondays Now – April: Generation POUND
Twin Cities Music Therapy Services | $15/household or $50/All 5 sessions | Generation POUND®️ is a fun, music and rhythm-based movement program developed just for kids! This course will be led on ZOOM by Mike LimBybliw, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, drummer, and Certified POUND®️ instructor. Benefits of this course include, physical wellness, social interaction, motor coordination, and improved mood. Register online to receive password for Zoom Link.
Best January Outdoor Activities:
- Skate the Twin Cities: Where To Find Free Outdoor Ice Rinks
- Twin Cities Guide to the Best Sledding Hills
- I’s Snowshoe Fun to Exercise Outdoors in Minnesota in January
- Snow Tubing for the Family & Best Twin Cities Hills
- Family Skiing and Snowboarding in the Twin Cities
January 20th: Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln, Lino Lakes | $10-$15/pp | 10am-12pm | Learn the to cross-country ski – a lifelong activity appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Ages 8+
January 23rd: Ski Otters
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township | $8.24/child ($7/rentals) | 10:30-Noon | A ski play class for ages 4 to 7, designed to introduce children to skis and snow fun. Parent/guardian participation is requested. Register Here.
January 26: Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Bunker Hills Campsite | $10-$15/pp | 10am-12pm | Learn the to cross-country ski – a lifelong activity appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Ages 8+.
February Family Sports & Fitness Opportunities
February 6th: Ski Otters
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township | $8.24/child ($7/rentals) | 10:30-Noon | A ski play class for ages 4 to 7, designed to introduce children to skis and snow fun. Parent/guardian participation is requested. Register Here.
February 13th: St. Louis Park Walk the Park
St. Louis Park High School, 6425 W. 33rd St | FREE | 9:30-10:30am | Join the community to meet and walk 1-2 miles each month.
February 14th: Family Snowshoe Scramble
Bruentrup Heritage Farm | Adults $15, Children (17 & under) $10 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm | A snowshoe scavenger hunt. After a quick snowshoe lesson, you and your family will enjoy the park land next to the Farm to practice your snowshoe skills and hunt for clues that you can unscramble for a prize. Enjoy the roaring bonfire afterwards for s’mores and hot beverages. Bring your sled and well-behaved dogs on leashes, too! This event is all outdoors but social distancing is required. Reservations for a staggered time required.
February 15th: Parent/Child Snowshoe Trek
Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township | $12.38/adult-child pair ($7/rentals) | 10am-11:30am | Snowshoe together on a naturalist guided hike. Register Here.
February 18th: Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Ln, Lino Lakes | $10-$15/pp | 10am-12pm | Learn the to cross-country ski – a lifelong activity appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Ages 8+
February 21st: Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids | $10-$15/pp | 10am-12pm | Learn the to cross-country ski – a lifelong activity appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Ages 8+.
February 23rd: Learn to Cross-Country Ski
Bunker Hills Campsite | $10-$15/pp | 10am-12pm | Learn the to cross-country ski – a lifelong activity appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Ages 8+.
March Family Sports & Fitness Opportunities
March 13th: St. Louis Park Walk the Park
St. Louis Park High School, 6425 W. 33rd St | FREE | 9:30-10:30am | Join the community to meet and walk 1-2 miles each month.
April Family Sports & Fitness Opportunities
April 10th: St. Louis Park Walk the Park
Lamplighter Park, 16th & Pennsylvania Ave | FREE | 9:30-10:30am | Join the community to meet and walk 1-2 miles each month. In Case of Bad Weather: If it is raining, snowing or temps are below 40 degrees, meet at the front entrance of SLP High School to walk inside.
Summer Family Sports & Fitness Opportunities
July 10th: Twin Cities Color Run
Minnesota State Fair Grounds | More Information. Read more about Gianna’s experience with the Color Run.
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… and you end the color run like this.
ANYTIME ONLINE OFFERINGS:
- The YMCA offers streaming videos for all ages. Most of this is adult-oriented, but they have a series of youth soccer videos.
- Core Power Yoga has on demand classes.
- Our Kids’ Schools all recommend and use Go Noodle for helping kids stay active in small places.
- Three Rivers Parks recommends the 12Bursts Program for staying active at home: “Our partners at Cycle Health launched a fun new initiative the whole family can do at home! The 12Bursts program encourages physical activity through 12 activity “bursts” of five minutes each. Complete each day’s free Daily Dozen challenge in whatever way best fits your schedule. No special skills or equipment required. Learn more and get started today!”
MORE FAMILY SPORTS & FITNESS IDEAS
- Explore Local Parks. Most of them are open. Just try to choose activities that include social distancing. Hiking and biking are ideal activities. We have over 400 park reviews in our directory!.
- Explore Outdoors Saint Paul
- Washington County Parks offers a variety of downloads to help explore their parks.
- Drills: Since Little League has been cancelled in Minneapolis, we plan to incorporate these baseball drills into our day. Leave us a note if you have drills you like.
- Play Ball! Minnesota Virtual Academy Webinars – Free webinars from Twins staff and Play Ball! Minnesota partners
- At Home Activities: 45+ Fun Physical Activities for Kids of All Ages, Categorized.
- Backyard Activities: 60 Fun Outdoor Games for Kids
- Bike: The Best Minneapolis Bike Trails for Families