Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is January 13- January 15, 2024 (Saturday through Monday of Martin Luther King weekend)
A 2024 Safety Note from the DNR: The Minnesota DNR reminds us that:
Ice is unsafe in much of the state, including in the metro area where there is still open water on some lakes. Other areas especially in northern Minnesota have more ice and some ice fishing opportunities there.
What better defines Minnesota in January and February than ice? After all, we are the Land of 10,000 [Frozen] Lakes! Make this the coolest winter yet, by taking your kids on a family ice fishing adventure during the winter months at one of these kid-friendly events. Rather curl up with a good book? We have some ideas for seasonally appropriate family reading, too.
Note: These events that rely on the cooperation of frozen lakes and are weather dependent. Many of these events are for ages 10+, if you want to take younger children ice fishing, the DNR’s “Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend” is for kids of all ages.
Winter 2024 Family Ice Fishing Events
Spend a beautiful day of Minnesota ice fishing without the commitment. You don’t need to take an ice fishing vacation in Northern Minnesota; there is no need to buy or rent an ice fishing house; ice fishing equipment is provided and no experience is necessary at these events:
Time/Date: Saturdays Jan 6 – Feb 24, 2024 • Sign up for 1-hour slots between 11am-1pm
Location: Staring Lake Park Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Pkwy, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Details: We like Staring Lake Park, because there are a variety of outdoor activities to try, including Ice Fishing. When you get cold, you can warm up next to the bonfire. • FREE, but registration required.
Family & Friends Ice Fishing
Time/Date: Sun Jan 7, 2024; 12:30-3:30pm
Location: Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55311
Details: Participants will be provided with a sled, shelter, auger, bait and rods and instruction. • $50/Group (2-6 people). Register Here.
Family & Friends Ice Fishing
Time/Date: Sat Jan 13, 2024; 9am-12pm
Location: French Regional Park, 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
Details: Participants will be provided with a sled, shelter, auger, bait and rods and instruction. • $50/Group (2-6 people)(Register Here)
Intro to Ice Fishing
Time/Date: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 3, 2024.
Location: Bush Lake Beach, 9140 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Details: Part of Bloomington’s Winter Fete. Participants will learn how to use equipment and find fish and have a chance to practice reeling. Equipment provided. • $20/pp. Registration required.
Intro to Ice Fishing
Time/Date: Monday, January 15, 2023 • Session 1: 1pm-2pm • Session 2: 2pm-3pm.
Location: Moore Lake Park, 5872 Central Avenue Northeast, Fridley, MN 55432
Details: Join an ice fishing class to learn how to use the equipment, find fish in live water and practice reeling in fish. All equipment provided. Ages 8+ with a parent. • $5/pp (Register Here)
Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend
Time/Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, through Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 • All Day
Location: Minnesota Lakes
Details: Adults who bring a child 15 or under can fish without a license (kids under 15 never need a license). Find some beginner pointers, tips and safety precautions at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. • FREE.
Try It: Ice Fishing
Time/Date: Monday, January 21, 2024 • 12-4pm
Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 554211
Details: Participants will learn the basics of Ice Fishing on or off the ice (depending on ice safety). We like Silverwood because you can warm up by the fireplace in the coffee shop when you get too cold. Purchase hot cocoa and snacks. You will also find bathrooms in the coffee shop. • FREE. (Registration Recommended).
Family & Friends Ice Fishing
Time/Date: Sat Jan 27, 2024; 1-4pm
Location: Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 554211
Details: Participants will be provided with a sled, shelter, auger, bait and rods and instruction. • $50/Group (2-6 people)(Register Here)
Ice Fishing @ Lake Rebecca
Time/Date: Sat February 17, 2024; 9-11:30am
Location: Lake Rebecca Park, 415 Lock and Dam Road, Hastings MN 55033
Details: Learn to Ice fish with Lake Rebecca Park staff. All equipment provided. No license necessary. • FREE. (Register for Half-Hour Time Slot)
Ice Fishing On Your Own
The nice thing about the family ice fishing events listed above is that you’ll have expert ice fishermen on hand to answer questions and instruct your family in ice fishing safety and basics. Most of these events also supply gear, bait bucket and live bait. If you plan to strike out on your own, the Minnesota DNR’s fishing page is a good place to start. While some fish (crappie, catfish, sunfish, perch and bullhead) are legal to catch at any time. If you want gamefish, like walleye, northern pike and bass, you’ll need to check the DNR’s regulations. You will also need a fishing license for any family member that is 16 or older (unless you are fishing at a State Park). You can do this through the DNR’s website as well.
As with any outdoor events during Minnesota winters, dress in layers, including snow pants, warm socks and a change of gloves, for flexible warmth and comfort. Make sure your kids do too. You’ll stay outside longer if everyone is comfortable. (Or don’t. When we have the ability to pack up at any time and pile into a warm car, I will sometimes make sure I dress properly and let my kids dress themselves. This does two things: 1) guarantees they’ll be ready to go before I am, and 2) gives them a hands-on lesson in the importance of dressing properly in winter.) Believe it or not, you can get a sunburn while ice fishing, so pack sunscreen and sunglasses for the glare..
Three Books that Feature Ice Fishing?
Reading is definitely cozier than ice fishing, but maybe one of these books will inspire you to get out and try the real thing.
1. One Frozen Lake by Deborah Jo Larson
Gianna reviewed this book by local author, Deborah Jo Larson, and referred to as “The most beautiful book ever written on one of the most deplorable past-times known to man–ice fishing”. Whether or not you share Gianna’s opinion of ice fishing, she is certain you will love this prose-style book. Read more here.
2. Ice Fishing by Laura Purdie Salas
Another local author who has written about Ice Fishing is Laura Purdie Salas. This is a non-fiction book that could fill out your ice fishing collection, nicely. Read more about the author here.
3. Kitchen Science Lab by Liz Heinecke
This book by one of our favorite local science authors, features a fun experiment kids can try while Ice Fishing – Lifting an Ice Cube Using Salt and a String. This experiment requires ice cubes, sprinkle salt and a piece of string. (You can do this in the comfort of your kitchen with a bowl of water and a cube from your freezer, too.)
Related Articles:
- Fishing the Twin Cities: 10 Best Fishing Holes in the Twin Cities
- Take a Kid Fishing Weekend
- Twin Cities Winter Family Festival Calendar
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