School breaks can be a wonderful time to connect with family, but they can also leave you searching for ways to keep everyone entertained—especially during these next few chilly days! Whether you're looking to beat boredom, make the most of the season, or entertain out-of-town guests, I've created a list of fun events and activities to help you find your family fun. From festive outings to indoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy and make the break extra special! Below is our local guide to family fun and includes a mixture of free or low cost options for all ages!
Indoor Fun and Play:
Local community centers are fantastic places for indoor fun, offering a variety of activities to help kids burn off energy while staying warm and active. Many centers feature gymnasiums where kids can play basketball, run, or engage in organized games. Indoor swimming pools with heated water are perfect for year-round aquatic adventures, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for splashing and swimming. With affordable entry fees and programs tailored to different age groups, community centers are an excellent resource for keeping children entertained, active, and social, even on cold or snowy days. Some of our favorites:
Maple Maze has fun for children ages 12 and under! Explore the jungle of mazes, climbing rock wall and even a toddler area for ages 3 and under. See website for pricing and remember socks must be worn. 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369 | Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Maple Grove Community Center has a leisure pool, lap pool and water slide. Located in the same building as Maple Maze. Winter pool schedule and Pool hours 12/23-12/29 and 12/30-1/5 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
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Local Libraries:
Local libraries are buzzing with programs designed for all ages—from curious babies to lifelong learners! These activities are thoughtfully scheduled to fit around nap times and crafted to keep little ones engaged, even with their shorter attention spans. It's the perfect opportunity to sneak in some fun learning while school is out this week. Whether it's story time, crafts, or interactive games, the library offers a world of discovery for kids and a great way to spark their curiosity.
Find your local library and list of events
Hennepin County Library and Anoka County Library
New Hope Ice Arena offers ice skating that is indoors! Check out their open skate times and an extra special event, Skate and a Movie on 12/30! Skate and a Movie is $6/person at the door and $4 to rent a pair of skates. 4949 Louisiana Ave N, New Hope MN 55428
Get a jump start on resolutions! Fitness Room at Brooklyn Park Activity Center for all ages! However, children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Daily pass is $3, 30-day pass is $15 and free for SilverSneakers or Silver & Fit members. 5600 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55433
Outdoor Fun
Getting outside and enjoying nature is a refreshing way to stay active and connect with the environment. Playing in the snow, whether building snowmen or sledding, brings joy and fun for all ages. Hiking in a park offers a peaceful escape, with scenic trails and fresh air invigorating both the body and mind. Embracing outdoor activities fosters well-being and creates lasting memories.
Nestled in the sugar maple floodplain forest of Rush Creek, this is a great place to begin an outdoor journey. Walk across the floating boardwalk, explore the miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails for a bit of exercise or visit the nature center. 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
Snow Tubing | Three Rivers Park District
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; please check availability online before coming to the hill.
Reservations can be made online or by calling our reservations office at 763-559-6700. A maximum of 10 tubes per day can be reserved. See website for rules and information. See hours and rates for the tubing hill. 12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove, MN 55369
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Coon Rapids maintains several sledding hills throughout the city. See this convenient map to plan out your day!
Highpoint Park in Champlin is another great option for sledding! 10200 Goose Lake Parkway, Champlin, MN 55316
Holiday Lights:
Exploring holiday lights is a magical way to embrace the festive season and create lasting memories. Pile into the car with loved ones and take a leisurely drive through neighborhoods known for their dazzling displays, where homes twinkle with colorful lights, inflatables, and cheerful decorations. For an extra-special experience, attend a local holiday light display or festival, where you can often stroll through elaborate setups featuring synchronized music, themed exhibits, and even hot cocoa stands. Whether driving or walking, enjoying the glow of holiday lights is a heartwarming tradition that brings joy to all ages.
Giant light displays and a beautiful tree create a magical backdrop along the Mississippi River. The Mississippi Crossings light displays will shine bright every night until 10 p.m. 307 E River Pkwy, Champlin, MN 55316
While you're out visiting Mississippi Crossings, continue your holiday light viewing festivities by checking out the residents of Champlin. Hop in the car with hot cocoa and see how creative your neighbors are with their own holiday light displays! On display now 5:00-10:00 pm
View list of addresses here: 2024 Champlin Christmas Light Displays
If you're up for a drive, both St. Paul and Eagan have hundreds of thousands of lights on display. Glow Holiday Festival is back and better than ever or check out Minnesota's newest display, Magic of Lights.
The Magic of Lights at Viking Lakes is running nightly through January 5th. Click here for discount code: KIDFUN for $5 Off. The Magic of Lights is viewed in your vehicle. Viking Lakes, 2685 Viking Circle, Eagan, MN | November 22- January 5, 2025
Glow Holiday Festival at CHS Field provides endless photo opportunities and fun for all ages! Check out their website for hours, ticket information and pricing. CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St. Paul, MN | November 21- January 5, 2025
Sever's Holiday Lights Holiday fun for the whole family! Sever's has a massive display of over 2,500,000 that dance to the best songs of the season! Pile in the car and afterwards stay for festive food and drink for purchase from vendors. 3121 150th St W, Shakopee, MN | November 28- December 29, 2024
Adults deserve their fun too!
Local breweries offer more than just great craft beer—they’re vibrant community hubs with something for everyone. Many breweries host fun events like tastings, where you can sample seasonal brews and unique flavors, making it a great outing for beer enthusiasts. Beyond the drinks, breweries often feature live music from local artists, creating a lively and laid-back atmosphere perfect for a night out. Some even hold comedy shows or trivia nights, adding entertainment to the experience. With their mix of flavors, fun, and entertainment, breweries are a fantastic spot for a memorable evening with friends or family.
Omni Brewery has great beer, pizza and so many fun events! It's a family favorite of ours and has something for everyone. From weekly cribbage tournaments, tunes in the tent and pop culture trivia 9462 Deerwood Lane, Maple Grove, MN
Indoor Walking Tracks
Open September through mid-March. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except holidays and tournaments). No charge. Adults only, please. Everyone must walk in the same direction. 4949 Louisiana Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
Track is open to walkers and joggers for free (unless being used during open dome time). Please see website for hours rules.
Brooklyn Park Community Center also offers 630 feet of walking around the ice arena. Free and open to the public during building hours. Please check closures due to special events or hockey games prior to going. 5600 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55433
Pickleball
Learn how to play pickleball or have open pickleball court time. See schedule here and find more information at the Andover Community Center 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Cross-Country Skiing
Three Rivers has over 80 miles of groomed cross-country trails. Check out these sites for information on trail conditions and where you can rent equipment before arriving at the park. Daily and annual ski passes are available for purchase.
Adult Learning
Adult community education provides accessible learning opportunities for individuals seeking personal growth, skill development, or career advancement. These programs often include classes in subjects such as literacy, technology, arts, or vocational training, fostering lifelong learning and strengthening community engagement.
Anoka Hennepin Adult Community Education and Osseo District 279 Adult Enrichment
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In addition to these great ideas, be sure to visit our events calendar so you can keep up to date on local events and help to plan your family fun! If you have fun ideas or are hosting a fun event, please email me at lisamorgan@macaronikid.com
I hope you have fun over the next few days and make lasting memories with your family and friends!
