17 Secrets to Winter Family Fun

When the Minnesota winter arrives, don’t let the cold keep you trapped inside. Instead of falling into a boring routine, embrace the season and prevent cabin fever by exploring the best winter attractions just north of the metro. Even when the thermometer dips below freezing, the Twin Cities Gateway is the perfect place for families to build warm memories and enjoy the snow.

Located just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, our 11 vibrant communities –  Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, Ramsey, and Shoreview – offer endless reasons to bundle up and play. Whether you are looking for climate-controlled indoor adventures or classic outdoor winter sports, these 17 secrets to winter fun prove that smiles can shine bright even on the frostiest days. Gather your loved ones and discover why the Gateway is the ultimate destination for family-friendly winter activities.

Indoor Wonders

1. The “Shark Attack” Water Slide (Shoreview): Highlight the Tropics Indoor Waterpark at the Shoreview Community Center. The slide features a jukebox system where riders can choose from over 100 songs for a custom light and sound show.

2. The “Tree” Playground (New Brighton): The Eagles Nest Indoor Playground is a local favorite. It features a triple-level slide and a three-story climbing structure designed to look like a massive tree with an eagle’s nest.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf (Blaine): Glow In One Mini Golf offers an 18-hole black-lit course. It’s a perfect way to escape the gray winter days with vibrant neon colors and upbeat music.

4. Airborne Adventure (Coon Rapids): Urban Air Adventure Park is home to the Sky Rider indoor coaster and a ropes course, making it ideal for high-energy kids who need to burn off steam.

5. Ninja Skills & Trampolines (Mounds View): Zero Gravity Adventure Park offers a ninja obstacle course and wall-to-wall trampolines, plus a dedicated “Tot Spot” for the youngest jumpers.

6. Black-Light Bowling (Blaine): Bowlero offers a high-tech bowling experience with massive HD video walls and black-light lanes that make a standard family outing feel like a party.

7. Winter Art Sessions (Anoka): The Rumriver Art Center hosts family-friendly classes. It’s a great “secret” for those who prefer a creative, hands-on activity indoors.

8. Live Theater at Lyric Arts (Anoka): Check their current 2026 schedule for family-friendly shows. They are currently running “Ride the Cyclone” through early February, offering a more sophisticated indoor option.

Outdoor Adventures

9. Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides (Coon Rapids): Bunker Park Stable offers antique sleigh rides for small families and flatbed sleighs for larger groups through the scenic Bunker Hills Regional Park.

10. Snow Day at Wargo Nature Center (Lino Lakes): Mark the calendar for the FREE Snow Day on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1-4 p.m., where families can try various winter sports for free.

11. Lantern Light Hikes (Fridley): Springbrook Nature Center hosts scheduled Lantern Light Hikes (often once a month). Walking the trails by candlelight is a magical way to experience the woods at night.

12. Ice Fishing at Rice Creek (Lino Lakes): The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is a prime spot. There is an Introduction to Ice Fishing event on January 25, 2026.

13. The Draw Park Skating (Ramsey): The Draw is a beautiful outdoor area with a refrigerated skating rink, ensuring good ice conditions even when temperatures fluctuate.

14. Winter Disc Golf (Anoka/Ham Lake): The Cedars at Green Haven in Anoka offers a winter disc golf course. It’s a unique way to use the golf course during the off-season.

Community Festivals (2026 Updates)

15. Coon Rapids Snowflake Days (Coon Rapids): This major festival runs from January 30 to February 8, 2026. Key activities include the community medallion hunt (starts Jan 30) and the popular Police vs. Fire Hockey Game on Feb 1.

16. Centennial Area Winterfest (Lino Lakes/Arden Hills area): Taking place February 13–21, 2026, this festival includes a “Hot Drink Tour” and a community campfire—perfect for a mid-February outing.

17. Fridley Winterfest (Fridley): Wander through the Winter Wonderland of Springbrook Nature Center on February 7 from noon- 3 p.m.  This event features snowshoeing, s’mores and hot cocoa, games and more!