Minnesota is located in the north central part of the United States near the Great Lakes. The capital city is St. Paul. The average temperature in Minnesota is 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. The state also receives 35 to 70 inches of snow per year making it a haven for winter activities for children.
The St. Paul Winter Festival is a tradition that is over 100 years old and offers plenty of activities for families. Events include a parade, skiing, snow shoeing, blanket tossing contest, push ball, toboggan slides and a huge ice castle. There is also a beauty pageant to crown the winter carnival queen and her court. There are an array of vendors offering food, clothing, and other gifts and memorabilia, as well as exhibits by local artists. The festival draws over 300,000 visitors each year.
St. Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation
429 Landmark Center
75 West Fifth St.
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
651-223-4700
winter-carnival.com
Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime in Minnesota that can be shared by people of all ages. Zippel Bay Resort offers ice fishing house rentals. Choose from heated fishing houses, dark houses, tip up houses and sleeping houses. Families can stay in log cabins and enjoy a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. The resort offers a restaurant featuring hot drinks, soups, sandwiches and fresh fish.
Zippel Bay Resort
6080 39th St. NW
Williams, MN 56686
218-783-6235
800-222-2537
zippelbay.com
Ice skating is a popular winter sport in Minnesota. There are many outdoor arenas that offer ice skating to families and other groups. Some popular arenas are Brookside and Logan parks in Bloomington and the park and recreation rink in Maple Grove. Nearly every city in Minnesota offers indoor and outdoor rinks. Check with your local Parks and Recreation department for the nearest location. The Augsburg arena is home to the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis. They offer recreation teams and hockey teams. Your children can take ice skating lessons or participate on one of the winter teams. You can also skate during one of the community recreation sessions available nearly every day of the year.
Augsburg Arena
2323 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-821-9101
athletics.augsburg.edu
