February 6, 2019
4 Winter Activities for the Family
Winter in Minnesota can be a magical time if you know what to do and where to go. While we are all for spending the subzero days inside cozied up or at an indoor attraction, getting outside can be great fun for the whole family. So bundle everyone up, and head out to these four awesomely fun winter activities!
ICE SKATING
![](https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVAOVAL-79-1024x673-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=20fd978db57a5cb689bb77af4380b8aa 320w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVAOVAL-79-1024x673-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=32c0557622659835fe4248546e8aff59 540w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVAOVAL-79-1024x673-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=87277ad2c41d5902d685949ca5d87acf 671w)
You may have heard that Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, but we’re pretty sure that in winter it’s also the land of 10,000 skating rinks! The best and biggest of them all is located right here in Roseville. Not only is the Guidant John Rose Minnesota OVAL the largest sheet of outdoor refrigerated ice in Minnesota, it’s the largest in all of North America! Bring your own skates and skate for $5 when you use our coupon. Skate rental is also available for $4. There is also an indoor rink if you prefer to skate inside. Roseville Parks & Rec also operates 6 neighborhood ice rinks at local parks. Skating at these rinks is free and most of them have a warming house available and push-button lights for nighttime skating.
LET’S HYGGE!
![](https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVA-how-do-pb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=08ea82d638e24d1b012e166a7dda903a 320w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVA-how-do-pb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bba55e1264d6ef283129155294c924fb 540w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVA-how-do-pb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=696158608a4b85edf30db6b92b35d991 768w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVA-how-do-pb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=cba2366842f82befc5d65c5f8cbf98f1 1024w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/RVA-how-do-pb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5474e0b53a444fc66c66e7144e013ed1 1080w)
Come hygge with us! Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish culture and refers to a quality of coziness and comfortable friendliness that brings about a feeling of contentment. Join us on February 29, 2020 as we spend a cozy afternoon including snowshoeing, kicksledding, shelter building, hot chocolate, and more at the Cedarholm Community Building. Activities are subject to availability and cooperation of weather.
HARRIET ALEXANDER NATURE CENTER
![](https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/laupford-harriet-alexander-nature-center.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=88dd9f6853dcfb852a6e2a49ace2246f 320w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/laupford-harriet-alexander-nature-center.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=0b52ea2a230b3461be0aaeee281d0b8c 540w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/laupford-harriet-alexander-nature-center.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=126efa108d06d2cd01e1259165976752 612w)
The Harriet Alexander Nature Center is part of Roseville’s Central Park. Take a walk along the boardwalk and trails that lead through 52 acres of marsh, prairie, and forest. Once you’ve walked the double loop, warm up inside the interpretive center where you’ll find the indoor tree exhibit, interactive displays, live native animals, a touch and see area, and a learning center than includes storybooks, guidebooks, and identification books for your use while in the building.
DOWNHILL SKIING & THE ALPINE FACTORY
![](https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/thealpinefactory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a99632a7a4ca055b8067f3ed4e3322ce 320w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/thealpinefactory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=07a130e17c1f13bbe0210b96c772d9b2 540w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/thealpinefactory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=8843559de6e1998e0cedfdd4dd95dc3e 768w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/thealpinefactory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d4adb9533ac189f04887366ad5ae0090 1024w, https://visit-roseville.imgix.net/images/archive/thealpinefactory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=02a13e3ad7607a32140928f6403cbf2d 1080w)
Whether you are a skiing pro or a newbie, there’s a ski area for you near us. Buck Hill, Hyland Hills, Afton Alps, Welch Village, and Wild Mountain are all within about a 30-60 minute drive and are a great day trip from Roseville! (You can also snowboard at any of these and snow tube at Buck Hill and Wild Mountain.) For those looking to learn or perfect skiing skills before hitting the slopes a visit to The Alpine Factory is what you need. They offer indoor ski and snowboard lessons on their revolving infinite slopes, the first of their kind in Minnesota. The speed and slope of each “hill” is adjustable, making it perfect for skiers of all levels!
This is just scratching the surface of fun winter outings. What’s your favorite thing to do outdoors in the winter? For more entertainment ideas for any season visit the “Things to Do” section of our website.
Related Content:
2520 North Dale Street Roseville, Minnesota 55113 (651) 765-4262 Website
Harriet Alexander Nature Center2520 North Dale Street
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
2661 Civic Center Drive Roseville, Minnesota 55113 (651) 792-7007 Website
John Rose MN OVAL2661 Civic Center Drive
Roseville, Minnesota 55113