Cold weather? We love to play outside! When the snow starts to fall, there’s no need to head “up north” — St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, just minutes west of downtown Minneapolis, offer plenty of winter adventure close to home. Glide across a rink, slide down a hill, stride across snowy trails, then warm up with shopping or dining all in the same day. And even without snow, there are still plenty of “cool” things to do. It’s all part of Minnesota’s Sweet Spot for Outdoor Fun.
1. Lace Up Your Skates
We have 21 outdoor park skating rinks in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley and two year-round indoor skating rinks at The Rec Center in St. Louis Park. Bonus: Just next door to The Rec Center is the ROC, our covered outdoor skating rink — and it even offers disco ball ice skating on select Fridays throughout the winter season.
A budget-friendly, kid-friendly winter activity near Minneapolis (and a great date night too).
2. Hit the Trails
At Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley, you’ll find some of the best cross-country ski trails in the state. Weather warmer than expected? No problem! Our snowmakers maintain a number of trails all season long. The Trailhead, located in the park, offers both cross-country ski and snowshoe rental.
Great for beginners looking to try cross-country skiing near Minneapolis — lessons available.
(Many locations throughout the area offer snowmaking, lighting, or indoor options, so activities remain available even during low-snow winters.)
3. Go for a Spin
Who says it’s too cold (or snowy?) to bike? Fat tire bike enthusiasts will love the groomed trail at Brookview in Golden Valley. Warm up afterwards with a hot beverage from Brookview’s Three One Six Bar + Grill. Or find miles of winter trails, from easy to extreme, at Theodore Wirth — home of the 29K Freewheel Fat Tire Loppet. (You can check current trail conditions here.) Try the lighted loop from 6–9 pm Friday through Sunday evenings. Need a bike? Both Theodore Wirth and Tonka Cycle & Ski (in nearby Hopkins) will rent you a bike for the day.
Perfect for outdoor adventurers seeking unique winter biking near Minneapolis.
4. Take a Hike
Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park is a 160-acre nature area featuring marsh, woods, and restored prairie. With Westwood Lake and more than 3 miles of trails, it’s deal for snowshoeing and wildlife spotting. Snowshoes (preschool through adult sizes) are available to rent at the Interpretive Center (call ahead to reserve a pair: 952-924-2544).
A calm, family-friendly winter nature walk near Minneapolis, especially great for young kids.
5. Fly Down a Hill
Theodore Wirth Park’s tubing hill is designed for family fun, complete with a tow rope to bring riders back up the hill. There’s even a kiddie hill for younger riders. Prefer old-school fun? Try one of the 12 sledding hills located throughout St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, including 3 with lights for early evening runs.
One of the best free or low-cost sledding and tubing options near Minneapolis.
6. Throw an Ace
Trade in your clubs for a “frisbee” and hit the links at Brookview in Golden Valley for 18 holes of disc golf. Will you make the elusive ace (aka hole-in-one)? Discs are available to rent at the clubhouse.
A relaxed winter outdoor activity near Minneapolis for couples or casual groups.
7. Rock Out
Experience outdoor pub curling in Golden Valley at Brookview! The first of its kind in the state, the venue features six synthetic-ice curling rinks designed for all ages and skill levels. Rinks are rented on an hourly basis and can be reserved up to seven days in advance.
A beginner-friendly winter group activity and popular Twin Cities date idea.
8. Walk the Dog
Or better yet — try skijoring! Harness your furry friend and ski together at Brookview or Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley.
A unique dog-friendly winter activity near Minneapolis.
9. Shop ‘Til You Drop
Find the perfect gifts for family and friends throughout St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Pick up a pretty necklace and earrings at Max’s, a cozy hat and warm hoodie at sota clothing, and delicious chocolates at Droolin’ Moose. Or select fun and unique bakeware at Nordic Ware Factory Store or whimsical décor and novelties at Patina.
Perfect for a winter weekend shopping getaway near Minneapolis.
10. Stay Inside and Play
Stay toasty warm with indoor entertainment. Play classic TV show games at Game Show Battle Rooms at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. Go bowling or play arcade games at St. Louis Park’s Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center. Or take the little ones to the Backyard at Brookview in Golden Valley, an indoor play space.
Ideal indoor winter activities for families near Minneapolis when temperatures drop.
11. Hang Out With Friends
After experiencing the great outdoors, unwind at local breweries and distilleries throughout St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Taste an award-winning beer at Steel Toe Brewing in St. Louis Park or try one of over 40 uniquely blended beers at Under Pressure Brewing in Golden Valley. Sample German-style liqueurs and fruit brandies at The Dampfwerk Distillery in St. Louis Park. Be sure to try their American Single Malt Whiskey! Or stop across the parking lot at Copperwing Distillery and try their their signature creation – Vodskey®, which is made from bourbon mash, but distilled like vodka.
A cozy winter date night or friends-night-out option in the west metro.
Plan Your Winter Visit
Most activities are busiest Saturday afternoons. For fewer crowds, visit weekday evenings or Sunday mornings. Free parking is widely available throughout St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. Compared to busy Minneapolis lakes and regional parks, these locations offer easier parking, shorter lines, and beginner-friendly terrain.
Winter FAQs
Do you need to drive up north for winter activities near Minneapolis?
No — St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offer skiing, tubing, skating, and snowshoeing just minutes from downtown.
Are there free winter activities near Minneapolis?
Yes. Many sledding hills, skating rinks, and hiking trails in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley are free to use.
Where can beginners try cross-country skiing in the Twin Cities?
Theodore Wirth Park near St. Louis Park and Golden Valley offers rentals and lessons for first-time skiers.
Are these activities good winter activities for kids?
Yes — many locations include playgrounds, tow ropes, rentals, and indoor warming spaces for families.
What winter activities can you do without snow?
Indoor skating, shopping, breweries, and entertainment venues operate year-round.
What are good winter date ideas near Minneapolis?
Try disco skating, brewery visits, or outdoor pub curling in Golden Valley and St. Louis Park.
Grab your scarves and mittens and plan your winter day trip or weekend getaway to St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, located just west of Minneapolis in the Twin Cities metro!
