Looking for family-friendly things to do with kids this week (December 29th – January 4th) in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, and Hastings? You’re in the right place! 🎄
Be sure to check the Macaroni KID Events Calendar daily—new activities and last-minute seasonal fun are added all the time!
TOP FAMILY PICKS THIS WEEK
1. Winter Break Scramble - All Week
The Winter Break Scramble is a free, all-ages outdoor scavenger hunt at the Oakdale Discovery Center and Nature Preserve, perfect for families looking to get outside during winter break.
Running December 29–31 and January 2 from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (closed January 1), families can pick up a map and activity sheet at the Discovery Center before exploring the Nature Preserve. Participants search for hidden letters throughout the park, unscramble them to solve a word puzzle, and return to the Discovery Center to claim a prize.
2. Winter Camp Adventure - Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Winter Camp Adventure at Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers kids a memorable winter break experience packed with outdoor learning and hands-on fun. This engaging program teaches essential winter skills while keeping kids active and curious. Campers will learn shelter building, fire-building basics, outdoor exploration, and enjoy classic winter games designed for cold-weather fun. All activities take place outdoors and are weather-dependent.
Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a spot in this popular winter break camp.
3. New Year's Events - Wednesday
Families can celebrate New Year’s Eve with a variety of kid-friendly events happening throughout the area. From midday parties to evening skating and family celebrations, these local events make it easy to ring in the New Year without a late bedtime.
Noon New Year’s Eve Party - We Rock the Spectrum
Woodbury | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Noon Year’s Eve - Mana Brewing
Oakdale | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mighty Ducks Movie on Ice: New Year’s Eve
Cottage Grove Ice Arena | 11:30 AM
New Year’s Eve Matinee - M Health Fairview Sports Center
Woodbury | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Family New Year's Eve Bowling - Stillwater Bowling & Lounge
Stillwater | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Glow Skate - St. Croix Valley Recreation Center
Stillwater | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
New Year’s Family Celebration - M Health Fairview Sports Center
Woodbury | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Families can also check out all of these New Year’s Eve events, plus ideas for making New Year’s Eve fun for kids at home, in this helpful article — perfect for parents looking for both out-and-about activities and cozy at-home celebrations.
4. Home Depot Activity - Saturday
Kids can get hands-on and creative at the Home Depot Kids Workshop, held on the first Saturday of each month. Children can build the featured project of the month using provided supplies (while supplies last).
This free workshop is family-friendly and open to all ages, making it a great weekend activity for young builders.
As the holiday week winds down and a new year begins, families are encouraged to soak up the final moments of winter break — whether that means exploring the outdoors, attending a festive New Year’s event, or simply enjoying extra time together at home.
Wishing all local families a happy, healthy, and joy-filled New Year. May 2026 bring new adventures, meaningful moments, and plenty of fun memories ahead. 🎉✨
I’m a local mom and the publisher of Macaroni KID Woodbury–Oakdale–Cottage Grove–Stillwater, your go-to guide for family fun in the South East Metro! Each week, I share a FREE weekly e-newsletter, update our family-friendly website, and highlight local events, activities, and small businesses. Subscribe today and never miss a local family adventure!
 |  |  |
 |  | |
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share with your friends and family!
Advertise with us to reach thousands of local families!
