🍎Family Fun: Top Things to Do with Kids This Week (January 5th-11th)

1. Free Admission Washington County Parks - Tuesday

Enjoy the great outdoors with free admission to Washington County Parks on the first non-holiday Tuesday of the month. Families can explore scenic trails, enjoy self-guided adventure hikes, and experience winter nature at no cost.
Participating parks include: Big Marine Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park, Point Douglas Park & Trails, Square Lake Park, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
Vehicle permits are not required. Visitors are encouraged to stop by park Welcome Centers (when available) for additional activities. This is a great option for families looking for free outdoor activities near Woodbury and the East Metro.

2. Ice Fishing - Hastings - Saturday

Experience a classic Minnesota winter activity at the Ice Fishing event at Lake Rebecca Park in Hastings. This guided, family-friendly event is designed for beginners and families who want to try ice fishing without the need for equipment or experience.
Volunteers and equipment will be available until noon, making it easy to participate.
Registration Includes:
 Fishing poles, bait, and tackle
 Pre-drilled fishing holes and underwater cameras
 Instruction from experienced volunteers
 Prize drawings for ice fishing gear and gift cards
 No fishing license required (covered by a DNR waiver)
Multiple start times are available between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Registration is required.

3. Free Admission Day at Historic Sites & Museums Across Minnesota - Saturday

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) offers free admission several times each year, giving families an opportunity to explore Minnesota history at no cost.
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, free admission is available at:
  Split Rock Lighthouse (Two Harbors)
 Forest History Center (Grand Rapids)
 Mille Lacs Indian Museum (Onamia)
 Mill City Museum (Minneapolis)
 Minnesota History Center (Saint Paul)
 Historic Fort Snelling (Saint Paul)
 Oliver Kelley Farm (Elk River)
 James J. Hill House (Saint Paul)

Visitors should confirm hours for individual locations before attending. This free museum day is supported by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment and MNHS donors.

4. Skate and Paint the Rink Day - Oakdale - Sunday

Skate and Paint the Rink Day is a free winter community event taking place 12:00–2:00 PM in Oakdale. Families are invited to enjoy outdoor ice skating while helping decorate the rink with paint.
Additional activities include hot cocoa, craft stations, and door prizes. The warming house will remain open until 7:00 PM, making this a great free winter activity for families looking for outdoor fun in Oakdale.

5. Planning Ahead: 2026-27 School Year Information Nights

With the new year underway, now is the time for families to begin looking ahead to the 2026–27 school year. Many preschools, elementary schools, and high schools are starting to host open houses and information nights, with registration periods just around the corner.
These early events give families a chance to explore school options, learn about programs, and feel prepared—without the pressure of making immediate decisions.

School Information Nights Happening This Week:
Evening of Opportunity – East Ridge, Park & Woodbury High Schools
Monday, January 5 | 5:30–7:30 PM
SoWashCo Schools invites eighth-grade students and their families to learn about high school programs, course offerings, graduation requirements, and registration for the 2026–27 school year. Families of current high school students are also welcome to attend.

Valley Crossing Multiage Magnet Program Info Night
Tuesday, January 6 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Learn about the K–5 Multiage Magnet Program, where students are grouped in two-year grade spans to support personalized learning, strong relationships, and continuous academic growth.

Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Info Night
Wednesday, January 7 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Explore this K–5 Spanish immersion program that teaches core subjects in Spanish, helping students build bilingual skills while meeting district academic standards.

More school open houses, preschool tours, and enrollment events are coming up in January - families are encouraged to check the Events Calendar for the latest updates.