🪁Family Fun: Top Things to Do with Kids This Week (January 19th-25th)

1. Free Entrance Day at Minnesota State Parks

Families can explore Minnesota’s beautiful outdoors during a Free Entrance Day at all Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas, including local favorites like Afton State Park. This is a great opportunity to enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and winter scenery without a vehicle permit, making it an easy and budget-friendly family adventure.

2. Winter Clothing Swap (Friday and Saturday 11am-2pm)

This community winter clothing swap invites families to shop for FREE, gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, boots, and base layers—no donation required. Each shopper may select one coat per person while supplies last, and remaining items will be donated to local organizations. Donations are being accepted now through January 22, 2026, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, or the Historic Courthouse, helping keep families warm while supporting sustainability.

3. Winter Constellations - Friday

Enjoy a guided winter stargazing program at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Nordic Center, where families will learn to identify winter constellations like Orion, Gemini, and the Big Bear while hearing their stories. Hosted by retired WCCO meteorologist Mike Lynch, this engaging program features large telescopes to view planets and star clusters. The event runs rain or shine, costs $5 per person (kids 6 and under are free), and requires a vehicle permit; guests should dress warmly and bring a lawn chair.

4. Saja Boys Meet & Greet & Special Performance - Saturday

Fans of all ages are invited to a FREE, family-friendly afternoon with the Saja Boys at Maplewood Mall. The event includes a live dance performance at 4:00 PM in Center Court, followed by a meet-and-greet from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Sweet Escape store. Guests will enjoy high-fives, photo opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere designed to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate in this exciting Maplewood Mall community event.

5. Fun Events at Shepard Farm, Cottage Grove

Shepard Farm at Dodge Nature Center is hosting two engaging winter programs this weekend. Stories at Shepard Farm: Bear Snores On (Friday, 9:30–11:00 AM) introduces children ages 2–5 to hibernation through storytime, hands-on exploration, a short winter hike, and a themed craft. On Saturday, families with kids ages 10 and up can join a guided Snowshoe at Shepard Farm adventure (1:00–3:00 PM), featuring wildlife tracking, forest exploration, and winter nature education. Registration is required for both programs.

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

Families preparing for the 2026–27 school year can explore this week’s preschool and school events. For a full list of open house dates, see our Guide to Applying to Preschool.

School Information Nights Happening This Week:

The Children’s Farm Preschool Registration - Online
January 12–February 6.

Sunny Hill Preschool – Open House (Stillwater)
Tuesday, January 20 | 3:30–5:30 PM

Math and Science Academy – 6th–12th Grade Open House
Tuesday, January 20 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Stillwater School District Preschool – Virtual Open House
Tuesday, January 20 | 7:00–8:00 PM

Woodbury Preschool at The Grove – Open House
Thursday, January 22 | 4:30–6:00 PM

Salem Lutheran Preschool – Woodbury Open House
Thursday, January 22 | 5:30–7:00 PM

SoWashCo Preschool – Information Session (Preregistration Required)
Thursday, January 22 | 6:00 PM

Transfiguration Catholic Preschool – Open House
Friday, January 23 | 9:00–10:30 AM

Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Try Preschool (Registration Required)
Friday, January 23 | 10:00–11:15 AM

Got a preschool open house to share? Submit it on our Events page!