Enough of COVID and school closures? Take to the outdoors

It’s a double whammy weekend. 

Snow is back and many schools are shutting down for the next few days or couple of weeks to address the omicron scourge leaving sickness in its wake. That means you and the kids inside for hours and hours and hours. 

What better time to pack up the little ones and head outside. Don’t have kids? You likely need a break and some fresh air, too. This round-up of outside fun is easily adaptable for anyone. 

Take a hike 

The state is home to nearly 20 parks with plowed or packed trails for hikers. Bundle up, head out and get those legs and arms moving. 

The DNR offers the following advice before you head out:

• Don’t forget you will need a permit (daily or annual), if you don’t have one.

• Check snow and cold conditions before you go. Dress appropriately.

• Use the DNR’s “HikeFinder” to locate a trail.

• Download maps before you go.

• Make it a game: Earn points with each hike as part of the Hiking Club

• Try something new with a candlelight hike. There are two this Saturday, Jan. 15, at Forestville Mystery Cave State Park, near Preston, and Minneopa State Park, near Mankato.

Is a state park too far away? Check your local community’s website for parks and local trails, many of which are free and open to residents.

Snowshoe and ski — did someone say sauna, too?

Strap on the snowshoes, skis or skates for some real exercise. 

Again, many state and local parks offer skiing, snowshoeing or ice-skating options.

In the Greater Twin Cities metro area, we like:

• Three Rivers Park District for snowshoeing, and downhill and cross-country skiing. Here’s a full list of rentals at all its parks, which are in the west and south metro area.

In Minneapolis, we like: 

• Theodore Wirth Park for everything from skiing to skijoring to tubing to fat tire biking. Did you know it also has a sauna? Sign up for ski lessons here. Here’s its full rental list.

In St. Paul, we like:

• The Como Park Ski Center, which offers downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding and lessons.

In Duluth and along the North Shore: 

• Lutsen Mountains, which is private but offers some great downhill skiing. You can buy lift tickets here. Sign up for lessons here.

• Spirit Mountain in Duluth also offers downhill skiing as well as snow tubing and cross-country skiing, including the Grand Avenue Nordic Center at the base of the hill.

Best sledding hills

Sledding is a surefire stress reliever and makes almost all of us child-like again. And, we dare you not to laugh as you jump on a sled or a tube. Plus, you know what comes after sledding, right? Hot cocoa. 

So break out the sled or inner tube — some locations offer rentals, but check before you go — and take the hills. Just remember to accompany the little ones (under age 5). 

Here’s a few of the best hills around the state:

• Explore Minnesota offers up its list, organized by region.

• The best around the Twin Cities, according to Family Fun Twin Cities. And, this list of 20, from Day Tripper. 

• Or, simply take to the hills in and around your neighborhood. Don’t forget the gloves and snow pants!

Get out on a lake

It's Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend in Minnesota, from Jan. 15-17. That means Minnesota residents can fish without a license if they are fishing with a child age 15 or younger.

It's part of efforts to get more young people involved in fishing. If you haven’t gone ice fishing before, the DNR has some tips.

But remember: no lake ice is 100 percent safe. Be sure to check ice conditions before venturing out onto a frozen lake.

Help your neighbor

Almost nothing feels better than helping folks out. Got a friend, family member or neighbor who is homebound or maybe is sick?

• Show up with a shovel and dig them out.

• Offer to pick up their groceries or pharmacy order.

• Create fun, homemade cards with kids in the morning and drop in the afternoon. You could always drop your card in with a homemade care package, too. Think small: tea, a lemon, a candle, tissues, a puzzle book or a puzzle. 

• Or, start Valentine’s Day early and make some Valentine’s Day cards and deliver them early. Here are some ideas to get you started. I mean, who doesn’t like a Valentine?

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