Excessive heat watch in effect through Sunday

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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. 

 for hikers. Bundle up, head out and get those legs and arms moving. 

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.

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:

 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 

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

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

Minnesota News

Lifestyle

Outdoors

Outside in MN

Health

COVID-19

MPR News Staff

Author

It’s a double whammy weekend. Snow is back and record illness from the omicron variant of COVID-19 has shut down many schools the next few days to few weeks. What better time to pack up the little ones and head outside. This round-up of outside fun is easily adaptable for anyone.

Andrew Link | Winona Daily News 2013

Courtesy Dave Freeman

Heavy snow in parts of the Twin Cities metro area

Enough of COVID and school closures? Take to the outdoors

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