7 Fun Places to Take The Kids This MLK Weekend

Outdoors

Theodore Wirth Park in Golden Valley

This winter recreation area boasts 15 miles of groomed trails perfect for cross country skiing. Day passes are $8. If you don't know how to ski, but want to learn, lessons are offered on Saturdays for $30. Want to drop the kids off and have a day to yourself? On Jan. 21, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is offering a day camp for children. For $75, children ages 7 or older will learn how to cross-country ski, snowboard and snow tube. Rental equipment, lunch and refreshments are provided.

Lake Harriet Kite Fest in Minneapolis

For the last decade, giant kites have filled the skies above the frozen waters of Lake Harriet in mid-January. This Saturday, Jan. 19, will be no different, as kites of all shapes, sizes, and themes soar over the northern end of the lake, near the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Minnesota Kite Society members will bring some of their biggest and best kites, and demonstrate their kite-flying skills several times throughout the day. Come for the kites, and stay for the horse-drawn wagon rides, ice fishing, snowshoeing, children's medallion hunt and marshmallow roast.

Take Your Kids Skating in Hopkins
Skating rinks with warming houses are available for your enjoyment at six Hopkins park locations. Call the weather hotline number at 952-939-8355 for conditions, closings and updates. For schedule and locations, go to Ice Rinks. Those looking to skate indoors can enjoy open skate at the Hopkins Pavilion. Skating with sticks and pucks is available Mondays through Fridays. Children can go from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The rink will be divided for use by skaters with or without sticks and pucks. Open skate without sticks and pucks is available from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Skiing or Snowshoeing at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield

Located at 6710 Lake Shore Dr., Wood Lake Nature Center is a park preserve nearly smack-dab in the middle of the city. It was opened in the early 1970s as one of the first nature education facilities in the Midwest. During the winter, the center offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter months. The cost to rent equipment is $8 for those 16 to 55 years old and $4 for all other ages. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Sundays. If you have your own equipment, the park is free.

Indoors

Gymnastics Camp at Mini-Hops in Minnetonka 

Mini-Hops runs camps during school breaks. For $55 for the day per child on Monday, Jan. 21, campers ages 6 and up experience lots of gymnastics, as well as arts and crafts and a short G-rated movie. The campers will spend time in the foam filled pit, on the trampolines and playing games. Camps run from 9:00-1:00, 1:00-4:00 or 9:00-4:00: sign up for morning, afternoon or both. Contact 952-933-2452 or mail@mini-hops.com.

Eden Prairie Center in Eden Prairie

 Take your family to the place where Mallrats was filmed. Check the mall's website for special holiday hours.

Park Tavern in St. Louis Park

If you'd like to bowl, play games and eat, you can go to Park Tavern in St. Louis Park. The bowling alley and entertainment center will be open regular hours. The business will host a Gentleman's Night on Monday. See the calendar for other special promotions and hours.

These are our favorites, but we couldn't possibly hope to list all the cool stuff to do in the Twin Cities this weekend. So tell us what you're planning to do, or what you'd recommend families check out in the comments section!