What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 12/17/2021 06:37 PM CST
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What's Happening

The latest news, events, and activities from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.
Small, wooden evergreen tree near a playground.

I Spy Evergreens: A Scavenger Hunt 

Adventure through our parks to find the hidden evergreen trees! When you find an evergreen, share a selfie using #stpevergreenhunt - without giving away the location! Enjoy the outdoors and explore Saint Paul parks with this family-friendly, socially-distant, self-led activity: I Spy Evergreens: A Scavenger Hunt. 
Youth playing basketball in a gym.

Winter Break Open Gym Times

We are offering expanded open gym times during winter break from Dec. 20-23 and 27-30. Visit stpaul.gov/winterbreak for a list of times for open basketball, open volleyball and more.  Please note, all recreation centers will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. 
Snowboard instructors on Como Ski Hill

Ski Season Updates

The Como Park Ski Center chalet will be open for equipment fittings and lesson registrations on Dec. 18-19 from 10am-6pm. Advance equipment fittings are strongly recommended for lesson participants. There is not enough snow for cross country or downhill skiing at this time. 
Youth building a snowman

Winter & Spring Activity Registration Now Open

Winter and spring activity registration opened on Monday, Dec. 6. Activities are now available to browse and register online. 

Browse Winter & Spring Activities 

Winter Break Rec Check & Rec Check Extended

Space is still available for our winter break Rec Check and Rec Check Extended programs. Rec Check is a free program from 1pm-4pm during winter break, while Rec Check Extended is an all day program with a fee of $10/day. Both programs are open to youth in grades 1-5 and run Dec. 20-23 and 27-30.

 Youth wearing a mask while painting a canvas.
Youth with Santa and a dog.

Winter Holiday Parties, Activities & Events

The holiday season is officially here! Get in the holiday spirit by taking a walk through Rice Park to see the lights, visiting the Holiday Flower Show at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, watching the Reindeer Cam online, or participating in any of the holiday events and activities below.

Holiday Activities

Holiday Parties and Events

Holiday Parties and Events Homepage

Holiday Reminders

  • All recreation centers will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.  Please see our Holiday Hours page for more details. 
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open 365 days a year. Reservations are required. 
Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center play area.

Dayton's Bluff Play Area Survey

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to replace the existing play area at Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center. Take this short survey to help us develop a plan for the playground improvements.
Two youth on the edge of the pool deck during swimming lessons.

Winter Swimming Lessons

Registration for winter swimming lessons at Great River Water Park is now open. Each session has (8) 50-minute classes. Cost is $70/session. 

  • Session 1: January | Tuesdays & Thursdays | Ages 7 & under 
  • Session 2: February | Tuesdays & Thursdays | Ages 7 & under
  • Weekend Session: January & February | Saturdays | All ages 
Phalen picnic shelter in the summer.

Park Permit Lottery

Planning to hold a birthday party, family reunion, or other get together at a park in 2022? Saint Paul residents can enter our online permit lottery from now until through Dec. 20. Visit stpaul.gov/parkpermits for more details.
Rec Check Extended flyer. Visit stpaul.gov/reccheck for details.
Lifeguard blowing whistle at Como Pool.

We're Hiring! Apply Today
Community Rec Leaders - Seeking candidates who are enthusiastic about working in our communities and with young people at our recreation centers.