Supporting Young People During Increased Federal Law Enforcement Activity
Young people are aware of what’s happening around them and may be carrying strong feelings, especially during times of community conflict like what’s been happening in the Twin Cities and across the state.
Whether you’re supporting one young person or a group, check out these additional resources on our website to help you feel more prepared to support them with care and confidence, including conversation starters and more.
A message from our Director
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We want to affirm we stand with our community. We recognize that recent events and ongoing immigration enforcement actions are causing fear and uncertainty for many individuals and families in Saint Paul. Our parks, recreation centers, and programs exist to support community well-being, connection, and belonging and we want to ensure every community member continues to feel safe and welcome to recreate in these spaces.
We encourage you to take care of one another, extend compassion, and stay informed. The City of Saint Paul has compiled a robust list of , including information on knowing your rights and finding community-based support. We invite you to visit the site to access these resources and share them with others who may need them. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation remains committed to fostering inclusive and supportive spaces, today and always.
Andy Rodriguez
Director
MLK Day Celebration
Highland Park Community Theatre Community New Works Festival Performance
Join us this Saturday, January 17 from 2-4pm, for an afternoon of brand-new plays written and performed by young artists from across our Highland Park Community Center Theatre community!
The New Works Festival is a joyful celebration of imagination, collaboration, and courage, featuring original short new works (often plays) created by students ages 8–18.
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Tickets Now On Sale for the Winter Carnival Orchid Show - Como Zoo & Conservatory
Advanced Admission Fee Required
Step into a tropical paradise during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival! The Winter Carnival Orchid Show returns to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on January 24 from 10am-5pm and January 25 from 10am-4pm, offering a vibrant, midwinter escape that’s become a must-see for orchid lovers across the Midwest.
Ticketed admission into the Conservatory for Winter Carnival Orchid Show weekend will be:
- $8 for adults
- $6 for Como Friends Member, seniors 65+, and children under 12
Those here to visit the zoo will not be admitted into the Conservatory without a pre-paid ticket. Prepayment by credit card and advanced reservations will be required. Please note that those coming just to visit the Conservatory’s gardens will still need to purchase a ticket for this weekend. No refunds for this event.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Music Under Glass 2026
These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden. No seating is provided, but guests are encouraged to wander the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. For more information, please visit comozooconservatory.org.
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Fitness Center Memberships at Saint Paul Recreation Centers
Winter time can make it hard to create a consistent exercise routine. Saint Paul Parks and Recreation fitness center memberships provide access to eleven fitness centers and six walking track locations.
Memberships cost just $30/year for adults who live or work in Saint Paul. Daily passes are also available.
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Macalester-Groveland Community Council's Speaker Series - Featuring Andy Rodriguez
Youth Spring Sports Registration
Registration is now for Youth Spring Sports until January 31!
Youth Spring Sports registration for volleyball and futsal is now open! Register online, over the phone, or in-person at any through January 31.
Registration is free for ages 9 and up! (Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U but you can take advantage of the early bird discounts by registering in the first 5 days.) Offerings are available for ages 3-18.
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2026 Girls Fastpitch Softball Registration
Attention girl's fastpitch softball players: new this year, in partnership with Twins Nike RBI, all girl's fastpitch teams will be offered through St. Paul Highland Ball Club.
Registration is currently taking place and will run through March 1. Any player who previously participated, or would have, in free fastpitch softball programming through RBI via Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is still eligible to register at no cost. Register and learn more today!
*Registration for summer t-ball, machine pitch, and baseball will open March 1.
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Register for Winter Activities
There's no shortage of snow this winter! Register for winter activities - available to browse online. The new year is a great time to start a new hobby!
Featured Winter Activity: Ice Skating Lessons
Learn the fundamentals of skating including forward and backwards skating, stopping, and falling safely. Participants must have their own skates and helmets.
Lessons are available at Edgcumbe, Groveland, Langford Park, North Dale, and Palace! Lessons started last week at Langford Park and North Dale, but spaces are still available! Please call the center to sign up.
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Winter Special Events
There's snow place like Saint Paul! Embrace winter with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation at a special event. All events are free, for all ages, and drop-in unless noted otherwise.
Special Events
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
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Winter Play Day - Crosby Farm Regional Park
Explore, discover, learn, and embrace winter at the site of the future Mississippi River Learning Center. Park in the South Parking lot by the Pavilion.
Admission is FREE, but please register in advance!
Frost Fest - Groveland
Free skating, prizes, games, hot cocoa, a bonfire, and more!
Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Event
Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or looking for some winter fun, this event is packed with exciting activities for all ages!
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Comedy Fore a Cause
Join us for an evening of fun and laughter - for a great cause! "Comedy Fore a Cause" will be held on January 30 at 7pm at the Highland National Golf Course in St. Paul.
Proceeds will go directly to supporting the Como Park Snowsports Booster Club, and providing scholarships and hill maintenance at Mount Como.
Grab your tickets or donate to the cause today (ages 21+).
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Winter Recreation Updates
Winter snow sports and activities updates
Skiing and Snowboarding
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Como Park Ski Center is now open for the season. Downhill, cross country, and snowboard rentals are available in the chalet.
- Cross country ski rentals are available at Battle Creek Recreation Center and in the Highland National Golf Course Chalet starting this Friday.
- For updates on cross country trail conditions or to purchase trail passes, visit www.stpaul.gov/xcountryski
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Registration for snowboard, downhill, and cross country ski lessons is open.
- The Highland National Driving Range cross country ski trail will now be lit from sunset until 9:30pm daily.
- Golf simulators are available at Highland National Chalet. Book a golf simulator tee time.
Ice Rinks
Fat Tire Biking
• Learn about the Highland Park Fat Tire Bike Trail.
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Cross country ski passes
Grab a ski pass for Saint Paul/Ramsey County mutual cross-country ski trails and make the most of our ongoing snowfall! Passes are required to use these trails.
Cross country ski passes may be purchased online or in person at the Battle Creek, Highland, or Como Ski Chalet during open hours.
Cross country ski trail conditions are available to view on skinny ski.
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The Gnomes are still out! Can you find them all?
It's that time again! The Gnomes are scattered throughout our parks, and our Parks & Rec crew teamed up to help you hone in on their locations.
This popular gnome scavenger hunt has gnome seekers solving clues and exploring Saint Paul parks to find them. This is a fun activity for all ages and a great opportunity to get out and about in the beautiful cold-weather season.
When you find them, post a selfie with the Gnome and use hashtag #stpgnometakeover--be careful not to give away the location in your photo!
We have some new elements for the Gnome seekers this year--find all the Gnomes to decipher a special 8-letter password and win a prize! Can you find the whole Gnome family?
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Come work with us!
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Updates & Reminders
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