What's Happening at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

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What's Happening

The latest news, events, and activities from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

Freeze Fest 2026

Freeze or thaw? Whatever Minnesota weather is sent our way, we'll have lots of ways to celebrate winter in the outdoors at the Phalen Lakeside Activity Center.

Free event | February 21, 1-4pm 

freeze fest 2026(!)

Last chance to ice skate!

All refrigerated and non-refrigerated rinks are open for use, but hurry! Temperatures are rising, so make use of the rinks before they begin to melt!

Look out for updates and find an ice rink near you.

Clare with Noah
Kids jumping

Spring activity registration now open

We've made it to February (congrats on making it through another polar vortex)! That means spring is coming, and our spring activity registration is open.

There are a variety of offerings for all ages ranging from Anime to Pokemon, badminton to pickleball, cooking to baking, orienteering to nature walks, piano to drums, DIY crafts to DIY Fix-it clinics, and everything in between!

Activities can vary by rec center - browse all spring activity offerings online to explore!

Coach VB

Volleyball and futsal coaches needed!

We are looking for coaches for both volleyball and futsal (indoor soccer)!

Details about the season:

  • Practices start ASAP, games start late February and end mid-April.
  • One practice and one game per week – the game days/nights are predetermined, and held at multiple recreation centers across Saint Paul.
  • Volleyball is played weeknights, with game times between 5:30 and 8pm. 10u/12u: Monday or Tuesdays, 14u/18u: Wednesdays or Thursdays
  • Futsal is played on Saturday mornings, with game times between 9am - 2pm.
  • Practices are at the recreation center where the team is housed. Timing is dependent on your and the rec center’s availability.

Coaches are required to:

  • Get themselves to/from practices and games.
  • Complete 4 online requirements: Background Check, Concussion Training, Coaching Test, digitally sign our Code of Conduct
  • Be committed to being a role model and emphasize fun/skill development

If you are interested in coaching either sport, please email muni@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Indicate which sport you’re interested in coaching, and if there’s a specific area in Saint Paul you’d prefer to coach. This is a great opportunity for college students and former athletes to stay involved in their community and share the love of sports!

Become a Saint Paul Fire Explorer

Fire Explorers
seussical jr 2026

Audition for Seussical Jr. with the Highland Park Community Center Theatre 

  • Auditions will take place on February 21 & 28 from 1pm - 5pm in 45 minute group audition slots.
  • Callbacks will be on March 7 (by invitation)
  • Video submission accepted through March 5.
  • Rehearsals will begin May 4 with performances in the last two weeks of June.
  • Students ages 8-18 are invited to audition. All who audition will be cast. No previous theatre experience necessary! 

Sign up to audition today!

Ski instructor going up tow rope with youth student

Como Park Snowsports Booster Club

Wild Mountain Day 2026: Saturday March 7, 10am to 9pm

Join Como Park Snowsports Booster Club at Wild Mountain in Taylor's Falls, MN for a fun day of skiing and boarding!

  • Lift tickets are $40 per person
  • Rental equipment is available for $30 per person

Tickets available online or on site. 

Learn more by checking out their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Winter Special Events 

There's no shortage of things to do in the winter! We have a variety of winter activities for all ages to participate in. Activities are offered for those who love both the chilly outdoors and the great indoors.

Rice Park Ice Bar

February

There's still time to register for winter activities - available to browse online!

Two Seniors posing during field trip on train

Senior Events

Cocoa, Crafts & Sleds! 

This Saturday at Harriet Island Pavilion from 10am-1pm!

Cocoa, Crafts & Sleds

Black History Month Community Dinner at Wilder

black history month dinner

Jump into Spring Fun with Natural Resources

Tots SPNR 2026

ExploraTots - An outdoor experience for children and their adults

ExploraTots is a FREE nature-based Pre-K program designed for children ages 3-5 and their families (siblings are welcome too!). Together, you and your child will connect to nature, meet new friends, and practice skills that can improve school-readiness.

This program meets monthly at Como Streetcar Station:

Thursdays from 10-11:30am: 2/19, 3/19, 4/16, 5/21

Saturdays from 10-11:30am: 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16

Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult. Please make sure to register all attendees.

FEC SPNR 2026

Family Ecology Club

Learn about a seasonal topic, play a game, and look for evidence of life in the park. Free event, recommended for families with children ages 6-12.

Family Ecology Club takes place at the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom.

Monthly on Saturdays from 1-2pm: 2/21, 3/21, 4/18, 5/16

Registration is required!

 

 

Parks After Dark: Owl Prowl

Participants are invited on a nighttime walk along the Mississippi River to learn about local owl species. We will listen for owl calls as we walk!

Registration is required! 

March 4, 7:30-9pm | $3/person

Visit the Owl Prowl webpage to register and learn more.

PAD OP SPNR 2026
Youth smiling with Valentine's themed decorated cupcake

Featured Upcoming Activities

Youth activities

Browse more spring offerings online

Seniors eating donuts and coffee

Adult & Senior Activities

Browse more spring offerings online

Youth with basketball at open gym

Open Gym Times: Youth & Adult

Gnome map collage with pics

The Gnomes are still out! Can you find them all?

The polar vortex temps are passing! This weekend will be a great time to get outside and Gnome hunt again! 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 home stretch of the cold-weather season. 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?

Two adults and one child cross-country skiing

Snow & Ski

Ski rentals at Battle Creek Regional Park are open. Please visit the Winter Recreation Area Battle Creek webpage for hours and more information.

Trail conditions are updated on Skinny Ski. Visit our cross country ski webpage for trail locations then click on the "current trail conditions" link for each trail's latest updates.

Exercise machines at the fitness center inside Frogtown Community Center.

Fitness Center Memberships 

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. 

Staff with youth on party bus

Come work with us! 

Apply online today!

We are always looking for volunteers, including coaches!

Updates & Reminders

  • 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. 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. 

  • Immigration Resources: The City of Saint Paul has compiled a robust list of immigration resources, including information on knowing your rights and finding community-based support.

  • Ramsey County Winter Warming Spaces: Winter Warming Spaces help protect residents during extreme cold. For more Winter Warming Spaces information, including transportation,  call 651-266-103

  • School Year Youth Programs: Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until full.  
    • Rec Check: Free after-school program for youth in grades 1-6. Offered at 23 locations.
    • Rec Check Extended: Offered over school breaks during MEA, Winter, and Spring. $10/day. Offered at three locations. 
    • S'more Fun: Before and after-school and full day options available for youth in grades K-5. Cost ranges $24-42/day.
    • Recreation for Preschoolers: Ages 3-5; dates, times, and costs vary. Scholarships available. 
  • Aquatics: For more information on winter and spring aquatics activities and programs, please visit Great River Water Park's webpage.
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Events
    • Little Explorers Thursday - Every Thursday, 10am–12pm: A free program perfect for "Little Explorers" ages 1–3.
  • Adaptive Recreation Programming: Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities.
  • Closures and Special Notices
    • Planning a visit to a park or recreation center? Be sure to review the latest closures and important notices from Saint Paul Parks & Recreation on the Closures and Special Notices page.