Why Winter's Better In Apple Valley: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Apple Valley. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Apple Valley Sports Arena

Address: 14452 Hayes Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: (952) 953-2366
Details: Apple Valley Sports Arena offers indoor public skating on Sunday afternoons from October through February, with affordable entry and skate rentals available. A Learn to Skate program is also offered for all skill levels. See website for public skate details and the Learn to Skate program.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Address: 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Phone: (651) 554-6530
Details: Spanning nearly 1,900 acres, Lebanon Hills Regional Park offers winter activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, ice skating, ice fishing and winter mountain biking. Conditions vary by weather, so visitors should check trail and lake status before heading out.

Minnesota Zoo

Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: (952) 431-9200
Details: The Minnesota Zoo is open daily and features indoor animal exhibits, daily educational programs and the Treetop Trail, weather permitting. Online tickets are required in advance, with special early-access hours available for members. See website for ticketing, hours and seasonal programming details.

The State Theatre

Address: 805 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: (612) 339-7007
Details: The State Theatre hosts Broadway tours, concerts and comedy shows throughout the winter season. Upcoming performances include touring productions and nationally recognized comedians. View the full schedule on the State Theatre events calendar.

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Address: 10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 225-6000
Details: This interactive museum offers imaginative play spaces and hands-on exhibits designed to support learning through play for children of all ages. Tickets are required and should be purchased in advance. Learn more about current exhibits on the museum’s website.

Ritter Farm Park

Address: 19300 Ritter Pkwy Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044
Phone: (952) 985-4600
Details: Ritter Farm Park features more than five miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, along with scenic routes for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Snowshoes are available to rent through Lakeville City Hall, and bikes are not permitted on winter trails. See city website for trail conditions and rental info.

Viking Lakes Winter Skolstice

Address: 2685 Vikings Cir, Ste 050, Eagan, MN 55121
Phone: (952) 529-7438)
Details: Winter SKOLstice is a seasonal celebration at Viking Lakes featuring outdoor skating, pond rink reservations, live entertainment and special events from late November through February. Many activities are free, with select ticketed experiences available. See website for dates, schedules and featured events.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Address: 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: (952) 934-1525
Details: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres pairs live musical theater, concerts and comedy performances with classic American dining. Shows run year-round, making it a popular indoor winter outing. See what’s on stage and upcoming performances here.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.