-Discover Owls on a Guided Night Hike
-Attend a Kite Festival
-Learn about Egypt’s Sunken Cities
-Think and Smell Spring at the Arboretum Flower Show
-Plan an outdoor adventure at the RV and Camping Show
So many options to get out (or stay in) and play!
Feb. 8, Hastings
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
Many of the Midwest’s 12 owl species are vocalizing more often to attract mates. Enjoy a guided night hike to look and listen for these owls. If there is enough snow cover, snowshoes will be provided or you may bring your own. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center MN Campus. 651-437-4359
Feb. 9, Buffalo
Kites on Ice Kite Festival
A sight to behold, the Kites on Ice Kite Festival features kites of all shapes, sizes and colors fill the sky above Buffalo Lake. Be sure to also check out the stunt kites flying synchronized to music, kite building workshop for kids, cornhole and broomball tournaments, food trucks, beer garden, hot chocolate and treat vendors. Be sure to bring your camera! Buffalo Lake. 763-682-4902
Nov. 4 – April 14, Minneapolis
Egypt’s Sunken Cities
More than 1200 years ago, two ancient cities were lost to natural disasters and the rising tides of the Mediterranean Sea. Two decades ago, underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team discovered those cities, revealing monumental statues, religious images carved in stone, exquisite jewelry, and delicate ceramics-and a greater understanding of life during the age of the pharaohs. Don’t miss this epic story of their discovery. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
Feb. 1 – March 3, Chaska
Flower Show at the Arboretum
This year’s flower show is your passport to spring! Displays showcase nine countries, aiming to tell their stories through breathtaking blooms. The exhibit also features a large glass garden house and 26 pieces by sculptor Nick Legeros. Don’t miss this year’s show! Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400
Feb. 7-10, Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show
Celebrate 50 years of the great outdoors featuring the largest display of new makes and models of RVs — special factory rebates, financing and on the spot loan approval makes this show a cannot miss for the serious RV enthusiasts! Also enjoy seminars and entertainment for the entire family! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000
Jan. 29 – March 10, Minneapolis
The Biggest Little House in the Forest
Bernice the Butterfly’s home is just perfect – even when a menagerie of other creatures moves in one by one. Complete with a pillow fight, bubble bath and dance party, Bernice and her friends discover that when you open your heart, there’s always room for more! Best enjoyed by Preschoolers. Children’s Theatre Company. 612-874-0400
Feb. 9, Ham Lake
Ham Lake Snowbowl
The Ham Lake Snowbowl showcases a variety of fun winter activities in Minnesota including a broomball tournament, snow sculpting, ice fishing contest, fat tire bike race and adult and youth snowmobile races. In addition, children can meet the Snow Queen and Snow Princess, and all will enjoy the craft fair, vendor expo, contests and lots of food and beverages. Ham Lake Park. 763-434-3011
Feb. 9-10, Minneapolis
Healthy Life Expo
With more than 200 exhibitors, explore nearly everything related to health, balance and success in all areas of life. Also enjoy 3 stages of on-going speaker presentations and demonstrations, the U.S. Strongman Competition, hourly prize drawings, Booth Bingo, product samples and free health information. Minneapolis Convention Center Ballroom. 952-238-1700
Dec. 8 – Feb. 18, Bloomington
Skate the Star
Mall of America is excited to announce a new experience for guests this holiday season! Skate the Star is a custom-built ice rink located at the North entrance of MOA®. Skating o the 12,000 square-foot ice rink is free if you bring your skates; skate rental is available for $5. Mall of America. 952-883-8800
Jan. 4 – Feb. 28, St. Paul
Omnifest
The very popular annual Omnitheater film festival begins January 4 at the Science Museum of Minnesota’s William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater with five films running in rotation on its 90-foot domed screen. Included in this year’s festival are Ring of Fire, Journey to Space, National Parks Adventure, The Greatest Places, and Tornado Alley. 651-221-9444
Jan. 12 – Feb. 28, Excelsior
Ice Castles
Ice Castles is the must-see winter wonderland where fairy tales are brought to life with twinkling lights, magnificent archways and towers, ice-carved tunnels, fountains and slides ready to be explored. The Commons. 866-435-2850