The cold weather that winter brings sometimes seems to drastically reduce the amount of activities there are to do. Whether you are looking for something cheap and easy or something a little fancier, here are some fun ways to enjoy the Minnesota winter.

If the outdoors and  high energy are your thing, you could go cross country skiing at Baker Park or downhill skiing at Hyland Lake Park in Bloomington. Prices range from $15-$31.

If you aren’t into skiing, then maybe snow tubing is more to your taste.  You can catch some air at Powder Ridge in Kimball. Pricing starts at $13. If you prefer the more elegant style, sharpen your skates and head over to The Depot in Minneapolis for some inexpensive ice skating. Make sure to bring your school ID to receive $2 off your admission.

Ice fishing is a lot of fun as well. It requires an auger to drill through the ice, some fishing line and bait. If you want to take it to the next level, there are fish houses with all the finest amenities to keep you warm and toasty instead of freezing in the Minnesota cold.

If you don’t mind the cold, take in the Holidazzle parade on Nicollet Mall or take a stroll through one of the many decorated neighborhoods. Make sure to bundle up to keep as much of that brisk Minnesota air from hitting bare skin as possible.

If you are not into the cold or snow but still want to get out and about, you could go to the mall for shopping or a movie. Another fun option is attending Macy’s Eighth Floor Exhibit downtown. After you make your way through the exhibit, you can do some of your Christmas shopping and grab a bite to eat at The Oak Grill. The Oak Grill has delicious food, and  you can purchase dinners starting at $16.

For some sophisticated entertainment, grab some friends and attend a production at one of the many theatres in the Twin Cities. The Ordway Theater usually has good productions with tickets that start at $35. This December, the theater is producing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” and “Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold.”

If you would rather sit back and relax, you could make some hot cocoa and read a book or enjoy some board games with your family. A Christmas movie marathon with your friends or family is always a fun option. For more information on what to watch, see “TV guide to holiday entertainment.”
Miranda Mosher is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks newspaper.