For students, winter tends to be a time spent mostly inside due to the weather, but Eagan offers many cost-effective activities that can be enjoyed by all.

Ice skating is one of the many activities that can be enjoyed inside or outside during the winter months. Located off Pilot Knob, the Eagan Civic Arena offers many ice skating opportunities, such as Club Sk8 and Open Skating. Club Sk8 includes popular music and disco lights. It is $3/student and $4/adult. Open skating is quite similar, but doesn’t include disco lighting. It is $2/student and $3/adult. Skates are $2/pair and helmets are $1 to rent. Outdoor ice skating rinks can be found in parks, here is a list or the parks that offer an outdoor rink. Each outdoor ice rink includes hockey rinks as well as a pleasure rink where hockey sticks are not permitted, offering a perfect place for beginner skaters.

Sledding is an activity that is not only cost-effective, but can be enjoyed by students of all ages. There are multiple hills in Eagan that work wonderfully for sledding. Located next to DHMS, Northview Elementary School has a large hill that is perfect for sledding. However, if you choose to sled here, please go after school to not disturb the students. Another hill is located at Trapp Farm Park. In fact, there is even an opportunity for snow tubing. It costs $4/person and regular hours are Thursday-Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hiking can be a winter activity as well. Lebanon Hills is a gorgeous state funded park with many trails and chances to see wildlife. Hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m; make sure to dress warm and bring a map in case you get lost. You can find one of these at the visitor’s center or online here. If it is too cold outside, Lebanon Hills also has a visitor’s center which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It has a variety of activities for people of all ages, including birdwatching, board games, nature books, and even a corner filled with children’s toys.

Baking is a popular event that happens in most homes during winter. Building a gingerbread house can offer a perfect opportunity to create a delicious masterpiece. Head to a local store such as Michael’s and pick up a gingerbread kit. It would also be a good idea to pick up some extra candy to add extra decorations and for snacking. For post-holiday cooking people tend to reuse leftover holiday ingredients. To find a list of dishes that are delicious and also recycle ingredients click here.