For the Kids

The weather outside may be frightful but the ice will be delightful! Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting its annual community Ice Block Party to beat the winter blues. There will be professional ice carving demonstrations and adults and kids will have a chance to do some carving, too! Join us for free sledding, s'mores and hot chocolate. There will be indoor and outdoor childrens' activities. This event is free and open to the public. Pizza and pop will be available for purchase. Call 651-429-5411 for more information. Read more about Ice Block Party

Kick off the holidays at the 6th annual Midwest Events Jingle Bear 5K and Kids Fun Run at the White Bear Lake Boatworks Marina.  Run along the beautiful shore of White Bear Lake and celebrate the season by bringing a non-perishable food item and/or toy for the White Bear Area Food Shelf.  All 5k runners receive a Santa hat, jingle bells and a long sleeve tech shirt. Read more about 6th Annual Jingle Bear 5K

Spark a love of the arts in your child with a day full of live music and opportunities for your toddlers and grade school children to explore different instruments. The day also includes arts and crafts, dance lessons and a menu of other activities—fun for the whole brood. Free. 9 a.m.–noon. Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651.224.4222; ordway.org. Read more about Family Day at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts

It’s a hip, it’s a hop, it’s a bunny hop on ice! This family-fun event features an egg hunt at the White Bear Lake Sports Center. Help your little ones find the hidden eggs while enjoying special treats and concessions. There are also prizes, a live DJ and, of course, skating to round out this hopping good time. $5. $2 skate rental. 1–3 p.m. White Bear Lake Sports Center, 1328 Highway 96, White Bear Lake; 651.429.8571; whitebearlake.org. Read more about Bunny Hop Easter Skate

M is for March, that special time of year when the trees are running with sap. Bring your littlest ones to discover how tree sap can be transformed into delicious syrups and treats. The brisk spring hike is the perfect opportunity for discovery for you and your child. Ages 2–5, with an adult. $9.75 per adult and child pair, $6.50 per additional child and $3.75 per additional adult. 9:30–11 a.m. Read more about Tamarack Tykes: M is for Maple

Nothing is yummier on a brisk March morning than a stack of steaming pancakes drizzled with tasty maple syrup. Have you ever thought about where maple syrup comes from? This month’s homeschool program will take kids on a hike to Tamarack’s sugar bush and show them how to tap a tree for syrup. After a visit to the evaporator, they’ll make delicious maple treats for a perfect afternoon snack. Ages 5–10. $5.50 per child. 1–3 p.m. Read more about Second Fridays Homeschool: Maple Syrup

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean that kids can’t get outside and be active. This class is designed to introduce your littlest skiers to winter sports and snow fun. The children will play games without ski poles to develop basic skills. Parent participation is requested for the first 15 minutes. Ages 4–6. $8.25, $6 optional ski rental. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township; 651.407.5350; parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack Read more about Ski Otters

Introducing your children to a love of reading can create special memories for both of you. Even before they can read on their own, songs, finger plays and stories can aid early literacy skills. Start your mornings—and your child’s learning—right with family story time hosted by the White Bear Lake Library. Ages 2–5. Free. 10:30–11 a.m. Pioneer Manor, 2225 Sixth St., White Bear Lake; 651.486.2200; rclreads.org Read more about Family Story Time

It’s apple season, which means it’s time for weekend excursions to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard. Hop on a scenic wagon ride to find the perfect apple tree, or put your directional skills to the test in the corn maze. Prices vary. Check website for specific event times. Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, Dellwood; 651.429.7202; pinetreeappleorchard.com Read more about Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Come join The White Bear Lake Sports Center for the annual "Spooky Skate," where costumes are encouraged! It's a Spooktacular Low scare event with games, prizes, treats, concessions, face painting, DJ, and skating for all! Read more about Spooky Skate