Centennial Lakes Park transforms its majestic, manmade body of water into an outdoor, 10-acre ice skating rink. Photos: Michelle Tanner, City of Edina
Move more and live better this winter by overcoming the urge to hibernate.
When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to cozy up on the couch underneath a warm blanket with a cup of tea in hand instead of braving the cold outside. For all the indoorsy people out there, winter doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation. Break up with your inner bear, leave the den and discover all Edina has to offer during the cold months that will lift your body, spirit and mind—all without a gym membership.
Give Your Boots the Boot
Braemar Field hosts Tot Time and other family activities. The Braemar Golf Dome is a great way to practice your swing or even learn how to golf during the winter months.
Start small by leaving the house for indoor pursuits. Lace up those sneakers and head over to Braemar Field. While the artificial turf in the dome is used in the winter for sports, such as baseball, golf lessons, lacrosse and softball classes, it’s also home to a quarter-mile walking track that is free and open to the public. The track is available 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays from November through April. City representatives encourage people to check the field’s schedule in case it is closed for sports practices.
If that happens, do not fret. It’s not the only indoor track in town. Edina High School’s indoor track is available from November through early March. For those who require more sensory stimulation, the Galleria and Southdale Center are open to mall walkers. Braemar Field, edinamn.gov; Galleria Edina, galleriaedina.com; and Southdale Center, simon.com
Mall Walking Facts
Southdale Center
- opens to walkers: 8 a.m.
- total walking space: 1.6 miles
- lower level: .06 miles
- first level: .70 miles
- second level: .62 miles
- third level: .22 miles
Galleria Edina
- opens to walkers: 7 a.m.
- total walking space (end to end): 0.5 miles
Make It a Family Affair
Braemar Field keeps boredom at bay with its Family Night and Open Dome. People are encouraged to walk, run laps, play in the field or take turns in the batting cages. There is also Tot Time where kids ages 1–5 can run and play with balls, a bounce house and toys. There are options for lively activities for the whole family. If you want to brave the outdoors, Family Full Moon Snowshoeing at Braemar Golf Course is a guided adventure along established trails underneath a twinkly night sky. It’s an ideal magical winter workout. Braemar Field, edinamn.gov; and Braemar Golf Course, braemargolf.com
Skate the Season
Centennial Lakes Park turns into a 10-acre winter wonderland. Edina Parks and Recreation grooms the ice and monitors the ice’s thickness to make sure it’s safe to skate on. A favorite family activity is to skate underneath the many overhead bridges along the way. Hughes Pavilion is located in the middle of the park and is the ideal warming house. It has cubbies and lockers for storing any extra items while skating, skate rentals and a snack bar. For those who don’t want an outdoor skating experience, Braemar Arena has open skating sessions for the public. Braemar Arena and Centennial Lakes Park, edinamn.gov
Schedule a Series of Small Joys
The post holiday lull of January can feel anticlimactic. Instead of waiting for the spring, what if the month could be filled with intentionally chosen small indulgences? These weekly mini experiences create events to look forward to and uplift our spirits. Nurture your mind, body and spirit.
Week One: Sweet Beginnings
Visit the Droolin’ Moose for a decadent treat. Be sure to try A Bushel and a Peck (milk chocolate caramels). Breadsmith also has delicious mini scones, pretzel buns and sweet rolls.
Week Two: Time for Yourself
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- Try French toast at the new Bellecour on 50th & France. Photo: Sarah Corder
Enjoy a light breakfast with no interruptions. Silence your phone, and leave your laptop at home for a recharge. Bellecour on 50th & France is a cozy spot for coffee and pastries. Raag’s Corner Café has coffee from Spyhouse and sweet and savory delights from Rustica. For those who want a longer sit-down meal, try Oh Crêpe on 44th and France.
Week Three: Mindful Movement
Book an introductory class to an exercise you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s Pilates, cross training or swimming lessons, crossing off this item from your “someday” bucket list will be rewarding.
Week Four: Nature Reset
Bredesen Park’s trails are perfect for walking and cross-country skiing. Photo: Stephanie Thomas
With all the above indoor adventures, a gentle outdoor expedition is a perfect way to close out the month. A walk around Bredesen Park is a breathtaking experience. For an extra scenic walk, go after a snowfall. The way the freshly fallen snow sticks to the branches is a sight to behold.
Sprinkle in Bonus Mini Treats
Throughout the month, surprise yourself with spa appointments, express manicures or massages. If connection is more of your love language, stop at a stationery store to pick up letter writing sets or notecards. Send them to a loved one and friends.
