Morning

Kick off your winter weekend in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro region at Bloomington’s Hyland Hills Ski Area. There are nearly a dozen downhill runs with options for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, plus the two freestyle terrain parks feature jumps, boxes and rails. Equipment is available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the chalet. If you’re a newbie or want to brush up on your skills, the Snow Sports Academy offers 90-minute private and semi-private downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons.

Afternoon

After your morning on the slopes, head to Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan to try kicksledding. It’s a bit like dog sledding without the dogs — the driver stands on a runner with one foot and kicks backward with the other foot, pushing the sled forward. The kicksled’s chair seat can accommodate a small child, making it a fun family activity. Kicksleds are available for rent at the visitor center, with online reservations required.

Evening

Outdoor pub curling at Brookview in Golden Valley is a great way for beginning curlers to get a taste of the game. It’s a downsized version of the Olympic sport and similar to shuffleboard — players slide large stones with handles across a sheet of synthetic ice and whoever gets closest to the target scores. Call ahead to reserve your rink.

Afterward, relax with a meal at the on-site Three One Six Bar + Grill, which serves up burgers and pizza that you can eat inside or in a heated outdoor tent.

Morning

Start your day at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, where the 53-foot-tall frozen waterfall screams photo op. Some of the trails in the surrounding Minnehaha Regional Park are open for winter hiking.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to brunch at The Block Food + Drink in St. Louis Park. The tented, dog-friendly “paw-tio” is open year-round, and you can order something for your pup off the dedicated dog menu. For humans, there’s a great selection of biscuit sandwiches and breakfast bowls.

Afternoon

For an activity you can enjoy with your furry companion, try skijoring at Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley. All you need is a dog, a pair of skis and a pulling harness — as you cross-country ski, you’ll get a power boost from your dog pulling in front. The park has five designated skijoring trails, offering panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis and Wirth Lake (keep in mind that a ski pass is required).

Evening

Finish your day at Burnsville’s Buck Hill, where the slopes are lit until 9 p.m. There are 15 ski runs for a range of abilities, as well as freestyle terrain for snowboarding. You can also try tubing — speeding down a frozen hill on an inflated inner tube.

Morning

After a weekend of action-packed adventure, slow things down with a private sleigh ride at Andover’s Bunker Park Stable. There are a variety of horse-drawn sleighs to choose from depending on the size of your group, from a cozy antique sleigh to a larger bench or flatbed sleigh. Reservations are required, and you can also reserve a fire before or after your ride — remember to bring some roasting sticks and marshmallows.

Afternoon

Fun for the whole family, ice skating is a great way to get up, get out and get moving. You will find yourself laughing and making memories that will truly last a lifetime. Spend your last afternoon at the Roseville Skating Center, as they have both outdoor and indoor rinks. The outdoor rink known as the OVAL is the largest sheet of refrigerated ice in North America! Not only will you find traditional open ice-skating time, but they also offer open adult hockey and open speed skating. They also offer rental skates (limited sizes) and skate sharpening (no speed skates).

After working up a thirst on the ice, head over to Bent Brewstillery, a dog-friendly brewery and distillery that proudly serves locally produced, award-winning beers and cocktails. When we asked a local why they love going to Bent Brewstillery, they replied, “The staff are always nice and helpful, and the owners are great! They have created a laid back and welcoming atmosphere. They keep a few of their beers on tap year-round but are always changing up their other selections as the seasons change. It’s great because I have my old faves to fall back on but can always try something new.”

Evening

Wrap up your weekend getaway to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro region with the festive lights display in historic downtown Stillwater. Main Street is lined with illuminated snowflakes and rooftop lights, and a pedestrian area in the heart of downtown features a nightly LED light show synchronized to music. Don’t miss strolling across the St. Croix River via the historic lift bridge, which has been outlined with lights. There’s also an ice rink and heated outdoor dining at many local restaurants.