Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau - Family Friendly Events

Winter Weekend Getaway in Downtown Rochester

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:07:23 GMT

Date(s): Jan. 4-Feb. 11, 2012
Location: Shops at University Square

Experience SocialICE, the largest outdoor ice bar in
the upper Midwest, with over 200 feet of ice bar, real
ice glasses, ice luges, sculptures, and live music.
PEACE PLAZA, DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER
February 9, 10, 11, 2012
4:30 PM – 9 PM FREE ADMISSION
Take a break from the cold and visit the Shops at
University Square. You'll find unique, independently
owned retail stores plus fine restaurants and casual
dining. Find what you're looking for at the Square.
Book a room at the DoubleTree or Hilton Garden
Inn and receive a complimentary tote bag with
exclusive mall discounts and a bottle of wine.
Mention Winter Weekend Getaway when making
reservations to receive the special rate.
Reservations must be made by February 8, 2012
WE SPEAK SUCCESS
EMBRACE WINTER with a
WEEKEND in ROCHESTER!
SHOPSATUNIVERSITYSQUARE.COM

Special SocialICE Hotel Packages at the Kahler Grand Hotel

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:12:14 GMT

Date(s): Jan. 16-Feb. 11, 2012
Location: Kahler Grand Hotel

Location: Kahler Grand Hotel—20 2nd Avenue Southwest Rochester, MN 55902 (Adjacent to the Peace Plaza)

This SocialICE Package includes a room, parking and 2 ICE glasses with 1 free drink!

*$99.00 Standard

*$109.00 Deluxe

*$119.00 Executive

Prices are valid Feb. 9th-11th during the SocialICE event

Call 1-800-533-1655 to make a hotel room reservation today! Don’t forget to ask for the special SocialICE package rate.

WinterFest 2012: Cardboard Sled Challenge

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:01:28 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: Registration 8:30am; Design Judging 9am; Race at 10am; Awards/Lunch at 12pm
Price: Entry Fee to race: Youth/Teens (6-18) $25; Open (19 & up) $75
Location: Willow Creek Golf Course

Join us for the 2nd annual Cardboard Sled Challenge. Make a sled out of cardboard, make it with style, make it fast and race it down the hill. Proceeds support the Gamehaven Boy Scout Council and the Scouting Programs in southeastern Minnesota. Awards for best sled design, people’s choice, best costumes and fastest sled.

Moonlight Snowshoeing/Hiking

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:01:35 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Price: No cost, but park entry permit required.
Location: Chester Woods Park

Grab your snowshoes or boots and join us for a quiet and relaxing stroll under the moon! Afterward, warm up by the fire with a hot beverage. Hike will take place regardless of snow conditions. Meet by the boat launch at 7pm.

Dance the Cold Away

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:17 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
Price: One hour lesson $5 for kids and $10 for adults. An all day pass is $25
Location: Rochester International Dance Studio

All proceeds will benefit Join the Journey as part of WinterFest.

Schedule: 11 am – Tippi Toes Mother/Father and Child dance, Noon – Tippi Toes Ballet/Jazz/Tap for kids, 1 pm- Fred Astaire Swing dance (you don’t need a partner), 2 pm – Fred Astaire Salsa dance (you don’t need a partner), 3 pm – RIDS belly dance.

Free Family Day Snow Globes

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:18 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Art Center

Free Family Days at the Art Center, make a snow globe, as part of Rochester WinterFest 2012. Donations accepted, benefiting the Rochester Art Center.

WinterFest at the History Center

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:19 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Price: Free will donation
Location: History Center of Olmsted County

Sleigh Rides and Bonfire, benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota.

Winter Farmers Market

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 06:01:32 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 18, 2012
Time: 9 am - Noon
Price: Free
Location: Graham Park

You’ll find a great variety of winter and greenhouse produce, and quality meats from locally raised animals at the Winter Market – including beef, pork, lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, elk, and bison – plus fresh baked goods, eggs, cheese, honey, maple syrup, preserves, pickles, relishes, sauces, noodles, flour, gourds, goat milk soap, dried floral arrangements and wreaths, wool crafts, elk antler capsules, and other wonderful specialty items produced by farms and kitchens located within a fifty-mile radius of Rochester, MN.

Rochester WinterFest X

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:01:22 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2012
Time: Various
Location: Several locations

WinterFest takes place yearly during the first two weeks in February. WinterFest serves to promote wintertime activities for all ages while raising awareness and funds for area nonprofit organizations. There is a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities happening in the Rochester area so all can enjoy the Cabin Fever Days of February!

Assisi Heights Tour

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:01:04 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 2012
Time: 2pm
Price: Donations accepted
Location: Assisi Heights

Assisi Heights is home of the Sisters of St. Francis. Tours available by appointment most Mondays and Saturdays at 2pm. Please call 507-282-7441 to make a reservation.

Wear Red Day at Apache Mall

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:01:34 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 11 am
Price: Free
Location: Apache Mall

Do you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women? Come learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign to fight heart disease. Wear red to show your support and join us at this fun public event with fitness demonstrations, healthy cooking demonstrations and a heart survivor fashion show. Stop by our many vendor tables for FREE heart health screenings from Olmsted Medical Center and learn more about how you can take steps to protect your heart.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:27 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 2012
Time: Fri 7 pm, Sat 2 pm & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm
Price: Adult $20.50, Senior $17.50, Student $15.50
Location: Rochester Civic Theatre

The first and most famous story of The Chronicles of Narnia has become a presentation of this unique, enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil, demonic and transcendent. The principal inhabitants, however, are the intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia. Though Aslan is often absent from the land (so that his very existence is doubted by some), he returns when the need for him is greatest. And entering Narnia at a moment of high adventure are some children—plucked from our world in unexpected ways to help Narnia and to learn from their Narnia odyssey lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom that will help them grow. Tickets on sale now! Call 507-282-8481 or visit the web site for tickets!

Family Film Program: One Zillion Valentines and Boxes for Katje

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:28 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 10:30 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

One Zillion Valentines: Two enterprising friends prove that Valentine’s Day is for everyone by making, giving away, and selling one zillion special valentines!

Boxes for Katje: A young Dutch girl receives an unexpected package from America filled with much needed supplies. This happy surprise sets off a wonderful chain of events for all the people in her village. This film is based on the heartwarming picture book by Candace Fleming.

Hope It Don't Snow Scale Model Show

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:01:09 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Price: Free
Location: Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

Open to scale modelers of all ages interested in aircraft, automobiles, armor, ships, figures and spacecraft. Nominal fee for displaying entries. Awards at the end of the show.

Hooray for Saturday! Children's Event

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:01:23 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 4, 2012
Time: 10:30 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Family Film Program: One Zillion Valentines: Two enterprising friends prove that Valentine’s Day is for everyone by making, giving away, and selling one zillion special valentines! Boxes for Katje: A young Dutch girl receives an unexpected package from America filled with much needed supplies. This happy surprise sets off a wonderful chain of events for all the people in her village. This film is based on the heartwarming picture book by Candace Fleming.

Moonlight Snowshoe

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:01:19 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 6, 2012
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Price: Free but vehicle park pass required
Location: Whitewater State Park

Explore the quiet beauty of a winter night in the Whitewater River Valley. Under a nearly full moon, snowshoeing is a special treat! Short readings from Thoreau, Frost, and Leopold will be read during this easy, ½ mile snowshoe walk. Snowshoes are provided. Hot drinks and cookies will follow the outing. In the event that there is little snow, we will take a moonlight hike. Registration required. Call 507-932-3007 extension 226 or email sara.grover@state.mn.us .

Bob Miller Magician

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:01:29 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, & Mar. 5, 12, 2012
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Price: Free admission
Location: Godfather's Pizza

Watch Bob perform table-side magic and make balloon animals..

Bedtime Stories

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:01:24 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012
Time: 6:30 pm
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Stories, puppets and films to give you sweet dreams.

Parent-Child 3 to 5 Year-Old Story Time

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:25 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012
Time: 11 am - 11:30 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Stories, rhymes, and puppets for children 3 to 5 years of age and their parents or care providers. Adults are asked to remain with their children during story time.

Bob Miller Magician

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:01:35 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29, & Mar. 7, 14, 2012
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Price: Free admission
Location: O'Neill's Pizza

Watch Bob perform table-side magic and make balloon animals..

Parent-Child 3-5 year old Story Time

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:01:29 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012
Time: 11 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Stories, rhymes, and puppets for children 3 to 5 years of age and their parents or care providers. Adults are asked to remain with their children during story time.

Stories for Toddlers and Twos

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:01:29 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 9, 16, 23, 2012
Time: 10 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Stories, puppets, and films for children 18-36 months of age and their parents or care providers.

SocialICE--Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bar

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:56:33 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 9-11, 2012
Time: 4:30-9:00pm
Price: Free Admission
Location: Peace Plaza Downtown

Featuring over 200 ft. of ice, SocialICE will be once again the largest outdoor ice bar in the upper Midwest. The layout will expand this year and will include up to eight satellite ice bars. All satellite bars will be themed with various beverage distributors and specialty drinks. Enjoy the ambiance of the ice and lighting as you sit in the ice lounge, drink from real ice glasses, and enjoy the live music.
SocialICE will offer live music from 7-8:30 pm each night and a live DJ from 4:30-7pm & 8:30-9:00 pm. All entertainment will perform live in the skyway over the Peace Plaza with music streamed out onto the Plaza for the ice bar attendees to enjoy.
Are you cool enough for this "iced out" experience?

For full details on SocialICE visit: www.downtownrochestermn.com.

Valentine Activities at Amaglyphe & Artpacks

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:17:08 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 9-10, 2012
Time: 2-8pm
Price: $10
Location: Artpacks

Amaglyphe & Artpacks are hosting Valentine Activities during the SocialICE event!
Look for our bear and ball logo ice sculpture on the Wall of ICE!

Come to Amaglyphe, located off the lobby of the Kahler Grand,
to draw your Valentine, print a valentine or make a valentine book. $10.
Call 507-273-2529 if you have questions.

Thursday, February 9, 2-8 pm
Friday, February 10, 2-8 pm

Friday Frolics on Snowshoes

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:01:20 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 10, 2012
Time: 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Price: Free but vehicle park pass required
Location: Whitewater State Park

Join us each Friday afternoon throughout the month of February for outdoor exploration on snowshoes. We’ll visit the forest,streamside and meadow to look for signs of wildlife and to explore the winter world with our senses. Young and old are invited to join us. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park’s. To sign up, call or email.

Rochester Area Builders Home Show

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:01:48 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 10, 11, 12, 2012
Time: Friday 3pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 11am-4pm
Price: $5 adults, $1 children
Location: Mayo Civic Center

33rd Annual Show

33rd Annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:01:26 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 10, 11, 12, 2012
Time: Fri 3 pm - 8 pm, Sat 9 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 4 pm
Price: $5 Adult, $1 ages 7-16, Children 6 & under Free
Location: Mayo Civic Center

If you can dream it you can find it at the 33rd Annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show! Hundreds of exhibitors will be at the Home Show to help you create your dreams whether you are building or remodeling. There will be many seminars each day to learn about the projects you might be considering! Saturday at the Home Show join us for “Family Fun Day” and Sunday enjoy an “ice cream social” plus see unique playhouses on display all weekend at the Home Show.

Bob Miller Magician

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:01:35 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 10, 17, 24, & Mar. 2, 9, 16, 2012
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Price: Free admission
Location: Paradise Petes

Watch Bob perform table-side magic and make balloon animals..

SocialICE: Live Ice Carving Event

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:59:51 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 1-4pm
Price: FREE
Location: Peace Plaza Downtown

Don’t miss out on this great family-friendly activity during the day Saturday, as part of the SocialICE activities held on the Peace Plaza. Maurie Pearson, one of the ice sculptors of the SocialICE event will be hosting live ice carving demonstrations. Pearson is a nationally acclaimed professional ice sculptor who owns Black River Ice Sculptures based out of La Crosse, WI. Come witness Pearson transform a basic block of ice into beautiful ice sculptures right before your eyes! Be sure to bring the kids in order to participate in an interactive activity involving small heart shaped ice sculptures—just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Chester’s, Pescara and the Doubletree Hotel will be available on site at their ice bar with hot chocolate, cider and other wonderful warm beverages to keep you warm during this fun event!

Valentine's Day Crafts

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:33 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Price: Free will donation
Location: History Center of Olmsted County

Participants will make a pop up Valentine. There will also be a display of Valentine’s Day cards from the History Center’s collection on display. The craft project will be available from 10 am to 3 pm. Free will donations will be accepted to support the educational programs of the History Center.

SocialICE: Live Ice Carving Event

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:01:11 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 1pm-4pm
Price: Free
Location: Peace Plaza Downtown

Chester’s, Pescara and the Doubletree Hotel will be available on site at their ice bar with hot chocolate, cider and other wonderful warm beverages to keep you warm during this fun event!

Visiting Author - Douglas Wood

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:01:32 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 10:30 am
Price: Free
Location: Rochester Public Library

Have you ever wanted to meet a real author? How do authors find ideas, write and publish their stories? Meet famous Minnesota author Douglas Wood, and discover how he writes the stories found in his popular books! Douglas Wood will also share stories from his best loved picture book writings including Old Turtle and Aunt Mary’s Rose. This project was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:01:24 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 7:05 pm
Location: Rochester Recreation Center

Rochester Ice Hawks vs Edina Lakersj

British Export: A Beatles Tribute

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:01:47 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 7:30 PM
Price: $21 & $18
Location: Mayo Civic Center

British Export features vintage suits and instruments reminiscent of the Beatles performances of the 60’s including a colorful Sgt. Pepper set, post-touring recording years set, and the Cavern Club-Hamburg set. All songs are performed duplicating the sound of the original recordings. Three-time winners of the Top Beatles Tribute Award at Beatlefest in both Chicago and New York. .

Families Friends & Flapjacks

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:51 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 9 am - 12 noon
Price: $5 advance (tickets at both CLDN Centers), $6 at door, children under 2 free
Location: Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

Bring the family for a pancake breakfast. Benefiting Civic League Day Nursery Tuition Assistance Program.

Polar Cubs Outdoor Day Camp

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:51 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Price: Youth under 7 years of age = $5, youth 7-17 years of age = $20, adults 18+ = $10
Location: Gamehaven Scout Reservation

Family ice fishing, bowling, golf, curling, sleigh rides, sledding, s’mores, snow shoeing, etc… Benefiting Gamehaven Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Youth Ice Fishing Contest

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:52 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 11, 2012
Time: 9 am - 1 pm
Price: $8
Location: Foster Arend Park

Contest open to youth age 15 and under, prizes for biggest three fish in three age groups. Benefiting EN/our-work/sight-programs/index.php">Rochester ‘76 Lions Club - Sight Projects.

Breakfast with the Birds

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:52 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: 9 am - 10:30 am
Price: $5 per person - Pre-Registration required
Location: Quarry Hill Nature Center

Winter Bird Program featuring bird trapping, banding and release. Come enjoy a continental breakfast and learn about winter birds and Quarry Hill Nature Center’s participation in the Federal Bird Banding program. All ages are welcome. Benefiting Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Dog Sledding

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:53 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: 11 am - 4 pm
Price: $5.00/person, $20/family max
Location: Quarry Hill Nature Center

Gee, Haw and Mush are the commands you will hear as you glide over the snow behind a team of sled dogs. This mini-experience introduces you to an exciting wilderness sport and the athletes themselves – Seppala Siberian sled dogs. Meet & greet these beautiful animals and then embark on a short ride in the field adjacent to Quarry Hill . If there is no snow, demo only. Benefits Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Down Hill Derby

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:53 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: 12 noon - 3 pm
Price: $10 per person
Location: Willow Creek Golf Course

Tobaggon races at Willow Creek Golf Course, benefits Rochester Better Chance.

Winter Owl Prowl

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:01:20 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Price: Free but vehicle park pass required
Location: Whitewater State Park

Bring the whole family to experience the Whitewater Valley on a winter night. After an indoor presentation, we’ll snowshoe outdoors and call to the owls. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park’s. In the event that there is not enough snow, we will hike out to the owls. Reservations required. For more information or to sign up, call or email.

Rochester Ice Hawks Hockey

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:01:25 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: 5:35 pm
Location: Rochester Recreation Center

Rocheste Ice Hawks vs Maple Grove Energy

Minnesota Whitecaps Women's Pro Hockey vs Manitoba Maple Leafs

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:01:34 GMT

Date(s): Feb. 12, 2012
Time: Girls Hockey Clinic at 10:30 am, Game at 12:30 pm
Price: Adults $5, 18 & under $3
Location: Graham Park

Minnesota Whitecaps, the only US Women’s Pro Hockey Team in Minnesota, play the Manitoba Maple Leafs in Rochester. A Whitecaps Girls Hockey Clinic is offered prior to the game, from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. The clinic is free with the purchase of a Whitecaps game ticket. All clinic participants must register. Between periods there will be a girls youth hockey mini-games. The 8U girls will play in a cross-ice mini game after the 1st period, and following the 2nd period a full-ice mini game will be offered for 10U-12U girls. If interested in participating in these mini-games please contact Tressa Smallbrock.