Bloomington Parks & Recreation is back with its message that Minnesota winter is no reason to stay inside. On September 2, the city sent out a fall and winter follow-up to its August pitch. It promises programs for "every age and interest" and calls the cold months a good time to "try something new, and create lasting memories with family and friends." The fall and winter catalog is now live on the city's WebTrac portal.
The push started on August 5. That's when the city said the 2026-2027 season "is packed with ways to stay active no matter your age or interests." The list covers skating lessons, trail activities, naturalist programs, adult sports and leagues, youth programs, adaptive recreation, indoor gym time and volunteer events.
There's plenty of room for all of it. The city has 97 parks and green spaces, plus miles of trails. The Bloomington Ice Garden Skate School teaches skating all year, so you don't have to wait for the lakes to freeze.
The calendar fills in as the weather turns. The Trick or Treat Trail runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at Normandale Lake Park in late October. The farmers market moves indoors on select Saturdays from November through March. Winter Fete runs December through March, and the city says most of its family activities are free. The city hasn't posted exact 2026-27 dates for Winter Fete yet.
Adults 50 and older have their own lineup, but you'll need a new address. Creekside Community Center closed on May 30, 2025, to make room for the new Community Health and Wellness Center, which the city expects to open in 2027. Most former Creekside programs now meet at Logan Lodge, 9930 Logan Ave. S. Others meet at the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Christ the King Lutheran Church and Substance Church's gym. Everything will move into the new center once it opens. Details are on the city's 50+ programs page.
The city also lists performances at the Bloomington Center for the Arts as part of its winter pitch. Questions go to the parks department at 952-563-8877 or [email protected].
