Rec Reimagined
In order to help you stay connected, healthy, and active during this time, we have launched a new webpage where you can stay up-to-date with all of our digital and alternative programming options. Visit this page often for the latest virtual programs, activity ideas, and other ways to live an active lifestyle and stay connected to nature in our parks, at home, and in your own back yard. We will continue to update this page as new programs an activities are introduced.
Some of our amenities are currently closed or have additional restrictions in place. Before you leave your home, carefully read through our Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Information page for the most up-to-date guidelines and information.
Current Programs
In-Person Programs
Rec Check (for the 2020-2021 school year)
Our popular Rec Check after-school program is back with some safety modifications to align with the CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines on COVID-19. This program is free. Registration is required.
S'more Fun (for the 2020-2021 school year)
S’more Fun is a recreational childcare program providing structured and unstructured activities offered at limited sites around the city. Registration is now available for school year 2020-2021 and will adhere to the CDC and MN Department of Health guidance on COVID-19. Registration is required.
Recreation for Preschoolers (for the 2020-2021 school year)
Recreation for Preschoolers encourages children to play, socialize, and grow from daily lesson plans that prioritize educational experiences and recreation. Recreation for Preschoolers registration is now available for school year 2020-2021 at limited sites and will adhere to the CDC and MN Department of Health guidance on COVID-19. Registration is required.
Recreation for Preschoolers webpage
Virtual Programs
Haunted Stories
We asked writers to submit original stories and poems for our Haunted Story Competition. Watch our featured haunted stories then try writing your own spooky tale! Challenge yourself to include a Saint Paul landmark, location, or building!
Mississippi Park Connection events: Coffee with a Ranger
Coffee with a Ranger is a video series for folks at home to interact with a park ranger via Facebook Live. Tune in every Friday at 10am to watch it live and ask questions in the comments section. (You do not need a Facebook account to watch the videos but you do need to be logged into an account to ask questions.) The series now features a live ASL interpreter. Check out Mississippi Park Connection's Facebook page to watch previous segments covering birds, flowers, beer and more!
Digital Rec Check
An online version of our popular Rec Check after-school program. Originally aired Spring 2020.
Minnesota Vikings at home workout with C.J. Ham
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is teaming up with Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham to offer a home workout directly from his home to yours. C.J. demonstrates drills and skills you can do from your living room or yard. Read about our partnership, including thoughts from C.J. Ham and Mayor Melvin Carter, in the Viking's blog post (link below.) Follow along with the video, take a photo after your workout, and tag us on social media to let us know how you did!
Minnesota United Football Club Workouts and "Funtivities"
Try out some exercises you can do from home with Head Athletic Trainer at Minnesota United, Stacey Hardin. Then as your body cools down, warm up your brain with MNUFC-themed "funtivities" such as downloadable puzzles, word searches, mazes, and coloring pages.
Home workouts with MNUFC MNUFC "Funtivities" webpage
Minnesota Twins Virtual Academy Webinars
These webinars are an opportunity to learn from Twins staff and Play Ball! Minnesota partners in an easy to use online platform. Presenters will cover various topics and show youth players and coaches things they can do to help their development. You can watch past webinars from Spring 2020.
Self-led Programs & Resources
Outdoor & Environmental Recreation
Our Explore Outdoors team has put together a variety of self-guided activities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, whether it's visiting a local park or staying in your own backyard. This is a great resource for all your park information, virtual tours and live streams, community science projects, Nature Bingo, outdoor wellness tips, and more!
Como Zoo & Conservatory
Como Zoo & Conservatory is offering LIVE zookeeper talks and gardener talks. Tune in Monday and Thursday at 1:30pm on their Facebook page. Can't watch live or don't have Facebook? Visit their website for a full archive of posted videos.
Saint Paul Library
Stay safe and stay connected with the help of Saint Paul Public Library. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Saint Paul Public Libraries has curated popular library resources as well as their favorite experiences from across the web that they think you’ll enjoy.
Research "Staying in" programs
Sprockets
Sprockets is a network of many different after-school and summer programs in Saint Paul. Their vision is that all Saint Paul's youth will develop their abilities as learners, contributors, and navigators so they can recognize and achieve their greatest potential. This collaboration includes Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, Saint Paul Public Library, Saint Paul Public Schools, and other program partners. Check back as programs will be continually created and added throughout the year.
