When the snow stacks up in Maple Grove, the question isn’t if you’ll get outside—it’s where you’ll slide first. Our area is packed with family-friendly hills and winter hubs that make it easy to spend a few chilly hours whooshing, giggling, and warming up over cocoa. Below are five nearby spots, from classic free sledding hills to a lift-served tubing park, perfect for a winter day with your little ones.
Maple Grove’s own Elm Creek Park Reserve has a dedicated sledding hill inside the Douglas F. Bryant Winter Recreation Area. It’s an easy family win: park, grab your sleds, and head to the hill for plenty of runs without a huge hike. The larger winter hub here also includes beginner ski/snowboard slopes and loads of groomed ski trails, so it’s simple to pair sledding with a short nature walk or a snack break at the chalet. Do check the online conditions page before you go, Elm Creek posts hill status and seasonal notes so you don’t waste a trip.
If your kids love sledding, they’ll adore tubing at Elm Creek—same thrill, far less climbing. A moving sidewalk carries riders up a huge hill, then you’ll cruise back down on wide, groomed lanes built for safety (and squeals). It’s a great choice for mixed ages because everyone rides their own tube and the lanes help cut down on collisions. You reserve timed tickets online, which keeps lines manageable and makes planning a breeze for families.
While Central Park isn’t a sledding hill, it’s still a fantastic “home base” for a winter outing with kids thanks to its refrigerated, 810-foot ice-skating loop, warming pavilion, restrooms, and snack bar. Many families pair a morning of sledding at Elm Creek with a late-afternoon skate here (or vice versa) to stretch the fun without a long drive. The park also plows walking paths so little legs can wander without post-hole trudging. Keep tabs on hours and weather policies before you lace up.
Just southeast of Maple Grove, Wirth is legendary for winter play. In addition to world-class ski trails, the park’s winter recreation area includes classic sledding plus a separate, ticketed tubing hill. The big hill near The Trailhead/Wirth Chalet offers long lines, good pitch, and lights in the evening, perfect for after-school runs. Tip: it’s popular on weekends, so arrive earlier in the day with preschoolers if you want a mellower scene.
If you want a lower-key neighborhood option, Audubon Park’s hill is a favorite among families. The slope is fun without being intimidating, and community sources note a cozy touch: loaner sleds available when the recreation center is open (yes, really). It’s an easy, no-frills place to practice steering, share turns, and still be back home in time for naps. Check the park page and local sledding roundups for current amenities and insider tips.
Maple Grove parents have it made: a hometown sledding hill at Elm Creek, lift-served tubing for that extra “wow,” a top-tier metro sledding destination at Wirth, and a sweet neighborhood hill at Audubon. Mix and match based on your kids’ ages and energy, and you’ve got multiple winter playdates ready to roll.
And when you’re not zipping down snowy slopes, give your child a place to grow all year long. Little Newtons in Maple Grove offers infant care, toddler care, preschool, and Pre-K in a safe, educational, and fun environment. Schedule a tour to see the classrooms and meet the team.
Photo by Matt Arnold on Unsplash
