Photo: Ryan A
Photo: Kyle Ahlborn
Photo: John Martin
Hopkins Pavilion
★4.5(94 reviews)$Sports
🕑 1.5-3 hours👶 Best for ages 3-14. Younger children enjoy open gym sessions and beginner skating programs, while tweens and teens gravitate toward drop-in hockey, fitness activities, and supervised youth events. The facility also offers adaptive programs for children with special needs.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Hopkins Pavilion is a versatile community recreation center that keeps families active year-round with indoor ice skating, open gym time, and engaging youth programs. With its welcoming atmosphere and wide variety of activities all under one roof, it's a go-to destination for Hopkins families looking to burn energy on cold Minnesota days or enjoy affordable recreation any time of year.
Highlights
- ✓Public ice skating sessions with skate rental available
- ✓Open gym time with basketball courts and activity space
- ✓Youth sports programs and camps during school breaks
- ✓Fitness classes that include family-friendly options
- ✓Heated viewing areas for parents and spectators
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on public skate days (especially weekends) to rent skates before they run out of popular sizes
- 2.Bring your own skates if possible to save on rental fees and avoid wait times during busy sessions
- 3.Check the online schedule before visiting as ice time alternates between public skating, hockey leagues, and figure skating clubs
- 4.Pack extra layers and gloves for ice skating sessions,the rink area stays chilly even when kids are active
- 5.Take advantage of the warm-up area with seating where parents can watch through the glass while younger siblings play
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are least crowded, perfect for younger children learning to skate. Weekend public skate sessions are lively and fun but expect more families. Winter months see the highest attendance, while summer offers more open gym availability.
What to Know
Hopkins Pavilion offers affordable daily admission and punch card options for frequent visitors. Ample free parking is available on-site, and vending machines provide snacks, though outside food is typically allowed in designated areas.
Seasonal Notes
Ice skating is the main draw October through March, with extended public skate hours during winter and school breaks. Summer programming shifts focus to open gym, sports camps, and youth activities. Holiday-themed skating events are popular around Christmas and Valentine's Day.
Follow Hopkins Pavilion
Nearby Eats
The Pavillion Restaurant & Sports Bar (family-friendly despite the name) is right across Excelsior Boulevard with kid favorites like burgers and pizza. For a quick bite, Hopkins Main Street is just 2 miles away with multiple casual dining options including Whiskey Junction and Mainstreet Bar & Grill.
More Activities Near Hopkins
Adventure
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
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Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail offers families a beautifully maintained paved path perfect for introducing kids to biking adventures or enjoying a leisurely stroller walk. The scenic creek views and gentle terrain make it ideal for all skill levels, from toddlers just learning to balance to older kids ready to log some serious miles on their bikes.
Theater
Hopkins Center For the Arts
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The Hopkins Center for the Arts brings culture and creativity to families through engaging theater productions, hands-on art classes, and seasonal camps in a welcoming historic building. Located in the heart of downtown Hopkins, this community arts hub offers year-round programming designed to spark imagination and introduce children to the performing and visual arts in an accessible, family-friendly atmosphere.
Park
Burnes Park
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Burnes Park is a quintessential neighborhood gem in Hopkins that delivers everything active families need for an afternoon of outdoor fun. With its well-maintained playground equipment, multiple sports courts and fields, and generous open spaces for running around, this park offers the perfect mix of structured play and free exploration that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Park
Cottageville Park
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Cottageville Park is a welcoming Hopkins neighborhood gem that offers everything families need for a classic park day. With well-maintained playground structures for multiple age groups, open sports fields perfect for pickup games, and shaded walking paths for stroller-pushing parents, this 4.6-star park provides a comfortable outdoor escape without traveling far from the western suburbs.