Kids Can Try Ice Fishing for Free at This Rochester Area Event

If you’re looking for a fun winter activity that gets kids outside and off screens, this one’s worth circling on the calendar. Project MN Youth Outdoors is hosting its annual youth ice fishing expo and kids get to fish for free!

The event is open to kids ages 3 to 15. Even better? No experience or gear is required. It’s designed to make ice fishing approachable, fun, and stress-free for kids and families.

All you have to do is show up dressed for the weather and ready to learn.

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There will be prizes, including trophies for top finishers, drawings, and even lifetime fishing licenses awarded to lucky participants.

Plus, there will be hot dogs, chips, and water available, along with a hot chocolate bar to help warm everyone up.

The goal of the event goes far beyond catching fish. Project MN Youth Outdoors is a nonprofit organization with a mission to create meaningful experiences for young people and spark a lifelong love of the outdoors and activities like fishing and hunting.

Whether your child is already obsessed with fishing or has never held a rod before, this event is a welcoming, low-pressure way to try something new, meet other kids, and enjoy a winter day outside.

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The 14th Annual Youth Ice Fishing Expo takes place February 7th, 2026, at Chester Woods Park. Registration starts at 10 am with the tournament going from 11a until 2p, and admission is free.

Also, if you’re interested in volunteering, they could certainly use extra help. For more details and/or to connect with the organizers, head to the Project MN Youth Outdoors Facebook page.