Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend is Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19.

During this three-day weekend, any Minnesota resident can go fishing for free if fishing with a child 15 years old or younger. Minnesotans 15 years old or younger don’t need fishing licenses any time of the year.

“Ice fishing is fun. If you’ve ever considered it, this is a great winter to give ice fishing a try,” said Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Our weather this winter has generally been good for making ice on lakes across the state, though it’s always important to verify ice depth before venturing out to your chosen spot”

Groups new to ice fishing can find helpful tips, ice safety information, and a webinar about taking kids ice fishing on the Minnesota DNR take a kid ice fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/takeakidicefishing). Of further note, the fishing season for trout in lakes outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins Jan. 17. The locations of trout fishing lakes and other tools to find trout fishing opportunities are available on the DNR trout fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/fishing/trout).

People can also consider fishing at a state park or recreation area — where they can combine fishing with other outdoor fun. The Minnesota DNR is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Jan. 19 during Free Park Day (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays). Recreational opportunities at state parks and recreation areas include birding, winter hiking, nature photography, and enjoying a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. People can visit the DNR winter activities guide (mndnr.gov/state_parks/winter_guide/index.html) for more ideas.