National Sports Center050

Minnesota's most visited sports facility boasts 52 soccer fields on its 660-acre campus, along with four Olympic ice sheets, an 18-hole golf course, a stadium with a 400-meter track, an all-wood all-weather velodrome, and an event meeting center complete with dormitory and cafeteria.

The biggest event hosted by the site is the Schwan's USA Cup, the largest youth sporting event in the Western Hemisphere. Minnesota's Thunder and Lightning soccer teams also play some of their home games at NSC. In addition, the center offers year-round instruction, summer camps, some open access to facilities, party packages, sporting goods, and so much more it's exhausting just contemplating it.

Ice skating: A cafe and pro shop, public skating, and year-round skating and hockey instruction for kids ages four and up are offered at the Schwan Super Rink, including classes for special needs skaters taught by Olympic-certified coaches. Check the website for open skating hours - which vary from week to week - and information on current class offerings, or call 763.717.3880.

Golf: The newest addition to the NSC complex is the National Youth Golf Center, specifically designed to offer kids and families a non-threatening, affordable introduction to the sport. It features a club house and pro shop, oversized driving range, multiple tee boxes, an 18-hole events course, and an 18-hole bent grass putting course. Several levels of classes are offered from May to October for kids ages four and up, along with summer programming. Parent-child clinics, private lessons (starting at $25/half hour), and group lessons (starting at $15/person) are available, too. Call 763.792.7345 to schedule.

Soccer: NSC's Soccer Academy offers both day and residential summer camps, along with a wide array of general and specialized classes and training off-season and on. Check the website for offerings, or call 763.792.3999 for more information.

Other youth programming: Bikers ages 12 and up can enroll in development training at the Velodrome; All-Sport Camps for ages six to 16 provide exposure to numerous sports in a single program; and the Track and Field Club offers specialized training for high school athletes. There's even more - check the website for details.

Birthday parties: The Schwan Super Rink offers party packages during open skate times, as well as during private rentals. Fees include skate rental, use of a party area, invitations, pizza and soda, and decorations. Rates start at $135 for ten people. Catering can also be arranged through the Hat Trick Cafe on the upper level. Call 763.717.3880 to book a party or find out more.