FAMILY DAY KICK-OFF

It's opening day for "Winter Wonderland: A Nordic Christmas" at the American Swedish Institute. Guests are invited for a day of holiday fun, including creating gingerbread and traditional tree ornaments. Play a game of Swedish Christmas Bingo. Join in the great Tomte Hunt of 2014 and even take your picture and enjoy a story with the Scandinavian elf. Meet the authors and illustrators of holiday books and explore the holiday exhibits. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. $5-$9. American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-4907. www.asimn.org.)

LIVE ANIMALS ON TOUR

Ever wonder how slithering salamanders and other reptiles and amphibians survive the winter? Find out on a hike with a naturalist. Search for animals based on the clues they have left. (1 p.m. Sat. $5. Cleary Lake Regional Park, 18106, Texas Av., Prior Lake. www.threeriversparks.org.)

Melissa Walker