During the winter months, The Pacific Northwest is a wonderland for fans of the snow and cold. There are endless options for fun and icy adventures to keep families busy. If you’re less enthusiastic about the freezing temps, but beginning to go stir crazy from trying to hide inside, we’ve got some great ideas that’ll inspire you to get outdoors. Grab your boots, hats, and gloves and read on for some fun things to do this season!
If you aren’t quite ready to hit the slopes, consider giving cross-country skiing a try. This favorite family activity reduces the cost of skiing—when compared to downhill skiing— with plenty of free trails to explore in both Oregon and Washington. You can rent ski equipment for the whole family for as little as $15 a person—making this family outing extra easy on the wallet.
Cross Country skiing is also a great option for the little snow bunnies in your crew who are still too timid for the mountains. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and some sweet treats for a full day of non-stop fun.
Add a little adrenaline to your winter outing with a half or a whole day of sledding. Zipping down snowy hills is full of thrills for both parents and kids alike. If you are located in Portland, Mt. Hood Skibowl guarantees good times, but they do come at a cost of $26 to $59 for adults and $20 to $47 for kids. Paradise at Mount Rainier gives Seattle families a nearby opportunity to shoot down the side of a volcano. The stuff every young adventurer dreams of. An entrance fee to the National Park is required, but well worth the cost. Grouse Gap Sno-Park near Mt. Ashland is a great option for families from Medford and Ashland looking for some high-speed fun. Don’t forget to bring something to munch and snack on as sledding takes a good amount of energy.
This underrated winter activity is accessible to every member of your family. If your tribe likes hiking during the warmer months, they will love seeing their favorite remote areas when they are frozen over and covered in white drifts of snow. Snow shoeing makes wandering through the woods and up the mountainsides magical. Mt. Rainier National Park offers ranger-led snowshoe tours for free. Explore Mt. Hood with Mt. Hood Adventures snowshoeing tours. They offer a variety of packages including a Day Snowshoe Tour and a Moonlight Snowshoe tour.
If you are looking for a quick and fun family outing, hit up the local ice skating rink. There are a variety of options for families who are looking for this magical winter experience. There are indoor and outdoor rinks, so you can hit the ice even when the weather turns bad. If your little ice dancers really enjoy taking a spin around the rink, sign them up for classes where they’ll learn to take their skills to the next level and twirl. Lessons are also great for the younger set who can’t quite figure out how to keep their legs underneath them.
Winter doesn’t have to mean spending months curled up on your couch trying to stay warm. There are plenty of fun things to do outdoors for families with kids of all ages. When you’re done playing outside, you can always keep up on your game at an indoor tennis court. Before you hit the mountain, check out these five healthy foods to fuel your winter activity.