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Stave off cabin fever this season with this ultimate guide to winter fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve discovered 30 fun ways to spend the cold winter days and to keep kids active and entertained all winter long.
Whether you’re looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered. Consider trying a winter sport like snow tubing or skiing, get hands-on in a maker space, whip up your own hot chocolate bombs, or maybe find a new passion.
Be sure to bookmark our event calendar for constantly updated picks, and find more fun in our Indoor and Winter Fun Guides.
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Great Destinations for Winter Fun Near Westchester
1. Enjoy Playtime for the Under-6 Set
Get your fix of indoor play at a Pop-in! Play Space, which offers 60-minute, 90-minute, or half-day sessions.
Mohonk Mountain House offers pristine, wide-open spaces for winter recreation. Photo courtesy of the resort
6. Visit a Hudson Valley Family Favorite
Splurge on day passes to Mohonk Mountain House, which currently includes winter sports and winter trail passes.
7. Hit the Slopes
Westchester is close to several Northeast ski resorts suitable for first-timers and experts.
8. Try Snowtubing
Book a lane for a family snow tubing adventure in the Westchester and Hudson Valley area.
9. Go Sledding
Take the plunge at one of our top picks for snow day sledding.
RELATED: Cross-Country Skiing Destinations Near Westchester and NYC
Lace up and enjoy skating or pond hockey. Photo courtesy of Friends of Gorham’s Pond
10. Hit the Ice in Connecticut …
Cross the border and take a spin on the ice at one of these outdoor rinks in Connecticut.
11. …Or in NYC
Or, if you prefer, glide with the New York City skyline as your backdrop.
RELATED: Family-Friendly Ski Areas Near NYC
Don’t let the cold keep you from the hiking trails. Photo by Ally Noel
12. Take to the Trails
Bundle up for a hardy winter hike and compare the views on the various trails.
13. Honor the Bald Eagle
Pay homage to our majestic national bird on February 4 at the annual Hudson River EagleFest, which celebrates the bald eagle’s return to the area.
14. Do a Good Deed
In the spirit of MLK Day, rack up community-service credits at one of several county-organized park maintenance events. You might clean parks or remove invasive plants, and you’ll feel good about community service.
RELATED: See Baby Animals and More at Kid-Friendly Farms in Westchester and Hudson Valley
The Greenburgh Nature Center offers private maple sugaring classes. Photo by the author
15. Learn about Maple Tree Tapping
Head to Ashokan’s Annual Maple Fest on March 25 or 26 for some maple tree fun—plus campfires, nature walks, and more
16. See Sustainable Agriculture Up Close
Visit the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, open year-round.
17. Start a New Challenge
See how many of these 40 outdoor activities you can get through before spring.
18. Dine Outdoors
Experience the latest al fresco dining craze by reserving a table in a heated igloo at Salsa Picante in White Plains—and enjoy some great Mexican food, too
19. Try Snowshoeing
Go snowshoeing at Minnewaska State Park. If you don’t have gear, don’t worry. Rentals are available.
RELATED: Our Guide to Parks, Playgrounds, and Outdoor Spaces in Westchester
Make hot chocolate bombs for a fun, at-home activity to pass a cold winter day.
20. Go Homemade
Make your own hot chocolate bomb, the delish food craze, with our simple recipe.
21. Get Away
Opt for a change of scenery in the mountains or by the shore by planning a low-cost winter weekend getaway.
22. Break Out the Screens
Fill any downtime with these online enrichment opportunities your child can enjoy from home.
23. Make Art
Schedule a studio visit or pick up a to-go kit at one of these local art schools.
24. See Science–Live
Kids between the ages of 8 and 13 will love seeing science come to life with Doktor Kaboom and the Wheel of Science on Feb. 5 at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck
25. Deliver Fun Directly to You
Sign up for a monthly subscription box to deliver new activities to your kids (ooh, mail!).
26. Explore a New Area
See all the offerings in nearby Litchfield County, Connecticut, where year-round fun awaits. Or visit another quaint community nearby.
Grab a summertime treat to beat the winter blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
27. Enjoy a Cold Treat
Embrace the cold: There’s no rule against getting ice cream in the winter.
28. Take a Snow Day
Keep our at-home snow day boredom busters handy just in case of school closures.
29. Have Some Parent-and-Kid Fun
Spend a day tackling one of these fun wintertime activities for kids and their grown-ups.
30. Get the Guide
Bookmark our Winter Fun Guide for details on a slew of winter sports and seasonal fun.
A version of this post was first published in 2021 and has been updated annually.
