10 Fun New England Winter Activities for Families

It can be tempting to stay indoors during the colder months, but New England winter activities will help you enjoy this awe-inspiring wonderland. From hiking and skiing to riding a sleigh, these family-friendly activities show it’s never too cold to enjoy New England.

1. Take a Hike

This region’s hiking trails are well-known for spanning a huge variety of landscapes. From mountain ranges to verdant forests and stunning coasts, New England’s trails are some of the most unique in the world. Discover New England offers a list of top trails, including the epic Appalachian Trail.

2. Swoosh through the Snow

Take to the slopes for one of the most popular New England winter activities. You can choose from various resorts with novice to advanced and family-friendly skiing or snowboarding. Cross-country skiing offers a more relaxed adventure, including night trips under the stars.

3. Go for a Skate

Many cities offer free or inexpensive ice skating at local rinks around the holidays. In contrast, Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, New Hampshire offers three acres of Victorian skate park. Bundle up, and take the whole family for a nostalgic afternoon, ending with piping hot cups of cocoa.

4. Ride a Sled

When the next snow day hits, take the whole family for a day of gleefully speeding downhill on your local sledding hill. The more adventurous can carve down mountains in a Mad River Rocket at Clearwater Sports in Vermont, though such New England winter activities are not for the faint of heart.

5. Go Tubing

Snow tubing can seem fairly strange at first, but sliding downhill on specially-groomed slopes is fun for children of all ages. No previous experience or special equipment is required, though some facilities offer night tubing or special programs for very young children.

6. Tour on Snowmobile

Exploring sparkling white snowscapes by snowmobile allows you and your family to explore breathtaking areas that might not be accessible otherwise. Options abound for tours and trails, with Maine boasting the most snowmobile trails of any state in the Eastern USA, at almost 15,000 miles.

7. Snowshoeing

This sport is one of the simpler New England winter activities for families. Many resorts offer rentals and guided tours for traipsing through peaceful winter landscapes. Vermont’s Trapp Family Lodge situates snowshoeing among spectacular views and Old World architecture.

8. Fish on Ice

Just as fly-fishing takes over New England’s lakes and ponds in warmer months, ice fishing dominates winter. You can have a more authentic experience of pulling fish out of the ice or take a guided trip with a heated fishing house. Consider taking classes from local, state Fish and Game Departments.

9. Dash through the Snow

Taking a sleigh ride is just as romantic as it sounds, especially when you have a warm hearth to return to. Bring the whole family, and the trip becomes a brisk adventure through a winter wonderland. The most famous place for sleigh rides is New Hampshire’s historic Mount Washington Hotel.

10. Mush Some Mutts

For a unique experience, head to Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in New Hampshire, and can take your family on a dog-sledding tour, during which you’ll meet the dogs and work with the team. Sunny Grange Bed and Breakfast also offers practical classes on harnessing and anchoring dogs.

From skiing to snowmobiling and so much more, New Hampshire winter activities are well worth braving the cold. The Travel Channel offers helpful tips, including adult options like zip-lining, ice climbing, and winter camping. Whatever you choose, bundle up, plan ahead, and be prepared for the adventures that await you.

—

Are you craving more outdoor adventures? Check out our guide!