In New England, winter is the season of wonder: glistening blankets of snow, the twinkling lights of the holidays, and all the magical moments snuggled up, keeping warm with hot cocoa and matching pajama sets. Embrace the delights that the chillier months have to offer. Here are 10 creative ideas for family fun this season:
Nerd Out
Royal Sonesta Boston in Cambridge offers an exciting Little Scientists Package. This package includes an overnight stay for four, four tickets to the Boston Museum of Science, complimentary milk and cookies and access to the hotel’s spacious indoor heated pool. The museum offers over 700 interactive exhibits, including permanent ones such as the Butterfly Garden, Live Animal Center, and Discovery Center.
Hit the Slopes
It wouldn’t be a New England winter without a ski trip! Nashoba Valley Ski, Westford, MA truly has a snowy activity for everyone. Take your first ski or snowboarding lesson, sign up for a race, or try out their 17 trails and massive terrain park. Plus, families can also enjoy giant snow tubing and fun events throughout the season like listening to live bands or watching special events.
Sleigh It
Imagine the enchantment on your children’s faces as they embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. At Farm By The River, a Cottage in North Conway, New Hampshire, this dream can become a reality. Dash through the snow around the retreat’s 70 scenic acres, just make sure to come back in time to enjoy the inn’s gorgeous accommodations like in-room fireplaces or snowshoeing!
Float Your Boat
Who says boating is just for the summer? Those visiting Boston or local New Englanders taking a day trip can enjoy a cruise aboard the Classic Harbor Line. They offer cruises on weekends in February aboard luxury 1920s motor yacht, Northern Lights and their Boston Harbor Cruise is perfect for a family outing. The 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise is filled with history as it passes by historic landmarks around the harbor. The skyline views provide a great backdrop for a family photo. Families can sit back in Northern Lights’ climate-controlled cabin and cozy up with a hot beverage or cup of signature New England clam chowder.
Slice Some Ice
Trade the traditional ice-skating excursion for the Providence Rink at Alex and Ani City Center smack dab in the middle of downtown Providence. Not only is the rink the size of NYC’s Rockefeller Center, but the 14,000 square-foot rink also offers ice bumper cars for you to add to the family adventure.
Take a Sweet Ride
If your family has a taste for adventure, be sure to check out Sweet Ride Snowmobiles. Set in the gorgeous landscape of New Hampshire’s North Country, Sweet Ride offers private tours only, so that they can meet the individual needs of each party. Each trip is customized and catered to you and what will work for your family including what sights you’ll see and where you’ll stop to refuel with lunch or hot cocoa.
Explore the Ice Castles
Step into the frozen wonderland at Ice Castles in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Professional ice artists build the castles using hundreds of thousands of hand-placed icicles. Watch fire shows, slip down a slide made completely of ice, meet the ice princesses, wander through the magnificent slot cannons and grand archways, and explore ice tunnels.
Block Party
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston is every LEGO lover’s dream come true: 2 rides, 10 LEGO build and play zones, and a 4D cinema. Not to mention The Great LEGO VR Experience where you will be completely immersed in a LEGO race through an exhilarating course. Located right in Assembly Row, Somerville, LEGOLAND is neighbors with exquisite dining choices, an AMC theater, Muse Paintbar, Lucky Strike Social (just get in before 8 pm), and great deals at many outlet stores. Sounds like a full day!
Embark on an Adventure
Join Peace Pups Dogsledding for a ride in a custom hand built touring sled behind an eight-dog team of Siberian Huskies! Learn about the maintenance, training, and equipment that allow the magic to happen. See the Lake Elmore area of Vermont while tucked into a cozy sleeping bag on one of the oldest modes of winter transportation. Peace Pups Dogsledding is conveniently located twenty-five minutes from Stowe and twenty-five minutes from Montpelier.
Pull Some Strings
Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline is the ultimate place for family-friendly entertainment. Every year they offer 300 performances by professional puppet companies that delight audiences of all ages. Your family will be awestruck by the vibrant colors and fascinating stories that truly come to life. After the show, stroll the charming streets of Brookline Village and stop in Koo Koo Cafe or Caffe Nero for a delicious pastry and warm drink.
