Being transplanted from sunny Hawaii to the frozen tundra that is Wisconsin has forced me to embrace (okay, tolerate) cold weather. Dealing with frigid temperatures is no fun, but when you’ve have kids, you can’t hibernate for the entire winter.
To cure cabin fever, consider a winter outing with the entire family. Learn how to cross-country ski, snowshoe or ice-skate. The outdoor activities will give your kids a chance to burn off some steam, and help you spend quality family time in nature.
Some options for winter fun include:
UTAH
Soldier Hollow Cross Country Ski Resort, located in Midway, Utah, has dozens of easy trials for beginners. What’s more, if you show up at the resort on Saturdays between 1 and 4 p.m. you can get free lessons, ski equipment and snowshoes. The resort was a mainstay during the 2002 Olympics, and also sponsors Ski for Light, a cross-country ski program for the visually impaired.
MASSACHUSETTS
Weston Ski Track in Weston, Massachusetts, boasts a bevy of scenic trails along the Charles River. The track is situated just 20 minutes west of Boston, which means you can snowshoe or cross-country ski in the morning and enjoy other popular city attractions in the afternoon.
MICHIGAN
Roscommon, Michigan, is the site of Cross Country Ski Headquarters. The family-friendly winter activity center provides ample room (22 kilometers of trails) for first-time snowshoers to try out the sport. In addition, your family can end the day with a trip to nearby Trappers Cabin for free hot dogs, hot cocoa and a bonfire.
MINNESOTA
At Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, you can snowshoe, geocache, hike or dog sled on acres of well-groomed trails. The park also features plenty of pavilion space for you to enjoy an outdoor picnic.
VERMONT
Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center in Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont is home to an impressive trail network that caters to beginners and veterans alike. You and your family can cross-country ski or snowshoe for free every Saturday throughout the winter.
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