Taking the Kids: 15+ fun ways for fun in the snow off the slopes

For those on a budget, consider the pooch-friendly YMCA of the Rockies and Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado (opt for a cabin) where there are many complimentary activities, including complimentary guided snowshoe hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, ending with cocoa and s’mores around the fire pit, crafts, indoor roller skating, basketball, pool, indoor climbing wall, and even a new hot cocoa truck and free rentals at the outdoor ice skating rink. (If you want a day on the slopes, you aren’t too far from Granby Ranch or Winter Park and can rent your gear at Snow Mountain Sports.) At Snow Mountain Ranch, there is new moonlight ski and snowshoe opportunities at their expansive Nordic Center and dog sledding and the chance to meet the new dog sled huskies.

On the East Coast, the Appalachian Mountain Club offers affordable all-inclusive winter stays with guided activities, including for those “Wee Wanderer’s 4 to 6. (Kids stay and eat free during February school vacation weeks at Joe Dodge Lodge and the Highland Center.).

In Massachusetts, consider Forest Bathing on a Mindful Monday with Adventure East amid the solitude of Chesterfield Gorge in West Chesterfield.

We had a memorable trip to Yellowstone one winter when we snowshoed and came face to face with a buffalo near Old Faithful. There are special winter packages. (Want to learn more about wolves?) Tour by Snow Coach or snowmobile!

North of the park in Montana, there’s Yellowstone Country where you could try ice climbing and legendary hot springs, among the snowy activities.

For those who want to cozy up around a fire there are always vacation rentals. But if you prefer someone to wait on you (and make your bed!) consider a historic resort like Mohonk Mountain House only 90 miles from New York City. Founded in 1869 and voted the number one resort in 2023 by Conde Nast Traveler in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, it is surrounded by 40,000 acres of forts and is a national historic landmark. There are 30 miles of groomed trails for cross- country skiing or snowshoeing, winter hiking, outdoor ice skating, snow tubing and an award-winning spa.

We’ve visited the historic (open in 1902) Omni Mount Washington Resort with its famous zipline and 25,000 square-foot spa. (The longest zip is over 1,000 feet long and about 165 feet high off the forest floor!) Check for special WINTER deals.

In the Midwest, Destination Kohler in Wisconsin offers everything from curling to fat-tire biking, S’mores by an outdoor fire, even a hot chocolate bar. There are cabins as well as a hotel. (Stay three nights by March 31 and get a complimentary third night.)

Don’t forget your waterproof mittens and hand warmers.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kid’s Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kid’s Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)