January, February, and March bring us New Englanders lots of opportunities for outdoor fun if you like the cold weather. Even if you don't like the cold weather and snow, I bet your kids do so here is a guide to some winter fun!
I have broken this out into three sections:
Local Sledding Spots
Indoor & Outdoor Skating Rinks
Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing
Enjoy!
| LOCAL SLEDDING SPOTS |
Bundle up, grab your favorite sled and head out for a day of fresh air, laughter and fun outside! Below is a list of local sledding spots in Fairfield, Trumbull, Shelton and surrounding areas.
Please note: Macaroni Kid has not vetted these locations and is in no way responsible for trespassing or any injuries. If you know of any issue with any of the hills listed here please let me know at melissac@macaronikid.com
Fairfield
🛷 Sturges Park, 550 Mill Plain Rd.
🛷 Tunxis Hill Park, 225 Melville Ave.
Easton
🛷 Helen Keller Middle School, 360 Sport Hill Road
🛷 Christ Church, 59 Church Rd.
Trumbull:
🛷 Five Pennies Park, 1773 Huntington Turnpike
This is private property, only members of the Nichols Improvement Association (NIA) are permitted to sled at this location. Vehicles without an NIA sticker will be towed.
🛷 St. Theresa’s, 55 Rosemond Terrace
🛷 Long Hill School, 565 Long Hill Avenue
🛷 Indian Ledge, 307 Indian Ledge Park Road
🛷 Twin Brooks, Twin Brooks Drive
🛷 Madison Middle School, 4630 Madison Avenue
Monroe
🛷 Whitney Farms, 175 Shelton Rd.
Hole 7, Whitney Farms Golf Course, park on Settlers Farm Road.
Shelton
🛷 Shelton High School
🛷 Long Hill School
🛷 East Village Park
Ansonia
🛷 Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Rd
Derby:
🛷 Derby High School, 8 Nutmeg Avenue
🛷 Osbourndale State Park (softball field), 555 Roosevelt Drive
Newtown
🛷 Treadwell Park, 8 Philo Curtis Road
Bridgeport
🛷 Beardsley Park, 1875 Noble Avenue
| INDOOR & OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS |
Want to spend some time on the ice? We've compiled a list of local (and a few regional) places to ice-skate, inside AND outside!
Information below is what was available at the time of publishing, so we encourage you to call ahead to confirm availability and status.
INDOOR RINKS
⛸ The Rinks at Shelton
784 River Road (Rte. 110), Shelton; 203-929-6500
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Highlights:
- Hosts the world's only double-decker NHL ice rinks!
- Sessions available for public skating, freestyle, pick-up hockey and sticks & pucks
- Session hours vary; check web site; advanced reservations required online
- Public Skate: $12.50 per adult; $10.50 per child under age 12; Skate Rental $8
⛸ Wonderland of Ice
123 Glenwood Ave, Bridgeport; 203-576-8110
Highlights:
- Public skate times change weekly, check the website for this weeks times.
- Cost: $15
⛸ Danbury Arena
1 Independence Way, Danbury; 203-794-1704
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Highlights:
- Indoor arena open for pre-booked ice times; no walk-ins available
- Hours of operation fluctuate based on booked ice time reservations
- Skaters can book times online for public skate, figure skating, speed skating and sticks & pucks
- No skate rentals available; must bring your own skates
- $15 per person
⛸ Milford Ice Pavilion
291 Sub Way, Milford; 203-878-6516
Highlights:
- Public Skate on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-2:30pm.
- $10 per person, Under 5 Free, Skate Rentals are $5
⛸ Winter Garden Arena
111 Prospect Ridge, Ridgefield; 203-438-4423
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Highlights:
- Public Skate is on Sundays 3pm-4:30pm; Weekly Private "Public" Skating Passes Available
- Tickets must be purchased in advance online
- Public Skate: $15 per adult; $10 per child age 12 and under; Skate Rental $5
- Sticks & Pucks: $15 per person; hockey helmets required; full equipment suggested
OUTDOOR RINKS
Please note: Macaroni KID has not vetted these locations and is in no way responsible for trespassing or any injuries. We strongly recommend calling ahead to confirm if the outdoor rinks and/or ponds are open on any given day and if it is safe to skate on.
⛸ Unity Park
Unity Park Road, Trumbull; (203) 452-5060
Highlights:
- Call Trumbull Parks and Rec to find out about skating conditions, 203-452-5060
⛸ Dickinson Park
50 Elm Drive, Newtown; (203) 270-4340
Highlights:
- The rink is located under the pavilion.
- Ice Hockey is not permitted
- Must be off the ice by 7:45pm as the park closes and the gates will be locked at 8:00pm.
⛸ Pickett's Pond at Osbornedale State Park
Chatfield St., Derby; (203) 735-4311
Highlights:
- Skating is popular with night lighting and attractive warm-up hut provided.
- The Division of State Parks and Public Outreach tests for safe ice
⛸ Gould Manor Park & Owen Fish Park
655 Holland Hill Rd. and 1443 Stratfield Rd., Fairfield; 203-256-3191
Highlights:
- Outdoor ponds open to ice-skating when the Fairfield Parks Dept. posts that it is safe to skate.
- The Parks Department measures the thickness of the ice daily
⛸ Redding Community Center
37 Lonetown Rd., Redding; (203) 938-5036 x3
Highlights:
- Outdoor rink for Redding residents and their guests. Always call before heading to the rink. See RULES here.
- The Seasonal Ice Rink is usually located in the parking lot near RCC Field 2 (to the right as you pull into the parking lot)
⛸ Simsbury Farms Ice Rink
100 Old Farms Rd., West Simsbury; (203) 735-4311
62 miles and 1 hr. 15 min. from Danbury
Highlights:
- This covered, outdoor rink is open Nov. 6, 2021 - March 13, 2022
- Weekday cost: $3 for residents, $4 for non-residents, $5 for skate rentals
- Sunday cost: $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents, $5 for skate rentals
| SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, TUBING |
Looking for a day trip or weekend getaway to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing? We have rounded up some local and regional suggestions for you!
CONNECTICUT
⛷ Mohawk Mountain Ski Area - Cornwall, CT
55 miles and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for children as young as 5+
- Snow-tubing: Must be 42" in height to enter the tubing area
- Dining: Open every day servicing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- Does not offer childcare services
⛷ Mount Southington Ski Area - Plantsville, CT
35 miles and approximately 50 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for children as young as 4+
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Outdoor dining is available including food trucks. Limited dining with table service inside.
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- Does not offer childcare services
⛷ Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort - Middlefield, CT
40 miles and approximately 1 hour from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for children as young as 6+
- Snow-tubing: General tubing as well as a Kids Snow Zone play area with mini-tubing.
- Dining: Restaurant on site with guidelines in place; Private day rooms and dining rooms available to rent.
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- Does not offer child care services
⛷ Ski Sundown - New Hartford, CT
65 miles and approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for children as young as 4+
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Food Courts and Lounge on site; may be closed due to COVID
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- Does not offer child care services
UPSTATE NEW YORK
⛷ Catamount Mountain Resort - Hillsdale, NY
90 miles and approximately 2 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for children as young as 5+
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Grab & Go available as well as an outdoor BBQ; no brown-bagging this season.
- Hotel: Accommodations available right at the mountain
- Night Skiing is available!
⛷ Hunter Mountain - Hunter, NY
125 miles and approximately 2.5 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for children as young as 4+
- Snow-tubing: Single rider must be 44" plus, children between 36" and 44" may ride with 1 adult
- Dining: Snacks and restaurants available although some others may be closed due to COVID
- Hotel: Accommodations right at Hunter Mountain available at the Lodge
- 2020/2021 Season will not offer child care services
⛷ Rocking Horse Ranch - Highland, NY
75 miles and approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- All activities and amenities are included in this all-inclusive resort
- Ski lessons: Group lessons available
- Snow-tubing: Riders must be 36" plus; single and double tubes available
- Dining: All inclusive dining; breakfast/lunch/dinner plus character meals
- Hotel: Accommodations on-site
- Other activities include an indoor water park, arcade, bowling, fitness center and spa
⛷ Thunder Ridge Ski Area - Patterson, NY
35 miles and approximately 1 hour from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski Lessons: Available for children 4+ and snowboarding lessons for children 6+
- New this 2020-2021 season: Family private ski lessons
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Nearby dining available
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
⛷ Windham Mountain - Windham, NY
130 miles and approximately 2.5 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for children 7+; children and adults of all ski abilities can find fun on the mountain with many options available
- Snow-tubing: No age/height limits as long as the person is able to get in and out and sit up; children are not allowed to ride with an adult
- Snowmobiles: Kid snowmobiles available for those 6+ and under 120lbs
- Dining: Lots of dining options available
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- 2020/2021 Season will not offer snowshoes and it is unclear if they are offering child care services this season.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
⛷ Ski Butternut - Great Barrington, MA
82 miles and approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for children as young as 6+; Private Family Lessons also available.
- Snow-tubing: Ages 5+; must be able to ride alone
- Dining: On site with guidelines in place
- Hotel: Nearby accommodations available
- Does not offer child care services
⛷ Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort - Hancock, MA
135 miles and approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for children as young as 6+
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Many restaurants available on site with guidelines in place
- Hotel: On and Offsite accommodations available
- Child care services on site although 2021 season info not available
⛷ Otis Ridge - Otis, MA
80 miles and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Trumbull
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Ski lessons available for children as young as 4+, Snowboarding lessons available for children as young as 8+
- Snow-tubing: Not available
- Dining: Many restaurants available in the area
- Hotel: Offsite accommodations available
- Does not offer child care services
⛷ Bousquet Mountain Ski Area - Pittsfield, MA
95 miles and approximately 2 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Group lessons available for ages 5 and up, private lessons for kids ages 2-4.
- Snow-tubing: Available for those at least 42″ tall
- Dining: Restaurant onsite and many restaurants available in the area
- Hotel: Offsite accommodations available
- Does not offer child care services
⛷ Berkshire East Mountain Resort - Charlemont, MA
130 miles and approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for ages 7+
- Snow-tubing: Available for those at least 42″ tall
- Dining: Onsite dining
- Hotel: Nearby lodging
- Does not offer child care services
VERMONT
⛷ Mt. Snow - West Dover, VT
150 miles and approximately 3 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding Lessons: Available for children as young as 3+
- Snow-tubing: Not yet open; check back soon.
- Terrain Parks: rails and jumps available for more advanced snowboarders
- Dining: Many restaurants available on site with guidelines in place
- Hotel: On and Offsite accommodations available
- Child care services unavailable this season
NEW JERSEY
⛷ Mountain Creek - Vernon, NJ
95 miles and approximately 2 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Skiing/Snowboarding: Lessons available for children 4-15
- Snow-tubing: All riders must be at least 5 years old and 42"
- Sno-Go Biking: Available for persons 5 feet and taller
- Dining: Indoor and outdoor dining available
- Hotel: Lodging available at the mountain
- Pool: Outdoor heated pool and hot tubs available year-round
⛷ Campgaw Mountain - Mahwah, NJ
70 miles and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: specialized programming for children 4-6
- Offers day and night skiing
- Snow-tubing: 42" height requirement and only single riders
- Dining: Two different dining areas available.
- Hotel: None on-premises
PENNSYLVANIA
⛷ Camelback Mountain Resort - Tannersville, PA
150 miles and approximately 3 hours from Trumbull
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for families and kids ages 4+
- Snow-tubing: 44" and taller, riders 33"-43" can ride with an adult in a double tube
- Dining: Abundant food options available
- Hotel: Accommodations on premises
- Pool: Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is open (pending any unforeseen changes)
- Indoor fun: rock climbing, escape room, arcade, virtual reality, bumper cars, bowling
- Closed until further notice: laser tag, indoor ropes course
⛷ Shawnee Mountain Ski Area - East Stroudsburg, PA
140 miles and approx 2 hours 50 minutes from Trumbull
Family Amenities Highlights:
- Ski/Snowboarding lessons: Available for families and kids ages 4+
- Snow-tubing: Available for ages 4+
- Dining: Onsite dining plus many options in the area
- Hotel: Accommodations in the area
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