In winter, New England’s landscape transforms into a playground of snowy adventures, offering families endless outdoor activities to enjoy together. From thrilling snow tube runs to serene bird-watching trails, the region caters to all interests and ages. Here’s 10 family-friendly outdoor activities across New England to enjoy this snowy February:

1. Snow Tubing Adventures

This month, speed down snowy slopes in snow tubes! New England hosts options of dedicated tubing parks to visit, suitable and fun for all ages.

Nashoba Valley Tubing Park (Littleton, MA): Boasting over 18 lanes and lifts to bring you back up the hill, Nashoba Valley ensures fun for the whole family. Two hour tubing reservations can be purchased on their website.
Gunstock Mountain Resort (Gilford, NH): This resort features a multi-lane tubing hill with the convenience of a magic carpet lift. The resort also offers rustic cabins you can stay in, snowshoe tours, ski trails, and ski lessons for the kids.

2. Snowshoeing Expeditions

Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing doesn’t require advanced skills or lessons. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! This makes it ideal for families with young children or members of different skill levels. Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity that’s easy on the joints, making it great for all ages, including grandparents. Plus, because you move at your own pace and stay on the ground, there’s less risk of injury compared to downhill sports.

There’s no need for expensive lift tickets, making it a budget-friendly alternative to skiing. For families looking to explore winter trails, snowshoeing offers an excellent way to experience the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

Franconia Notch State Park (Franconia, NH): This park offers a 100-km trail network with a variety of trails suitable for all levels, surrounded stunning views of the White Mountains. Snowshoe rentals are available at the Alpine Rental Shop and the Bretton Woods Nordic Center.
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center (Pinkham Notch, NH): Visit scenic trails at the base of Mount Washington, perfect for beginners and experienced snowshoers alike. Purchase Day Passes at the Base Lodge when you come in, no reservations necessary. With tons of snowshoe rentals, they can accommodate large groups and even carry youth snowshoes for smaller adventurers.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is a classic winter activity that families can enjoy together. New England offers both natural and man-made rinks in picturesque settings. Many towns and cities offer free or low-cost outdoor rinks, and skate rentals make it easy for families to participate without investing in gear.

Lake Morey Resort (Fairlee, VT): Home to the longest ice trail in the United States, this 4.3-mile loop offers a unique skating experience amidst beautiful scenery. Resort guests recieve access to hockey and figure skates.
The Providence Rink (Providence, RI): Located in the heart of downtown Providence, this rink offers traditional ice skating as well as ice bumper cars for added fun. They have a concession area rink-side where you can get snacks or rent skates and adorable penguin skate guides.

4. Visit a Reindeer Farm

Introduce your family to the magic of reindeer by visiting the Vermont Reindeer Farm in West Charleston, VT. This farm provides a unique, hands-on experience where visitors can meet and feed real reindeer, learn about their habits, and enjoy a charming winter wonderland setting. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring a little winter magic to life.

5. Winter Bird Watching

New England’s diverse habitats make it a haven for bird enthusiasts, even in winter. Many species are easier to spot against the snowy backdrop. Bird watching requires no special skills or expensive equipment—just warm clothes, a pair of binoculars, and a sense of curiosity. Families can enjoy it from their backyard, local parks, or designated wildlife refuges.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (Newburyport, MA): A prime location for observing wintering waterfowl and raptors along the coast.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge (Middletown, RI): Known for sightings of harlequin ducks and snowy owls during the winter months.

Some of the most beautiful and rare birds migrate to or become more visible in New England during winter. Families can look for:

Snowy Owls: Often spotted along the coast.
Harlequin Ducks: Seen in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Bald Eagles: Often spotted near rivers and lakes.
Chickadees & Cardinals: Their bright colors make them easy to spot in the snow.

Check out this link for more tips on winter birdwatching!

6. Ski Resorts for Families

For families eager to hit the slopes, New England boasts numerous ski resorts catering to all skill levels.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Jeffersonville, VT): This resort is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent ski school programs. The resort offers endless family activities, an indoor pool and hot tub, performances and shows, glow tubing, cross country ski trails, and a resort shuttle service. There are activities for all ages from kids, to teens, to adults.
Okemo Mountain Resort (Ludlow, VT): This resort has a variety of runs and terrain parks, making it a favorite among families. They offer activities like ski and snowboarding lessons, the Timber Ripper mountain coaster, kids entertainment, fire pits and more.

7. Winter Festivals

Embrace the festive spirit by attending winter festivals that celebrate the season with various activities, food, and entertainment.

Newport Winter Festival (Newport, RI): Taking place on February 14th-23rd 2025, the Newport Winter Festival offers a blend of local food, live music, and fun activities for all ages, celebrating the charm of winter in New England. There will be countless performances, cooking competitions, DIY workshops, a reptile show, and more!
Boston Common Children’s Winter Festival (Boston, MA): On Wednesday February 19th from 11am-2pm, visit the Boston Common for a fun-filled event featuring sledding, games, and interactive winter activities for children and families. The free festival is open to all and offers music, dancing, giveaways, winter activities, treats, and crafts. Featured attractions include large inflatable installations such as the Candy Cane Obstacle Course, rides on the alpine slide and seasonal builds with LEGO experts.

8. Cross-Country Skiing

Amidst tranquil settings, cross-country skiing has a gentler learning curve than downhill skiing, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. This activity is a full-body workout you will certainly feel the next day!

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (Jackson, NH): This ski resort boasts an extensive network of groomed trails suitable for all levels as well as rental gear and a ski school. Cross country ski over scenic covered bridges, and check out their calendar of family events.
Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe, VT): With the added charm of Austrian-inspired hospitality, the Trapp Family Lodge offers sits on 2,6000 acres with stunning mountain views. They offer sleigh rides and have scenic, quiet trails for cross-county skiing and snowshoeing. There are guided indoor and outdoor tours about the history of the Trapp Family Lodge.

9. Dog Sledding Adventures

Experience the thrill of riding through the snow in a dog sled with professional guides and well-trained sled dogs.

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel (Jefferson, NH): Provides family-friendly dog sledding experiences through the White Mountains. The proceeds generated from their tours help cover the expenses involved in caring for 80+ incredible canine athletes that call Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel home.
Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience (Oxford, ME): Experience dog sledding on 250 acres of beautiful private woodland trails! Afterward warm yourself in a cozy, traditionally built Yurt while snuggling sled dogs and sipping on complimentary coffee, cocoa, and tea!

10. Ice Castles

For families seeking a unique winter adventure in New England, exploring the enchanting Ice Castles in New Hampshire is a must. These awe-inspiring structures, crafted entirely from ice, feature tunnels, slides, fountains, and LED-lit sculptures, offering a magical experience for all ages.

Still looking for more ideas? Check out another ohDEER blog: 5 Ways to Play in The Snow

10 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in New England This February