Skiing & Winter Sports

9 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks to Visit with Kids in NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/19/2017 - 4:40pm

It's time to sharpen those ice skates. Many of New York City's outdoor rinks are open for family fall, er, winter fun.

Whether you prefer to twirl with the tourists at Rockefeller Center and Central Park's Wollman Rink, or go off the beaten path to a Mommy Poppins favorite such as Lasker Rink, the city offers plenty of options for newbies to polished skaters—even a FREE skate spot. If it ever gets too cold to glide outside, you can always hit one of NYC's indoor ice skating rinks.

Easy Spring Break Getaways for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 03/23/2017 - 4:00pm

Spring break means sunshine and outdoor fun. But if a trip to Florida or the Caribbean is not in your family's plan this season, a low-key getaway that's closer to home is an ideal way to welcome warmer weather.

From New Jersey beach towns to campgrounds and indoor water parks and resorts, we've found the best options for fun family destinations right here in the Garden State. And if you're looking for a shorter jaunt minus the overnight stay, check out our guide to New Jersey family day trips. But don't forget we just profiled some pretty cool family travel deals too!

Top Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in NJ

Submitted by Kristen Haas on Wed, 02/08/2017 - 1:00pm

Looking for an outdoor winter activity for the whole family? There are a number of outdoor ice skating rinks in NJ where you can take a skating lesson, play hockey, or just grab a hot chocolate and skate during a public session. Of course, if you feel like staying indoors, you can always check out our list of the Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in NJ. And for more wintry sports, try our Ski & Snow Guide.

Ice Skating Lessons for Preschoolers in the Boston Area

Submitted by Therese Sison on Tue, 01/24/2017 - 10:12am

Does your preschooler dream of being a hockey star or Olympic figure skater? Or do you simply want to help your little one learn a new skill and take part in a fun winter activity? Either way, three- and four-year-olds are at a perfect age to learn to skate, and we're lucky to have access to lots of great public rinks in Boston. We've compiled a list of area ice skating schools that offer lessons especially for this age group.

9 Places for Family-Friendly Snowshoeing Near Boston

Submitted by Elyse Andrews on Fri, 01/20/2017 - 10:00am

When temperatures start to drop in Boston, it’s tempting to want to hibernate inside with the kids. But that almost always leads to a bad case of cabin fever. So when winter strikes, we try to embrace it. This means getting out for activities like wintertime walks, skiing, and ice skating. And our other favorite winter activity, that’s perfect for the whole family: snowshoeing. Whether you have your own snowshoes or need to rent them, there are plenty of options for where to try snowshoeing near Boston.

The Best Family Sledding Spots on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 12:30pm

Say it ain't snow. But it is.

Parents with kids eager to brave the outdoors don't have to leave Long Island to find ideal sledding spots. We've rounded up a few places where you can hit the local powder for FREE. Safety first though, so be sure to check surroundings for sticks, rocks and more, and wear a helmet and proper snow gear to keep warm. Bring your own equipment to these snow-covered destinations and be ready for some fun.

Don't forget to check our January GoList and Event Calendar for more ideas on winter entertainment for your family, whether the weather outside is frightful, or delightful.

There's also plenty of seasonal fun in our Long Island Winter Fun Guide, from skiing to hot chocolate spots to FREE events all winter.

Favorite Ski Spots Near NYC for Families and Kids

Submitted by Anna Fader on Fri, 01/13/2017 - 1:26pm

Now that winter has arrived, it's time to embrace the chill. We've rounded up some of the best skiing and snowboarding spots within a few hours of New York City.

A winter sport like skiing is great way to get outdoors as a family, and it will make the warm weather seem to come much sooner. Read on for our rundown of these nearby slopes, so you can pick one or two that match your kids' skill levels and interests. Want info on more family skiing and other snow sports? Check out our Ski Guide, covering the tristate area, New England, and even California for more options, including snowboarding parks or snow tubing.

Happy skiing!

Family-Friendly Skiing and Snowboarding Spots Around NJ

Submitted by Shari Simpson on Wed, 01/11/2017 - 2:23pm

If you want to help your kids develop a lifelong love of skiing, snowboarding, and other snowy sports, this is a good place to start. We've rounded up some nearby ski resorts where you and your family can enjoy time on the slopes with minimal time in the car. We've also included safety tips for skiing and snowboarding from respected professionals. If you're looking for winter fun that's a bit less strenuous, snow tubing might be just the thing. And for even more options, check out our Ski & Snow Guide.