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  • 7 NoVA Winter Bucket List Items to Check Off Before the Season Ends
people snow tubing down tracks at Snow Riders in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
  • Things to Do

7 NoVA Winter Bucket List Items to Check Off Before the Season Ends

Don’t miss the boat on these cold-weather activities.

By Kate Oczypok February 26, 2026 at 7:00 am

Don’t let the season pass you by without checking these fun activities off your winter bucket list. Squeeze in one more ski or snow tubing trip or relax in a cozy igloo with friends.

Attend a Winter Bird Walk

February 28, 8 a.m.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is offering a winter bird walk at Sweet Run State Park on February 28. The park borders the Appalachian Trail and is a great place to see many species of birds. Attendees should meet at the main parking lot near the Interpretive Center and bring binoculars if you have them. Registration is required. 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro

Northern Mockingbird with red berries
Courtesy of Emily Isaac/Mass Audubon

Squeeze In One More Skiing Weekend at Bryce Resort

Now through early to mid-March, depending on weather

Just a 90-minute drive from Dulles, Bryce Resort is open on weekdays and weekends and has night skiing. The resort has 12 ski trails and caters to all skier levels, from beginner to skilled, ages 3 and up. Post-skiing, grab a bite to eat at either the reservations only Copper Kettle Restaurant or The Shenandoah Center, a winter cafeteria. 1982 Fairway Dr., Basye

skiers stand at the top of the mountain
Courtesy Bryce Ski Resort

Go Snow Tubing at Snow Riders

Now through March 15

There’s nothing better than sailing down a hill in a bouncy snow tube. Snow Riders, just a short ride away in Harpers Ferry, sells 90-minute sessions of unlimited riding and has plenty of snow-making machines if temperatures are above freezing. On Wednesdays, guests can tube for up to four hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Snow Riders’ snow tubing is available now through March 15. 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

a snow tubing hill lit up with colorful lights at night
Courtesy Snow Riders

Enjoy a Winter Igloo at Lark Brewing Co.

Through March 22, weekends only

Lark Brewing Co.’s weekend winter igloos are available for two-hour reservations. The heated domes are for parties of two to eight and are $160 to rent. The igloos have plenty of blankets, Bluetooth speakers, and even TVs. Reservations must be paid in advance. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie

Ice Skate at Reston Town Center

Through March

Reston Town Center’s skate shop is stocked with more than 500 pairs of skates from a toddler’s size 8 through men’s size 15. There are even double-bladed skates for beginners to help with balance. Metered street parking is available along Market Street and nearby areas. 1818 Discovery St., Reston

ice skater at the Reston Town Center rink
Courtesy IRL Agency/Hawkeye Johnson

Grab a S’mores Hot Chocolate at SoftSpot

S’mores hot chocolate was a viral sensation this winter. SoftSpot in Chantilly serves their own version, with a deliciously sweet marshmallow fluff rim and three different versions: a classic one finished with dark chocolate drizzle, a salted caramel choice with Maldon sea salt, and a wintery peppermint version. When the weather gets warmer, come back for soft serve or dirty sodas. 13905A Metrotech Dr., Chantilly

The S’mores Hot Chocolate shown in three versions including a classic preparation finished with dark chocolate drizzle, a salted caramel version with Maldon sea salt and caramel, and a peppermint version finished with crushed peppermint candy
Courtesy SoftSpot

Sip on a Glass of Wine by the Fireplace at Barrel Oak Winery

While Barrel Oak Winery is kid-friendly, they do offer 21+ areas if you’re interested in an adults-only outing. Their fireplace seating is for those ages 21+ and a cozy option for those looking to enjoy winter comfort before spring arrives. 3623 Grove Ln., Delaplane

Kate Oczypok

Kate Oczypok

Contributing Writer

Kate Oczypok has been a freelance writer since 2011, and is proud to be a regular contributor to Northern Virginia Magazine in digital and print since 2020. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, People.com, Better Homes and Gardens, and locally The Georgetowner and Washingtonian Magazine, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from American University and a M.Ed. in Education from Penn State. She also teaches virtual piano lessons in the after school hours and does portrait photography on weekends.

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