There’s nothing like heading outside for hours of sledding, snowball fights, and ice skating, even if the winter chill can be unwelcoming at times. If you’re looking to make the most of the winter snow, take a trip to these resorts, hills, and rinks for a little wintertime fun.
Tubing
Wintergreen Resort
Book a trip to Wintergreen for hours of fun on the mountain. The tubing track, The Plunge, is Virginia’s largest tubing park with a drop that’s the height of a 10-story building and is spread out over a hill longer than three football fields. Riders speed down this hill reaching almost 30 miles per hour, so this track is not for the faint of heart. A release form needs to be signed before riding, just FYI. Route 664, Wintergreen; $34-$39
Sleigh Rides
Deep Creek Sleigh Rides
Get into an old fashioned sleigh and cuddle with your kids under a blanket while you are pulled through the snow by a couple of horses. This one-horse open sleigh experience is weather dependent, but your best bet for a snowy ride is mid-December through March. Check the Facebook page for weather updates. 1689 Pleasant Valley Rd., Oakland, Maryland; $22 per person, ages 13 and up, $17 per person ages 3-12, under 3 Free; $75 per couple for private rides
Plunging
Prince William Plunge
At the Prince William Polar Plunge on February 18, you’ll be jumping directly into the Potomac and enjoying live music, while trying to combat chattering teeth — all to benefit the Special Olympics. It’s also a bit of a wacky outfit contest as there are prizes for the “best dressed” plunge-er. Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge; $100 to register
Sledding
Jamestown Park
This 6-acre park offers plenty of fun. It’s perfect for sledding in the winter, but also full of outdoor activities once the snow melts away. Look for it next to Jamestown Elementary School. 3618 N. Dickerson St., Arlington
Ice Skating
Ice & Lights The Winter Village at Cameron Run
Ice and Lights is a fun, outdoor family adventure with plenty of Insta opps to fill your feed with twinkling lights. It’s also a top spot to ice skate throughout the winter months. We recommend bringing your skates and hitting the outdoor ice rink. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eishenhower Ave., Alexandria; $22.03 for access to village and ice skating (Through January 1), $14.07 for ice skating (January 7-February 26)
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