Hit the (Bunny) Slopes: Top Spots for Tots to Ski, Skate, and Sled

Just because the youngest ones in your brood aren’t quite ready for black diamonds and triple axles, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the winter fun! Check out the spots below for smaller hills and classes just for them.

Photo: Whitetail Resort via Facebook

Snow tube here: Whitetail Resort
Head to Whitetail Resort for tyke-friendly hills and slopes. Just 90 minutes away from downtown D.C., you’ll be there and back in time for dinner. For the tiniest of tots, there’s a mild kiddie hill ($8, unlimited). But for the “I can do it myself” crowd, the snow tubing hills will not disappoint. Though a parental unit will have to ride with those under 5. Don’t worry, mom and dad actually make the tubes fly down the hill faster. There’s a lodge right next door to pick-up warm cocoa and fuel for the next round of tubing.

Open: Mon.–Thu., 4 pm-10 pm; Fri., 12 pm–10 pm; Sat.-Sun., 9 am–10 pm
Cost: One hour session ($20 midweek, $26 all other days); two hour session ($23 midweek, $29 all other days); unlimited kiddie tubing ($8)

13805 Blairs Valley Rd. (Mercersburg Pa)
717-328-9400
Online: skiwhitetail.com

Photo: sdixclifford via Creative Commons

Go sledding here: The Hill at the U.S. Capitol Building
It may not be snowing (yet!) but when it does, it’s BYOS (bring your own sled) to the hill in front of the Capitol Building! This hill is perfect for mini-lugers since it isn’t very steep. Plus, how can you beat the Capitol as the backdrop for memorable photos? To warm up afterwards, head to one of the museums on the National Mall.

Open: All the time
Cost: Free, bring your own sled

East Capitol St. NE and First St. SE (Capitol South)

Photo: Elvert Barnes via Flickr

Ice skate here: The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
There aren’t many places where the pint-sized pirouetters can make their skating rounds amidst beautiful sculptures and topiaries. If the grown-ups don’t want to slice the ice, they can grab a warm drink from the cafe next door while supervising their brood from the sidelines. If it’s the first time for the tots on ice, consider taking the “Mom/Dad & Me” or “Snowplow Sam” classes aimed at the 3-6 year old crowd.

Open: Mon.–Thu.,10 am–9 pm; Fri.-Sat., 10 am–11 pm; Sun., 11 am–9 pm
Cost: $8/adults;  $7/kids under 12; $3/skate rental; Classes, $135 for (5) 30 min sessions

6th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Capitol Hill)
202-216-9397
Online: http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/visit/ice-rink.html

Where do you take the littlest ones for some cold weather fun? Tell us in the Comments section below. 

—Lisa Ng