Activities for Kids

Be Cool: Your Guide to Winter Fun in NYC

New rinks, old favorites, and some cozy spots to warm up along the way!

By Mimi O'Connor January 10, 2022

Baby, it’s cold outside, but that shouldn’t stop you from having some fun in the great outdoors with the kids this winter. Need ideas? Check out our favorite winter activities in and around NYC, which will get you gliding and sliding right into the spring thaw. From winter hikes and skating rinks galore to hitting the slopes and breaking for the ultimate hot chocolate, here are the best things to do with kids this winter in NYC. (Need some tips on how to embrace the cold? This story on NYC Forest Schools in NYC can help!)

Snow Tubing

January is really when snow tubing gets going in the NYC area.

Click here for our favorite spots!

Hiking

Hit the trail—in NYC proper or upstate and beyond.

We recommend these spots for winter hikes with kids!

Ice Skating

There are all kinds of rinks in NYC, from iconic and crowded to lesser-known with a bit more room to glide.

Find your rink match here!

Skiing

Hit the slopes at one of our favorite NYC-area ski resorts!

Try Curling

You don't even have to leave the city to give this winter sport a try, which you can do in Midtown at Bryant Park's Curling Cafe & Bar. It's "iceless" curling (on faux ice) and your reservation includes a heated dining dome, food and drink (hot chocolate, chicken tenders, etc.), and a dedicated curling lane for 90 minutes of play.

Family Packages for on to four guests are $250 and $475 for five to eight guests.

Bryant Park
42nd Street and Sixth Avenue
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org

Geocaching

Geocaches (little treasures hidden in public all around the world) are still there, even in the snow! Click here to read about how to start searching in NYC!

Sledding

The classic winter activity of slopes, a slippery surface and gravity.

Click here for all of our favorite NYC sledding hills!

Drink Some Hot Chocolate

When you're ready to warm up, try one of the best hot chocolates for kids in New York City!

Eat Some Fondue

And if you're hungry, why not indulge in the wonderful comforting cheesiness of fondue. These are our favorite spots for fondue with the family in NYC!