6 Winter Activities in the US That Will Keep You Active and Adventurous

Dec 28, 2024

2 min read

Ice skate in Central Park, New York

Walking through Central Park might not be very enticing in the winter, but the prospect of ice skating at the park’s Wollman Rink could be enough to draw you outside. The rink operates from October to March, so you don't have to wait for the chilliest days of midwinter to enjoy skating here. Pair an admission ticket to the rink with a tour of the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.

Witness New York’s frozen Niagara Falls in winter

Niagara Falls is a popular summer destination, but the three enormous waterfalls on the US–Canada border are arguably even more spectacular in winter. Although the Niagara River doesn’t totally freeze, the spray from the falls does, creating natural ice sculptures. Take a tour of the US side of the falls and enjoy great views across to the Canadian side. This has got to be one of the top winter experiences in the US.

Eat and shop your way around Chicago, Illinois’s Christkindlmarket

If you can’t make it to Europe this winter to visit the Christmas markets in Dresden or Prague, Chicago’s European-inspired Christkindlmarket might be the next best thing. Join a walking tour to help you navigate your way around the market, the ice-skating rink at Millennium Park , and store window displays downtown. Then, warm up with hot cider and German-Chicago hybrid cuisine.

Achieve zen with mountaintop “snow-ga” in Park City, Utah

Even the most dedicated yogis can feel the motivation to get on the mat drain away in the cold, dark winter. Instead of fighting the elements, embrace them during a fun “snowga” session from Park City, Utah. Snowshoe to the makeshift outdoor studio, warm up with a hot beverage, then roll out the mat and bust some asanas. Travelers looking for something different will love this unique winter activity in the US.

Stargaze winter constellations in Zion National Park, Utah

Thanks to its minimal light pollution, Utah’s Zion National Park is a great place to stargaze year-round. But winter is an especially beautiful time to join a stargazing tour , as long as you dress warmly. In mid-December you’ll be able to see bright meteors of the Geminid Meteor Shower, and throughout winter you can see the core of the Milky Way—translated, that means lots of bright stars.

Take a winter hike in Chugach State Park, Alaska

Have you even experienced winter if you haven’t traveled to Alaska in the colder months? The most epic winter travel ideas in the US often involve this northwestern state. For a family-friendly experience join a guided winter hike in Chugach State Park , near Anchorage . You’ll see ice dams along the river and the frozen Barbara Falls, and experience the winter wonderland of Alaska’s boreal forest—without any crowds.