Get out!
No, seriously get outside and enjoy this amazing wintry weather. And bring the kids, too.
I know, I know -Western New York can be challenging – I’m born and raised here! I know! It’s long, cold and slippery! But, it can and should be celebrated, too.
You will make incredible memories with your kids and they are tougher than you think, so go for it. Just be sure to bundle up! 🙂
Here are some fun hot spots on ice!
The Buffalo Waterfront: is one of the hottest spots in Buffalo during the summer and it is just as cool in the winter. The rink at Canalside is the place to be for fun for the entire family. The rink has a big city feel with some pretty amazing views. Sure, the kids will fall down (you might, too) but, they’ll get back up and laugh it off.
If you’re up for trying something different, check out the Ice Bikes while you’re there! This stable unit allows you to pedal and steer your way around the rink in the same manner as you would if you were going for a traditional bike ride. Sounds fun, right!?
There’s also Ice Bowling – It’s fun, It’s easy and it’s family friendly! Get to The Ice at Canalside to try out our newest addition, Ice Bowling.
Check out the Ice Bumper Cars!!! They’re basically giant tube-padded bumper cars with joystick controls.
Rotary Rink – yes, it is still there and the skating is FREE!! Free skating overlooking beautiful downtown Buffalo – sounds magical, right!? I’ve taken my girls there so many times over the years. Skate and then head into the heated atrium to warm up and get some hot cocoa.
Sledding hills (AND SO MUCH MORE!)
Chestnut Ridge (6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park) is our go-to for sledding. I’m a Northtowns girl, but my husband grew up in Orchard Park and is always bragging about this park. You’ll find tobogganing, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking and snowmobiling on designated trails. I know, right? So much to do. My brother and sister-in-law were in from Florida recently and we took them there for some fun in the snow! It was a riot!!!
Como Lake (2220 Como Park Blvd, Lancaster) has sledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating with two free ice skating rinks! You can stay dry and warm in the casino as well.
Bond Lake County Park (2571 Lower Mountain Road, Ransomville) is set on the spectacular Niagara Escarpment. The tubing hill is for inflatable tubes only. There is a large ice skating rink for the family as well as one used just for hockey. There are miles and miles of cross-country skiing trails. The warming house can give you a bit of a break from the cold with its roaring fire and seating area.
Delaware Park (84 Parkside Ave., Buffalo) is gorgeous all year. A walk around Hoyt Lake is the perfect trek in the winter. You can bring your sled and head down the hill in the park for some fun, too. It’s a good hill for little ones!
Tifft Nature Preserve (1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo) is one of our favorites. You can take a hike and explore the beautiful grounds at Tifft for free every day from dusk until dawn. There are five miles of nature trails. Cross-country skiing also is a fun way to see nature in all its glory.
A bigger thrill – SNOW many possibilities!
Looking for a bit more of a thrill? There is a mountain of fun to explore in Western New York!
Ellicottville is a magical place in the winter whether you ski or not. There is the shopping, the restaurants and much more. You can head over to Holiday Valley Ski Resort and check out the 58 trails packed with adventure. It is open daily. Prices and times vary but kids 6 and younger always ski free.
Not a fan of skiing? Not a problem. There is so much more!
Kissing Bridge (10296 State Road, Glenwood), daily hours and rates vary but it is always fun to ski. Kids 6 and younger ski free.
Ski or tube at Peek N Peak (1405 Old Road, Clymer). Times and prices vary daily for skiing and tubing, but kids 5 and younger always ski free. Must be 3 years old to tube.
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