As a native of Virginia and a local of Northern Virginia for the last 25 years, I’ve been able to find many family-friendly winter adventures in Northern Virginia that are a must. I’ll admit that the fun never ends in Northern Virginia for activities and experiences, and winter here is no different. You can choose to explore locally or drive just 2-2.5 hours for a winter day trip from Northern Virginia, and you will find endless fun that your family will fall in love with.
For my family, we take on all the adventures year-round! I am always on the lookout for fun that is easily accessible nearby. My family and I participated in several winter activities that I know you will find just as enjoyable to experience with your loved ones.
Here are the best winter activities in Northern Virginia for your family to indulge in this winter, both local and nearby.
Winter Activities In Northern Virginia
Ice Skating
There may not be snow on the ground just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your family to the ice rink for some good old ice skating. There are several ice rinks locally in Northern Virginia, where you and your family will get to experience the brisk cold of winter while gliding along the ice (or holding onto the side rails until you gain your balance). No judgment here!
Stay Warm: Skating Must-Haves
I recommend bringing thick, long socks to protect your ankles from the ice skates rubbing on them and to prevent blisters on your toes. Be sure to have a winter beanie (hat), gloves/mittens, a scarf (if you’d like), ice skates (if you have them), or you can rent them at the rink, and don’t forget your coat. You’ll be indoors at most of these ice rinks, but trust me, the cold weather comes to you indoors, too!
Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks
Here are a few ice rinks local to Northern Virginia that we’ve explored as a family and loved. Take your pick for your next winter adventure.
Arlington: MedStar Capitals IcePlex*
* If you’re a Washington Capitals fan, you will love visiting this ice rink!!
Reston: SkateQuest
Sterling: Loudoun Ice Center
Prince William (Woodbridge): Prince William Ice Center
Waterfront Strolls
I find it quite relaxing and fun to just take a stroll along the waterfront in a couple of the nearby old towns here in Northern Virginia and beyond. I bundle up with my family, and away we go. There’s something to be said for the quiet stillness that surrounds you during the wintery season. There are fewer people outside, and the crisp, winter air seems inviting to those brave enough to step out into it.
You have options to dine, shop, or walk along the waterfronts of these old towns for as long as you desire. I find this to be a fun way to explore new places to eat and see what’s inside many of the quaint shops to be found in these towns.
Old Town Alexandria (VA): This is usually one of the busiest old towns to visit during the summer months, but come winter, the town is all yours to explore, dine, and shop! The waterfront view is absolutely breathtaking as well. Be sure to capture some photos while visiting with your family.
Old Town Occoquan (VA): A much smaller town, but sometimes smaller for me is better. Some days, I just want to take a quick trip to Old Town Occoquan and walk along the waterfront, soaking in the views. Nothing super fancy. But for me, it’s the quiet, admiring the wildlife, braving the colder temps, and embracing those very moments with no other cares in the world.
Old Town Harpers Ferry (WV): While this old town is not located in Northern Virginia, it is approximately just a short 1.5-hour drive from the area. I usually combine this waterfront stroll in Old Town Harpers Ferry with a hike prior. It gives us a complete day in Harpers Ferry to soak in both the views from our hike and the waterfront views right there in town. If you’re going to dine here, I highly recommend The Rabbit Hole. Absolutely delish!
Winter Day Trips from Northern Virginia
While there are lots of local winter activities you can sign up for, there are also many winter day trips from Northern Virginia that you can take, given our proximity to so many nearby adventures.
Winter Hiking
One of my favorite activities year-round is hiking. The winter is no different for me. Granted, my kids are not fans of hiking in the winter, and if your kids are the same, then grab a friend or two and hike away! I love to bring North on all my hiking adventures! She loves exploring anywhere we go. Hiking is a great active outing that allows you to spend quality time with your family, friends, or fur-baby and breathe in the crisp, wintery air.
Winter Hiking Essentials
You always want to be prepared when hiking, and in the winter, it is even more imperative to ensure you have all the right gear needed (even for day-hiking). Hiking in the winter can be quite treacherous if you’re not careful and well-prepared. Remember to bring a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, thermal pants/shirt to layer under your clothes, and a warmer winter coat.
It’s good to remember that in the winter season, you’re likely to encounter road closures leading to detours you may be unfamiliar with, potential ice, snow, and frigid temperatures. But if you’re prepared, hiking in the winter can be just as fun, if not more fun! There will be fewer crowds, and imagine snowy, draped mountains that beg you to pull out your camera and capture those moments in time.
Nearby Winter Hiking Destinations
Here are three of my all-time hiking spots, just under 2 hours, depending on your location in Northern Virginia. I consider them some of the better choices for a winter day trip from Northern Virginia for hiking in any season.
McLean, VA: Great Falls National Park
Front Royal, VA: Shenandoah National Park
Harpers Ferry, WV: Harpers Ferry National Park
Skiing
Who says you need to spend several days to truly have fun skiing? While I am not a pro-skier and would never claim to be (watch out for me on the slopes), I will say taking a day trip skiing with my family was one of our best winter activities we’ve done as a family. It was their first time and they killed it…in a good way! We were exhausted by the end of the day, but it was completely worth it!
Ski Day Essentials: What to Pack for Your Trip
If you’re new to skiing like we were, then be sure to follow this packing list to make sure you and your family have all the essentials to enjoy your day of skiing. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own ski equipment. Each resort provides you with the necessary rental ski equipment for a daily fee.
You’ll want to be sure to pack the following in your bag before you depart for some fun on the slopes!
- Waterproof/windproof ski jacket (keeps you the warmest and ensures you stay dry)
- Thermal-wear (pants/top to go under your clothing, serving as a base layer)
- Ski pants and socks (trust me, you don’t want to go cheap on your socks – be sure to buy ski socks (wool/synthetic, no cotton) to keep your feet warm/dry)
- Ski mask/neck gaiter (helps keep your face warm when gliding down those slopes as you catch some serious wind)
- Warm hat or beanie (you usually will wear a hat/beanie when you’re taking a break from the slopes to keep warm)
- Waterproof gloves/mittens
- Ski goggles
- Lip balm with SPF (this is super handy and keeps your lips from getting chapped in the colder temperatures)
Nearby Ski Resorts
Here are a couple of ski resorts fairly close to home that make a winter day trip from Northern Virginia manageable for families to enjoy, either as a first-time skier or someone wanting a refresher on the slopes, like me.
Fairfield, PA: Liberty Mountain Resort
The closest ski resort to the Northern Virginia area is Liberty Mountain Resort, just shy of about 1.5 hours away. I prefer this ski resort to the others a bit further out since this was the first time my kids had ever been skiing, and if you’re new to skiing, the other ski resorts can feel intimidating for a first-time skier. Liberty is a smaller ski resort offering more personal attention and fewer crowds. This alone is helpful for beginners.
The ski resort offers ski lessons for beginners or those wanting a refresher course. Although I’ve been skiing before, it’s been years, so I wanted to get a refresher for myself as well as for my kids, given it was their first time on the slopes. The ski lessons are helpful and worth the time. They also offer snowboarding lessons for those braving the slopes. Have no fear! It’s a blast!
TIP: If you book a ski/snowboard lesson, you will receive a discount on both your lift ticket(s) and ski rental(s). I saved approximately $300 by taking this route! Definitely worth a look!
Mercersburg, PA: Whitetail Ski Resort, approx. 1.5 hours drive
Massanutten, VA: Massanutten Resort, approx. 2.5 hours drive
Snow Tubing
If you find that skiing isn’t your jam and you want something that feels a bit less risky on your legs, go snow tubing. You are just one short drive away from a winter day trip from Northern Virginia for some real fun! We always have a blast anywhere we go, snow tubing. My family and I have visited all three of the above ski resorts for snow tubing as well. It never gets boring, and a 2-hour time slot is plenty of time for some snow tubing fun. Bring some friends! The more the merrier!!
Bundle Up! Family Snow Tubing Must-Haves
Snow tubing is a blast as long as you’re properly dressed for the colder temps. My son learned real quickly the importance of remembering those snow boots! It’s not fun snow tubing if you’re freezing. Be sure to grab all these must-haves before you leave for your snow tubing adventure.
- Waterproof/windproof ski jacket (keeps you the warmest and ensures you stay dry)
- Thermal-wear (pants/top to go under your clothing serving as a base layer)
- Snow boots (the last thing you want is for your feet to freeze, and trust me, they will if you do not have the proper foot gear with you)
- Ski pants and socks (trust me, you don’t want to go cheap on your socks – be sure to buy ski socks (wool/synthetic, not cotton) to keep your feet warm/dry)
- Ski mask/neck gaiter (helps keep your face warm when racing down the lanes, as you will catch some serious wind just like when skiing)
- Warm hat or beanie (if you have young kids with you, they will most likely be required to wear a helmet, so a warm hat/beanie should be packed when they’re taking a break from tubing; adults will definitely want to wear a warm hat/beanie)
- Waterproof gloves/mittens
- Ski goggles/sunglasses (keep the glaring sun from blinding you on your way down the snow tube lanes)
- Lip balm with SPF (this is super handy and keeps your lips from getting chapped in the colder temperatures)
Sledding
Another fun activity my family and our friends enjoyed was sledding. A family-friendly winter day trip from Northern Virginia to Davis, West Virginia, where we were greeted with our own sleds and a conveyor belt to take us to the top. It rained while we were there, so we definitely were soaked, well, our coats were. Thankfully, we were all dressed for the weather and were able to stay dry for the most part.
It was an absolute blast! You know it was a good time if I’m smiling while sharing this adventure with you!! My friend and I laughed the entire way every single time we glided down the slope. So much so that our stomachs hurt from laughing so much. Between rain and cold and snow, you can imagine how slippery the snow (ice) became and controlling our sleds was almost next to impossible. It was the most fun and reasonably priced!
Davis, WV: Blackwater Falls State Park, approx. 2.45 hours drive
Winter Scenic Railroad Ride
One of the more unique day trips my family and I embarked on this last winter season was a scenic railroad ride from Cumberland, Maryland to Frostburg, Maryland. It was definitely a trip to remember. We were served a warm meal on the train and when we arrived at our destination, we were greeted with snow-filled views in every direction. This is a fairly inexpensive day trip that your kids, if not you too, will enjoy and remember for years to come.
The train ride is simple, yet fun. The staff on the train were very kind and helpful in answering any questions we had before departure to Frostburg. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has several tailored train rides you can choose from for the winter and holiday season. I highly recommend you book early if you’re looking to experience The Polar Express train ride with your family. They will sell out fast!
Cumberland, MD: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, approx. 2-2.5 hour drive
Looking for other destinations? Check out our Travel Adventures, and for short weekend trips, visit our Weekend Adventures.
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