Make the Most of Your Remaining Winter Break! 12 Ideas for Winter Fun with Kids on the Riverway

 

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the remaining days of winter break? The Great Miami Riverway offers plenty of indoor and outdoor adventures perfect for family fun! Here are 12 exciting activities to try:

 

Glide Into Winter Fun

Lace up those skates at RiverScape MetroPark's outdoor ice rink! With rental skates available and a heated pavilion nearby, it's the perfect winter activity for all skill levels. Grab some hot chocolate from the concession stand to complete the experience.

 

 

Hit the Trails

Winter reveals a different side of nature. Bundle up and explore the region's extensive trail network. The bare trees offer unique views of the river you can't see in summer.

Find hiking inspiration and trail maps on our partner sites:
Miami Conservancy District
Miami County Park District
Five Rivers MetroParks
MetroParks of Butler County
Great Parks of Hamilton County

 

 

Try Geocaching

Turn a winter walk into a treasure hunt! Geocaching combines outdoor exploration with technology for a fun family adventure. There are hundreds of caches hidden along the Riverway.

Get started here!

 

 

Soar Through History

The National Museum of the United States Air Force offers an incredible (and free!) indoor adventure. Kids can explore over 350 aerospace vehicles, sit in cockpits, and even experience a virtual reality simulator.

 


Ice Cream Adventure

Who says ice cream is just for summer? Take a sweet tour of the Riverway's ice cream shops that are open for winter hours.
Many offer special winter flavors that are worth bundling up for!

 K&J's Ice Cream
Susie's Big DIpper
Jubie's Creamery
Rad Candy Company
Three Dips Ice Cream Shoppe
Whit's Frozen Custard- Trenton
Aglamesis Bros- Hamilton

 

Step Back in Time


Carillon Historical Park brings Dayton's rich history to life. Take a ride on the carousel, visit the original Wright Flyer III, and grab lunch at Culp's Café. 
Don't miss the Great 1913 Flood Exhibit! This exhibit illustrates how perseverance and heroism in the Miami Valley region following the disastrous flood led to the formation of the Miami Conservancy District and the unfailing flood protection infrastructure we have today. 

 

Visit Your Library

(Photo credit: Amanda A.)
Local libraries offer more than just books! Many branches offer special winter break programming. Some locations even have maker spaces where kids can experiment with 3D printing, robotics, and crafts. 


Go Birding

Winter is an excellent time for bird watching! Many species are easier to spot when trees are bare. Grab some binoculars and see how many different birds you can identify.

If you'd prefer a guided birding adventure, Great Parks is hosting a Winter Birding program on Saturday, January 5th. Details here!


Experience Living History 

Visit Johnston Farm & Indian Agency to learn about Ohio's Native American heritage and early canal era. Check their website for special winter programming.

 

Discover and Play

At Boonshoft Musem of Discovery, curious minds can explore science through hands-on exhibits. From the planetarium to the zoo animals, there's something for every young explorer.



Explore Ancient History

At SunWatch Indian Village, step back 800 years to explore a reconstructed Native American village. The archaeological site offers unique insights into prehistoric life along the Great Miami River.

Discover Art in Nature

Experience art in a whole new way at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum in Hamilton. This unique 300+ acre sculpture park offers an Art Cart adventure - or drive through in your own heated car to view massive outdoor sculptures set against winter's dramatic landscape. Plus, warm up inside the Ancient Sculpture Museum, home to Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Etruscan pieces thousands of years old. It's a perfect blend of outdoor beauty and indoor exploration for those chilly winter days!

Not ready for the festiveness of the holiday season to end? Pyramid Hill Lights are going on through January 5th!

 

Tips for Winter Adventures:

  • Always check venue websites for current hours and any special holiday schedules
  • Dress in layers for outdoor activities
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Many locations offer special winter break programming - call ahead to check!
  • Many of our park agency partners offer passports to track your adventures
  • Share your winter fun photos with us using #GreatMiamiRiverway

Need more ideas? Visit GreatMiamiRiverway.com for a list of attractions and upcoming events!