Whether you’re looking to get out of the house and embrace the cold weather, or would rather stay indoors, we’ve got you covered with our guide to winter activities.
Please note: Visit each website for more information about current COVID-19 guidelines.
Skiing and Snowboarding Lessons
Skiing and Snowboarding LessonsAre you hoping to sign up your child for skiing or snowboarding lessons? These mountains and ski hills are the perfect place to start – and they’re all an hour or less from Syracuse.
Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – The closest option on this list, Four Seasons offers a four-week and a six-week program for first-time skiers and snowboarders, as well as one day lessons. This year, parents can also purchase a “Ski With Your Kids” pass.
Where: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.
More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort – At Central New York’s largest ski resort, there are plenty of options for all ages (and skill levels), including group lessons, family lessons, Learn to Ski/Snowboard packages, and full and half-day programs for children. While you’re there, make sure to also check out its adventure center and indoor water park, which is kept at 84 degrees year-round.
Where: 2000 Route 392, Cortland.
More information: greekpeak.net.
Labrador Mountain and Song Mountain – Families can choose from a variety of lessons and packages: Learn-to-Ski Pac (ages 8+), Learn-to-Snowboard Pac (ages 8+), Song Bird/Kids’ Towne (ages 4-12), and group lessons (ages 8+). Reservations are required. Afterwards, stop by The Last Run or Heuga’s Alpine for a bite to eat.
Where: 6935 Route 91, Truxton (Labrador Mountain); 1 Song Mountain Road, Tully (Song Mountain).
More information: skicny.com.
Skaneateles Ski Club – Run by volunteers, Skaneateles Ski Club offers group ski lessons (children must be ages five and up), as well as private lessons for all ages – you don’t have to be a member to sign up. But keep in mind, families must bring their own equipment.
Where: 2995 State Route 174, Marietta.
More information: skiskan.com.
Woods Valley Ski Area – Located about an hour from Syracuse, Woods Valley provides instruction in private, semi-private, and group settings. Learn to Ski and Learn to Snowboard packages are also available, and include a group lesson, lift pass, and equipment rental.
Where: 9100 Route 46, Westernville.
More information: woodsvalleyskiarea.com.
Winter Activities Guide
Central New York has no shortage of outdoor activities during the winter months. These are some of the best places to hike, snowshoe, ice skate, and more.
Allyn Ice Arena – Ice skating.
Where: 97 State St., Skaneateles.
More information: auburnymca.org/ice-programs.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center – Snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.
More information: baltimorewoods.org.
Beaver Lake Nature Center – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center.
Camillus Erie Canal Park – Hiking.
Where: 5750 Devoe Road, Camillus.
More information: eriecanalcamillus.com.
Camillus Ski Hill – Snow tubing.
Where: 401 Blackmore Road, Camillus.
More information: camillusskihill.com.
Clark Reservation State Park – Hiking.
Where: 6105 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville.
More information: parks.ny.gov/parks/clarkreservation.
Clinton Square Ice Rink – Ice skating.
Where: 2 S. Clinton St., Syracuse.
More information: skatesinthecity.com/clintonsquare.
Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – Snow tubing.
Where: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.
More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com.
Great Swamp Conservancy – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 8375 N. Main St., Canastota.
More information: greatswampconservancy.org.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Snow tubing.
Where: 2000 Route 392, Cortland.
More information: greekpeak.net.
Green Lakes State Park – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville.
More information: ny.gov/parks/172/details.aspx.
Highland Forest – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sleighrides, sledding.
Where: 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest.
Kennedy Arena – Ice skating.
Where: 500 W. Embargo St., Rome
More information: romenewyork.com/kennedy-arena.
Labrador Hollow Unique Area – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: Labrador Road, Tully.
More information: dec.ny.gov/lands/37070.html.
Lime Hollow Nature Center – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
Where: 338 McLean Road, Cortland.
More information: limehollow.org.
Meachem Ice Rink – Ice skating.
Where: 121 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.
More information: syracuse.recdesk.com.
Midstate Athletic Community Center – Ice skating.
Where: 5575 Meltzer Ct., Cicero.
More information: midstateny.org.
Oneida Shores Park – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/oneida-shores-park.
Onondaga Lake Park – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding.
Where: 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool.
More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/onondaga-lake-park.
Osceola Tug Hill Cross Country Ski Center – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing.
Where: 1486 Osceola Road,
More information: uxcski.com.
Rogers Environmental Education Center – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 2721 NY-80, Sherburne.
More information: friendsofrogers.org.
Selkirk Shores State Park – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.
Where: 7101 State Route 3, Pulaski.
More information: ny.gov/parks/84/details.aspx.
Sunnycrest Ice Rink – Ice skating.
Where: 698 Robinson St., Syracuse.
More information: skatesinthecity.com/sunnycrest.
SUNY Morrisville IcePlex – Ice skating.
Where: 105 Madison Road, Morrisville.
More information: iceplex.morrisville.edu.
Three Rivers Athletic Complex – Ice skating.
Where: 2725 West Entry Road,
More information: lysanderhockey.com/trac.
Woods Valley Ski Area – Snow tubing.
Where: 9100 Route 46, Westernville.
More information: woodsvalleyskiarea.com.
Indoor Play Spots
Are you looking for a place where your kids can release some of their pent-up energy – and stay warm in the process? Check out these local destinations.
Billy Beez – Located inside Destiny USA, this indoor play space features slides, ball pits, tunnels, trampolines, and sports courts. There is also a Mini Beez area for younger children.
Where: Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse.
More information: billybeezus.com/location/destiny-usa.
Central Rock Gym – Central Rock Gym recently underwent an expansion, and now offers 22,000 square feet of terrain for rock climbing. Families can purchase a day pass or check out one of its youth programs – either way, no experience is necessary.
Where: 600 N. Franklin St., Syracuse.
More information: centralrockgym.com/syracuse.
Play Space – Play Space first opened in 2017, moving into a larger space this past summer. Children ages 8 and under can explore a variety of hands-on exhibits – a farm, steamboat, and the Wegmans Market Café, to name a few.
Where: 100 North St., Suite 2, Auburn.
More information: playspaceabc.com.
Sky Zone – Children and teens can bounce off the walls, literally, at this indoor trampoline park. Sky Zone’s other attractions include SkySlam, ultimate dodgeball, a ninja warrior course, and, its newest addition, the Sky Tower.
Where: 3179 Erie Blvd E., Syracuse.
More information: skyzone.com/syracuse.
The Warrior Factory Syracuse – Are you a fan of American Ninja Warrior? During the gym’s open play sessions, families can try obstacles from the popular TV show, including a spider climb, rings, and warped walls. Just don’t forget a pair of sneakers!
Where: 170 Township Blvd, Suite 20, Camillus.
More information: syracuse.thewarriorfactory.com.
WonderWorks – WonderWorks houses to more than 100 science-themed exhibits, covering topics such as extreme weather, space, and light and sound. Children can also visit the laser tag arena or take on swinging steps and a tremor bridge on the Canyon Climb, a three-level ropes challenge course.
Where: Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Drive, Syracuse.
More information: wonderworksonline.com/destiny.
