Let it Snow
“Kids cooped up too long grow stir-crazy. For an afternoon of fun, head outdoors.”

When the temperatures nosedive, snowflakes fall, and winds whip around you, it’s easy to duck for cover. But now is no time for hibernating; in fact, a breath of fresh air and some vitamin-D-packed sunshine will probably do you some good. Before cabin fever sets in (and before the thaw of spring), head outdoors and enjoy a winter wonderland.

Mountain Magic

Snow is still synonymous with skiing, but many of today’s ski resorts have expanded to include offerings that appeal to different levels of skill and adventure. Campgaw Mountain (www.skicampgaw.com) in Mahwah is the state’s premiere destination for learning to ski, snowboard, or snow tube. There is also a freestyle terrain park for advanced skiers and ’boarders to show off their skills. At the kid-friendly Hidden Valley Club (www.hiddenvalleynj.com) in Vernon, skiing and snowboarding are the main events. Here, all trails lead to a single base area—perfect whether you ski as a whole family or let the kids learn the ropes while you tackle more difficult trails. Elsewhere in Vernon, Mountain Creek (www.mountaincreek.com) is one-stop entertainment, with everything from skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, to a terrain park, shopping, lodging, and nightlife.

Ice castles

There’s no need to travel to New York City’s Wollman Rink or Rockefeller Center; you can lace up your ice skates locally, too. Some of the best ice skating in the area is available at The Beacon Hill Club (www.beaconhillclub.org) in Summit. The outdoor rink is nestled in wooded surroundings and is the center for a busy ice-skating program for all ages. The Mennen Sports Arena (www.morrisparks.net) in Morris Township is a year-round, full-service ice center offering public sessions, group lessons, hockey clinics, figure-skating clubs, and birthday party packages. New sessions begin February 27. And at the Richard J. Codey Arena (www.essexskatingclub.org) in West Orange, there are two rinks, a pro shop, a skate rental area, food concessions, party rooms, and locker rooms. Classes are available for ages four through adult.

For the kids

Kids cooped up too long grow stir-crazy. For an afternoon of fun, head outdoors to the playgrounds at Memorial Park in Westfield, the Morris-Union Jointure Playground in New Providence, or Phil Rizzuto Park in Union. All are handicapped-accessible. Or head to the Turtle Back Zoo (www.turtlebackzoo.com) in West Orange or the Weis Ecology Center (www.njaudubon.org) in Ringwood, where animals and nature always make for a fun outing.