Winter doesn’t have to mean being stuck indoors. There’s year-round fun at our parks to help you beat cabin fever, chase away the winter blues, and experience a familiar spot in an entirely new way. Check out these iconic wintertime activities at our parks and sites, but hurry – spring will be here before you know it.  

Ice, Ice, Baby

Ice skating is the classic wintertime activity, and our parks offer a safe way to enjoy the ice. From the urban setting of Riverbank State Park to the serenity of Grafton Lakes to the bustling atmosphere and panoramic views at Bear Mountain State Park, ice skating brings joy wherever you do it. This exhilarating experience gets your heart pumping, and is a fantastic winter bonding experience. Twelve of our parks offer skating, and most of them offer skate rentals as well.  

Make sure to call ahead to ensure that conditions are suited to skating, follow all posted signs, and stay off the ice if you haven’t verified that it’s safe. Find a skating rink near you for an unforgettable experience.

Witness Winter Wildlife 

In the spring and fall, everyone’s chirping about migrating birds, but many species are here all year, including pileated woodpeckers and bald eagles. Others, like the snowy owl, come from the arctic to spend winters in New York. Our environmental educators and volunteers help you spot them through programs like FeederWatch and regular winter bird walks.

Five different species of seals have been spotted in the water off Long Island, and the winter months are an ideal time to see them. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center and Montauk Point State Park offer regular seal walks with naturalists throughout the winter. Hallock State Park Preserve has partnered with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to rescue cold-stunned sea turtles and give them a chance at survival. Every week, volunteers gather to clean the beach and look for turtles in need of aid. 

Throughout the state, you might encounter other wildlife, such as deer, foxes, mink, and wild turkeys. Many of our parks and sites offer winter wildlife programs, but you can always hit the trails on your own! 

Take to the Trails 

Winter is a great time to gain a fresh perspective on a favorite trail. As the leaves drop from the trees, new vistas open up. Animals leave their tracks in the snow, revealing their comings and goings. Freezing temperatures transform familiar streams, waterfalls, ponds, and rivers into a crystalline spectacle.  

If fresh snow has fallen, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing! Many of our parks will not only offer rental equipment but may also offer classes in how to use it. Find a park near you with excellent snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.   

Exploring winter trails is a lot of fun, but it’s important to take precautions. Layer up with moisture-wicking clothing, stay hydrated, bring friends, and monitor weather conditions, which can change rapidly. The Parks Explorer app offers trail maps and has information about trail closings.  

Enjoy the Sweet Life  

New York’s official state tree is the sugar maple, and as winter winds down, it will live up to its name. Many of our parks and sites offer opportunities to learn about the maple sugaring process, watch it in action, and even sample the tasty results! Mark your calendars for New York State Maple Weekends on March 16-17 and March 23-24. 

Blast Through the Snow 

When the snow hits, snowmobilers are out riding! New York State maintains a vast network of snowmobile trails throughout the state on public and private lands. Explore 10,500 miles of trails throughout the state this winter.

To make sure everyone in your family is ready for their snowy adventures, we offer snowmobile safety courses across the state. Find one here.

Find a Cozy Option

Sometimes you just want to stay inside where it’s warm, and we’ve got you covered! Many of our parks hold programs in the comfort of their scenic and toasty nature centers or indoor facilities during the winter months. In addition, the following historic sites offer winter hours and engaging programs and tours. Check with each site before visiting:

• Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown 
• Darwin Martin House, Buffalo  
• Olana State Historic Site, Hudson  
• Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown  
• Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers  
• Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay 
• Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor   
• Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh 
• Walt Whitman Birthplace, Huntington Station
• Washington’s Headquarters, Newburgh   

Plan the Year to Come 

During the cold winter months, it can feel like spring and summer will never get here. But we promise that it will be here before you know it!

Now is the perfect time to plan your camping trips, your beach days, and your summer hikes. Look through your gear to make sure you’re ready, and make your reservations at an old favorite or a new location. There’s just something about researching beaches and campsites that takes the sting out of a cold winter’s day.

Besides, in 2024, we’re celebrating our Centennial, and it wouldn’t be the same without you! Join the Centennial Challenge, take part in the Share Your Story project, and stay up to date with more ways to celebrate. 

–Written by Kate Jenkins, Albany Public Affairs Digital Specialist.