After the new year has begun, winter kicks it into full gear. This makes it a great time to get out and enjoy the sights, sounds and fun of winter. Why not keep the festive feelings going by joining in on some winter activities? Here are some great ways you can take a snow day in Broome County!
Winter Fests
One of area’s major winter events, the Binghamton Pond Festival is held on weekends throughout the month of January at Chenango Valley State Park. The event is an amateur hockey tournament held on a huge outdoor refrigerated ice rink. In addition to hockey there are other family friendly activities like snowshoe races and fireworks, and hockey themed events at local businesses. Amongst the forests and lakes, this is a great opportunity to go all out as a player or spectator.
In February, Broome County Parks will be holding its inaugural Winter Fest at Nathaniel Cole Park. The event will provide an opportunity for family fun including sledding, snowman building, bonfires and more. It’s a great opportunity for some good, old fashioned playing in the snow.
Fun at the Zoo
The Binghamton Zoo is a great place to visit during the winter months. With weekend hours in the winter, you can check out your favorite animals as they enjoy some winter fun. They will also be hosting weekend events for kids, going on adventures to learn more about animals at the zoo. If you aren’t done exploring, the areas surrounding the Zoo are a great place for a winter hike with more than 30 acres of wooded trails. You can search for even more wildlife in its natural habitat.
Hit the Trail
Don’t let the snow and chill stop you from getting out on the trail. Bundle up and head to one of our beautiful parks or natural areas for a new twist on your favorite hikes. Most local parks are open year-round and it can be peaceful and invigorating to explore them during winter. Greenwood Park is unique in that it offers great opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Groomed trails and equipment rentals make it nice and easy for first-timers. If you have your own equipment, many of the other local trails are great for these activities as well.
Have you tried the Broome County Dozen Hiking Challenge? This program challenges you to hike twelve favorite hiking spots selected by the Triple Cities Hiking Club and rewards you with a patch to show off your achievement. Winter weather is no reason to give up on the challenge (as long as you bundle up and wear appropriate footwear) and if you have completed all of the hikes already, you can try the full list again with a winter twist.
Bring the Outdoors In
Of course, there are those days when you really want to enjoy the winter season, but you just want to stay inside. Ice skating at the SUNY Broome Ice Center is a great place for that. You can glide across the ice during one of their scheduled Open Skates. They even make it easy with rentals available.
Or you can leave the skating to the professionals and take in a hockey game. The Binghamton Devils have games all winter long at the Veterans Memorial Arena in Downtown Binghamton. You can grab your snack and drink of choice and get ready for the excitement as you support the team, and with a variety of theme nights there is always something new and fun to enjoy.
If you’re still looking for more to explore, you can always visit the Go All Out Broome County interactive map for things to do in all seasons