Things to do with the Family this Winter

Discover Muskoka: Plan Your Trip

Things to do this Winter with your Family

Families that Play Together, Stay Together!

Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail There is no shortage of winter fun and family memories to be made in our winter wonderland. Bundle up, get active and get outdoors with the whole fam this winter and start make winter memories that will last a lifetime!

Horse Drawn Winter Sleigh Rides

Probably one of our most popular family activities is a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride through the stunning Muskoka. Back of Beyond Equine Centre has a private family sleigh ride and campfire and Twin Maples Farm offers wagon rides and carriage rides for any special event.

 Winter Carnivals

Muskoka’s winter carnivals truly epitomize the charm of our small towns. Each offer their own unique twist on this wonderful family tradition.

Fire & Ice Bracebridge:  January 27, 2024
Port Carling Winterfest: February 2 – 4, 2024
Dwight Winter Carnival: February 2024
Gravenhurst Winter Carnival: February 15 – 18, 2024
Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival: February 16 – 17, 2024

Ice Fishing

Do away with the tablets and the phones for an afternoon. Bring the family together for a day of ice fishing and quality time.   Muskoka Shores Cottages has ice huts for rent on Three Mile Lake.

Memorial Park Winter Village

The whole family can skate until their heart’s content at this wonderful park-like skating trail located right in the heart of downtown Bracebridge. After your skate, take the family to one of the nearby shops for a round of hot chocolate.   

Winter at Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a total of 44 km of ski trails that cater to both classic and skate skiing styles, ranging from beginner to expert difficulty. Additionally, there are 8+ km of snowshoe trails that run through the forest. One of the main attractions of the park is the 1.3 km ice skating trail that winds through the forest, which is a must-try for visitors. If you need any equipment, Arrowhead has everything you need.

Dog Sledding

This winter, create a memorable experience for kids with dog sledding excursions at North Ridge Ranch in Huntsville. The trails offer enough space for the whole family.

Pond Hockey

A family game of pond hockey is the quintessential Canadian winter experience. Don’t forget to load your thermos with hot chocolate!

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery has flooded one of their cranberry beds and created regulation outdoor pond hockey rinks. Give them a call to book the rink.

Although not on the pond, Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge and the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst have outdoor rinks that offer both skating and hockey, the best of both worlds.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an inclusive activity for all ages and skill levels and one of the easiest ways to bring the entire family together!

Camping in Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery , and Arrowhead Provincial Park all have rentals and great trails on-site.

If you want a fun and interactive snowshoeing experience, let a local expert take you into Muskoka’s wondrous back-country with a guided snowshoe tour. These expert adventurers will show you the ropes while providing your group with interesting knowledge and facts only a local could know.

Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area

Ontario ski resort Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is the only ski resort in Muskoka. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the slopes. The hill is perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Fat Biking

A family fat biking adventure might bring back fun memories of teaching your kids how to ride a bike. Now they might be teaching you how to ride a bike … in the snow!

Liv Outside in Bracebridge has fat bike rentals and trails on-site, and Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville has bikes for rent with trails nearby.

If you are looking for a new family adventure that is a bit off the beaten path, this is it!

Zig Zag Escape Rooms

Looking for a great way to bond with your family? Consider locking yourselves in a cabin at Zig Zag’s escape cabins – the ultimate family adventure! These escape rooms are designed to immerse your family into a thrilling story, where you’ll work together to solve puzzles, codes, clues and problems to uncover hidden secrets. The games are challenging, but with a twist to ensure everyone can remain involved and enthusiastic throughout the adventure. This activity is perfect for families with children 10 years and older.

KIDZONE

Looking for some fun indoors? KIDZONE at Muskoka Discovery Centre is an interactive and high energy space designed especially for families with children. Some of the awesome activities in KIDZONE include:

  • LEGO building creative centre
  • 3D Augmented Reality Sandbox
  • Die Cutter station
  • KEVA Plank building zone
  • Giant chalk board wall
  • A Muskoka camp site
  • Board games and movies
  • Much, much more!

Mmmm Maple

As the days get warmer and winter turns into spring, take the family for the generational tradition of visiting the sugar shack. The sweet aroma of boiling sap in the air, rolling syrup in the snow to make taffy, and meeting the maple syrup producer is all a part of the fun. Build your own adventure on the Muskoka Maple Trail, a collection of maple experiences that includes sugar bush tours, pancake breakfasts, maple baked goodies and more!

Yamaha Mini Sled Rides

How cool are these machines? For ages 6 – 14, take your kids on a 30-minute ride at Deerhurst Resort, instruction, gear, and rental are all included. Your kids are going to live this!

Stay and Play

Make the most of your Muskoka experience and check out our top recommendations for places to stay and perfect getaway packages.