One of my favorite magazines for homeschooler inspiration, Family Fun Magazine, has created a pretty cool (NPI) list of family-suited Winter Festivals I'd like to share with you. You know, in case you'd like to bravely meet the source of the polar vortex head-on and embark on one of the best field trips ever! Just another excuse to get out and try something new...
· Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Saranac Lake, NY
Jan. 31–Feb. 9
Try snowshoe racing or cross-country skiing; enjoy concerts, dances, and parades; and watch the fireworks over the awesome Ice Palace at this 117-year-old festival.
· Lake George Winter Carnival
Lake George, NY
February weekends
This lakeside celebration features beach bonfires, ice-diving demos, hot-air balloon rides, a giant snow slide, kite flying, and chili and chowder cook-offs.
· Stowe Winter Carnival
Stowe, VT
Jan. 18–Feb. 2
Vermont’s best-known ski town goes all out with snow volleyball and golf, youth hockey and snowboard half-pipe competitions, ski racing, fireworks, and a kids’ carnival.
· Montréal en Lumière
Montreal, Quebec
Feb. 20–March 2
This sprawling urban festival features light shows, guest gourmet chefs, life-size board games, a Ferris wheel, and a massive sled slide plus music, theater, dance, and circus performances.
· Carnaval de Québec
Quebec City, Quebec
Jan. 31–Feb. 16
The world’s largest winter carnival boasts sleigh rides, snow slides, nighttime parades, an extreme canoe race, an ice palace, and more.
· Winterlude
Ottawa, Ontario
Jan. 31–Feb. 17
Skate through downtown on a frozen canal, then check out the illuminated ice sculptures, annual bed race, the hockey classic, and the world’s largest snow playground.
· Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Saint Paul, MN
Jan. 23–Feb. 2
Go geocaching and thrill to fireworks, parades, hot-air balloon races, sled dog competitions, and the bouncing team’s aerial acrobatics.
· Fur Rendezvous
Anchorage, AK
Feb. 21–March 2
Celebrate Alaska’s heritage with the Rondy World Champion Sled Dog Race, the Running of the Reindeer, the blanket toss, outhouse races, and the native arts market.
· Winterfest
Blowing Rock, NC
January 23-26
Family-friendly activities abound, including ski and snowboarding lessons, ice carving demos, hayrides, bonfires, kids’ games and crafts, and the Polar Plunge.
· Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival
Steamboat Springs, CO
February 5-9
Watch ski jumping, cross-country obstacleracing, and the Dog Dash; compete in shovel and three-legged races; and cheer on the Lighted Man as he sets off fireworks down the slope.
· Snowdown
Durango, CO
Jan. 29–Feb. 2
Activities all over town mark this annual winter blowout, including a parade, costume party, doggie Olympics, waiter/waitress race, and music.
· Whitefish Winter Carnival
Whitefish, MT
February 7-9
A lake plunge, torchlit parade, horse-towed skiing (ski joring), battle of the bands, and pie social are all part of this kid-friendly fest.
A special Thank You to Allison Salzberg for sharing this awesome info and pics to go with it!
