It may be known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but let’s face it, the wintertime blues tend to get the best of us during the season instead. Blame it on the clouds and gloominess, lack of daylight hours, or the imminent feeling of hibernation as we hunker down and wait it all out in the hopes of an early spring. Whatever the cause, it doesn’t have to be all bad. Beat the wintertime blues here in South Sound and Tacoma with these fun-filled activities that are perfect for enjoying the snowy season!
Hit the Rinks for Ice Skating Fun
Nothing says wintertime fun like some good, old-fashioned ice skating. Unlike our ancestors, who had to find a frozen-over pond and hope for the best, the South Sound community has plenty of designated ice skating rinks. Tacoma alone has two ice skating rinks for this chilling and thrilling activity. Sprinker Recreation Center and Tacoma Twin Rinks offer a variety of skating amenities, including classes to show newcomers the ins and outs of looking graceful and having fun on the ice.
Witness the Wilds of Winter With Winter Wildlife Cruises
The bears may be hibernating for the winter, but whales, seals, and other marine life are still wide awake and enjoying the cool temperatures during immersive wintertime wildlife cruises here in South Sound. Puget Sound Express offers a variety of these tours during the winter, with tour locations in Seattle/Edmonds, Port Townsend/ Olympic Peninsula, and Port Angeles/ Olympic Peninsula. Hop aboard their sturdy vessels for a chance to witness sea orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, and more! Oh my!
Embrace the Cold with Winter Hiking in Point Defiance Park
For those who love the crisp winter air and the beauty of nature after being enveloped in the snowy season, winter hikes through Point Defiance Park are quite enjoyable this time of year. The trails take on a serene charm in the stillness of winter as they wind through the snow-covered evergreen forest, displaying breathtaking views of the season here in Puget Sound. Grab your hiking boots, bundle up in your favorite cozy winter garb, and hit the trails to experience the tranquility of the outdoors in a unique winter setting.
Wintertime Fun is Found in Winter Art Exhibits at the Tacoma Art Museum
Further embrace the magic of the season with a visit to the Tacoma Art Museum and experience their extensive collection of Winter Exhibits. Each year, the museum transitions into a winter wonderland with captivating displays of art and culture that showcase local and international talent with themes fitting the season. It’s a great way to spend a wintery day and adds a touch of sophistication to your wintertime escapades.
Hit the Slopes at Crystal Mountain
With over 2,600 acres and over 80 name runs, Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington. Each year, Puget Sound skiers and riders flock to these slopes during the winter months to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, all while riding some of the best ski runs in the country. Since it opened in 1962, Crystal Mountain has become the ultimate winter escape as its sprawling expanse of ski terrain flows over half a dozen peaks and basins, lending itself seemingly limitless variations to accommodate every type of skier imaginable, from first-timers to professionals. Make the most of this favorite wintertime activity by staying overnight at Crystal Mountain Hotel or Alta Crystal Resort and take advantage of all their favorite wintertime amenities.
Wintertime Adventures Await While Snowshoeing Mt. Rainier
If you’re in the mood for snowshoeing, head to the Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, where the National Park Service is more than happy to take care of you and your family for some snowshoeing fun on Mt. Rainier. Throughout the season, their rangers lead a two-mile, family-and-kid-friendly snowshoe tour on weekends and holidays. The 25 spaces on the tour are offered first-come-first-served, so be sure to arrive bright and early. They even provide snowshoes, so all you do is show up dressed appropriately for the wintertime fun!
Explore Wintertime Fun With the Help of Metro Parks Tacoma
Those looking to cure their wintertime blues with a variety of activities should check out Metro Parks Tacoma’s full menu of winter recreation programs. From dance lessons to cooking classes and physical activities to art, they offer a wide range of activities for children, teens, and adults that’ll definitely keep you busy during the typically lazy winter season. There’s something for everyone, so find what suits you, go online, and register for some wintertime fun!
So don’t let the wintertime blues get you down. Instead, embrace the cold with these wintertime fun activities here in South Sound!
