Winter break is a big part of the holiday season for those who have school-aged kids living at home. If you’re looking for things to do that the whole family will enjoy, we have you covered!
Here are some day trips and at-home activities to consider:
Play in the snow
There’s a lot of rain in the forecast, which may mean snow in our local mountains! There are plenty of options to consider. If driving in the mountains, we recommend checking the weather forecast and road conditions before starting your adventure. Also, keep in mind that some mountain roads require chains on tires when there’s snow or icy conditions present.
Big Bear Snow Play -Up near Big Bear, is a snow hill that offers snow tubing for the whole family. Whether it’s natural or man-made snow, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled day of downhill tubing. For more information, visit https://bigbearsnowplay.com.
Snow Valley Mountain Resort – In Running Springs, which is about half way up the mountain on the way to Big Bear, is a mountain resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Rim of the World Snow Play – When the Running Springs area gets snow, this can be a great place to go if you have your own sleds or tubes, or you just want to throw snowballs and maybe build a snowman. Part of the San Bernardino National Forest is Rim of the World Snow Play. An adventure pass is required, which is just $5/day or $30/year. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=81723.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - If you don’t want to drive in the mountains, this may be the perfect solution for you! Located in Palm Springs is a rotating tram car that will take you up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, which is at 8,516 feet elevation. Once you’re at the top, you’ll find a restaurant, bar, shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Plus, there’s often times snow! For costs, tram schedules, reservations, and weather updates, visit https://pstramway.com.
Look at Holiday Lights
Highland Springs Christmas Nights – From 11.3.2022 through 01.09.2022, the Highland Springs Ranch & Inn, located in Cherry Valley, offers a display of 1,000,000 million holiday lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, festive foods, Santa’s courtyard, s’more pits and much more! For more information, visit https://hsresort.com/xmas.
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens –The interactive, nighttime program sets up a beautiful nighttime display around the botanical garden grounds. For more information, visit: https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/enchanted/.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW- Enjoy food, drinks, music and an illuminated garden display featuring thousands of lights while you hang on the beach. For more information, visit https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/glow/.
Spread some holiday cheer
Showing kindness to others can be a great way to bond and spread holiday cheer. Baking cookies and dropping them off on a neighbor or friend's porch is one inexpensive way to let people know that you're thinking of them and that you care.
Go on a car ride
It doesn't have to be a long ride or even one that leads to a specific destination. Just taking a 15-minute ride around the neighborhood, looking at holiday lights, listening to music, and talking to each other can provide quality time together.