Winter Wonders Near Candlewood Isle

 14 Exciting Activities for Kids

When the snow blankets Candlewood Isle and the air turns crisp, the winter wonderland around you beckons. While the Isle offers its own share of frozen adventures, here are 15 exhilarating activities to make the most of the season with the kids. From the nearest to the farthest, these winter escapades will turn your family vacation into a frosty fantasy.

1. Ice Skating on Candlewood Lake – On Your Doorstep

Start your winter journey right on Candlewood Lake. The frozen surface provides the perfect setting for ice skating, and it’s just steps away from your doorstep. So grab your skates and glide away.

2. Sledding at Squantz Pond State Park – Approx. 2 miles

Head over to Squantz Pond State Park for some thrilling sledding. With its gentle slopes and scenic views, it’s a perfect spot for a day of snow-filled fun. The park is open year-round.

3. Jumpz Trampoline Sports – Approx. 8 miles

Trampolines galore! What kid is not in heaven here? Have a dodgeball game, volleyball game, basketball game, laser tag, foam pit and arcade! This place is fun for the whole family! Tickets start at just $16 bucks!

Website: https://www.jumpzdanbury.com/

4. Winter Hiking in Pootatuck State Forest – Approx. 8 miles

Bundle up and embark on a winter hike in the Pootatuck State Forest. Explore scenic trails and immerse yourselves in the serenity of a snowy landscape. The forest is open year-round.

5. Connecticut Ski Sundown – Approx. 11 miles

Hit the slopes at Ski Sundown, a family-friendly ski resort. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are on the agenda. Tickets range from $10 to $59. The resort is open from mid-December through early March.

Website: Ski Sundown

6. Winter Fun at Danbury Sports Dome – Approx. 11 miles

The Danbury Sports Dome is an indoor sports facility offering seasonal activities like bubble soccer, indoor batting cages, and more. Prices vary, so check the website for rates.

Website: Danbury Sports Dome

7. New England Air Museum – Approx. 18 miles

Discover the world of aviation at the New England Air Museum. Interactive exhibits, vintage aircraft, and educational programs make it a fascinating visit. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children.

Website: New England Air Museum

8. Trolley Museum Winterfest – Approx. 19 miles

The Connecticut Trolley Museum hosts Winterfest, where you can enjoy holiday lights, trolley rides, and a visit with Santa. Admission is $12 for adults and $11 for children.

Website: Connecticut Trolley Museum

9. Bushnell Park Carousel – Approx. 19 miles

Take a spin on the vintage Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford. Tickets are $2. Children under 3 ride for free. The carousel is open during weekends in the winter.

Website: Bushnell Park Carousel

10. Ski Butternut – Approx. 20 miles

Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Ticket prices range from $10 to $65. The resort is open from December through March.

Website: Ski Butternut

11. Nature’s Art Village – Approx. 20 miles

Venture to Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale for indoor and outdoor adventures, including dinosaur exhibits, a mineral museum, and a geode-cracking experience. Tickets vary, so check the website for rates.

Website: Nature’s Art Village

12. Imagine Nation Museum – Approx. 20 miles

Unleash your child’s imagination at the Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol. With interactive exhibits and play spaces, it’s a haven for young minds. Tickets are $13 for adults and children.

Website: Imagine Nation Museum

13. The Children’s Museum in West Hartford – Approx. 20 miles

Dive into the wonders of science and nature at The Children’s Museum in West Hartford. With interactive exhibits and hands-on learning, it’s both fun and educational. Tickets are $14 for adults and $13 for children.

Website: The Children’s Museum

14. Bristol’s Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce – Approx. 20 miles

Lake Compounce in Bristol transforms into a dazzling holiday lights display during the winter season. Tickets vary, so check the website for rates. The holiday lights typically run from late November through early January.

Website: Lake Compounce

Candlewood Isle provides a winter wonderland in its own right, but these 15 nearby activities will add a sprinkle of adventure and enchantment to your family’s winter escapade. From skiing and winter hikes to immersive indoor experiences, your winter vacation promises to be filled with laughter, learning, and endless memories. So, don your winter gear and explore the magic of the season just around the corner from your lakeside retreat.