Things to Do in the Poconos in the Winter: Beyond Downhill Skiing

1. How Do I Snow Tube in the Poconos?

If you don't trust yourself on skis or a snowboard, there's an easier way to enjoy the slopes: plan a snow tubing outing with family and friends! Relive the fun of snow days spent sledding as a kid. Sail down the mountain on groomed lanes, then hop on a magic carpet conveyor to get back up to the top of the hill and take another trip down. The Pocono Mountains is home to the two largest snow tubing parks in the country: Camelback Mountain, which offers 42 lanes and incredible glow-in-the-dark tubing after dark, and Blue Mountain Resort with 46 lanes stretching 1,000 feet, plus nighttime sonic tubing.

2. What is Cross-Country Skiing?

Want the experience of skiing without the heights? Set off on a Poconos cross-country skiing expedition. Cross-country skis are typically lighter, longer, and more maneuverable than downhill skis, and cross-country skiers use their poles and techniques like striding and skating to propel themselves over mostly level terrain. When the weather is right and the ground is covered in snow, glide over miles of groomed trails and open fields in area parks. A day of cross-country skiing is a great way to get in a winter workout and immerse yourself in the pristine landscape.

3. What is Snowshoeing?

There's nothing like stepping out across a smooth sheet of freshly-fallen snow, and snowshoeing is one of the best ways to do it! Showshoes have large, flat surfaces that make walking through the drifts much easier than walking in snowboots. Take a relaxing walk to clear your mind and enjoy the quiet of the snowy woods. Not sure where to start? Naturfi is a local company offering everything from Pocono snowshoe rentals to guided tours and meditation walks through our region's most scenic winter beauty spots.

4. Where to Go Winter Horseback Riding in the Poconos?

Take a cozy and seasonal ride through the snow! Local stables like Mountain Creek Riding Stable, Jim Thorpe Horse Adventures, and Daisy Field Farm offer magical horseback riding tours at this time of year. While Bushkill Falls in winter is closed, visitors can take a canter with the nearby Bushkill Riding Stables. Make a new four-footed friend as you travel over the river and through the woods.

5. Where to Go Ice Skating in the Poconos?

When the temperatures dip down low and the lakes freeze over, it's time to break out your ice skates! There's nothing like flying over the frozen landscape at Poconos parks including Promised Land State Park and Tobyhanna State Park. Ice skating and ice fishing are two fun Lake Wallenpaupack winter activities, but make sure you check the weather and conditions beforehand to be sure the ice is safe no matter what frozen lake you're exploring.

6. Can I Play Paintball in the Winter?

Get ready for a thrilling winter paintball battle in the Poconos! Skirmish Paintball covers 750 snowy acres and features incredible paintball fields to choose from, with trees, forts, castles, cargo containers, airplanes, tanks and buildings to take cover behind. Bring your friends for a winter outing you won't forget. No experience is necessary, and equipment is included in your ticket. The Paintball Asylum in Tannersville also offers great fields and paintball packages and parties.

7. Where Can I Go Off-roading in the Poconos?

Keep the adrenaline going in spite of the cold: hop on a four-wheeler and race through the snow! ATV and UTV rentals continue into the winter season in the Poconos, and a little off-roading is a great way to add some excitement to the season. Explore beautiful wooded trails and open fields on a guided tour with Pocono ATVs at Memorytown or take a spin around the track at Alvin's Offroad Playground. Looking to take your snowmobile out for a spin? When the weather is right, there are plenty of snowmobiling trails to traverse at local parks.

8. Where to Try Indoor Go Carts in PA?

Put pedal to the metal on the indoor go-cart track at S&S Speedways in Stroudsburg. Open year-round, newcomers and experts alike are welcome! Enjoy an evening race, or book your own private party. Keep in mind there is a minimum 54” height, and don't forget to bring gloves and protective eyewear (prescription glasses and sunglasses count as protective eyewear). Off the track, you can also enjoy the video game arcade, snack bar and pool table.

9. What Indoor Waterparks are Open during Winter?

When the weather outside gets frightful, escape to the always-tropical climates of amazing indoor waterpark resorts in the Poconos Mountains! These are some of the largest and most impressive sprawling splash parks in the country, and they're open year-round. Try the virtual reality waterslide at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, spend time in the wave pools and lazy rivers at Great Wolf Lodge, or enjoy the 125,000-square-food watertopia at Camelback Resort & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark.

10. How Do Escape Rooms Work?

If you haven't tried an escape room yet, make this winter the time you put your puzzle-solving powers to the test! Spend the afternoon indoors with family and friends working your way through a series of brain teasers and themed challenges. In each unique room, you'll find a series of questions to answer, but time is limited, and the clock is ticking! Unravel hints in a movie-set atmosphere at Big Screen Escapes or choose from four different interactive experiences at Klues Escape Room. Winner brings home perpetual bragging rights of their mental prowess!

11. What Shows Can I See in the Poconos?

Stay warm indoors while enjoying great entertainment and arts in the Pocono Mountains! Pay a visit to the historic Sherman Theater on Main Street in charming downtown Stroudsburg in the heart of the Poconos and get tickets to see comedians, concerts, and more. Click here to check out what acts are coming to The Sherman Theater this winter and check out all the upcoming live music events in the area.

Poconos Winter Activities FAQ

What to Do in the Poconos in the Winter

Don't spend this winter stuck on the couch! Get out to the Poconos and try a new-to-you indoor or outdoor snowy weather adventure. Browse our winter day trip ideas for more inspiration. If you change your mind about trying the ski slopes, book a lesson and learn to ski or snowboard. Looking for seasonal savings? Take advantage of special offers before they melt away.

Pictures of Pocono Winter Adventures

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