❄️✨ Winter Family Fun Guide: Skiing, Skating, Snowshoeing & Tubing on the North Shore (and Beyond!)
Winter in New England is full of magic—and the North Shore is the perfect launching point for snowy adventures of all kinds. Whether your family loves carving down the slopes, twirling on the ice, hiking through snowy forests, or racing down a tubing hill, this guide highlights the best places to play all winter long.
Grab your mittens, bundle up, and let’s explore!
⛷️ SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
🎿 Bradford Ski Area — Haverhill, MA
A North Shore favorite! Family-friendly trails, glow skiing nights, and excellent beginner programs.
👉 https://skibradford.com/
🎿 Ski Ward — Shrewsbury, MA (45–60 min from North Shore)
A great spot for younger families with ski lessons, tubing, and a cozy lodge.
👉 https://skiward.com/
🎿 Nashoba Valley Ski Area — Westford, MA
A well-loved ski area known for its approachable terrain and massive tubing park.
👉 https://skinashoba.com/
🎿 Wachusett Mountain — Princeton, MA
One of Massachusetts’ best mountains: fast lifts, beautiful views, and excellent snowmaking.
👉 https://wachusett.com/
❄️ Make-It-A-Day-Trip Mountains:
Perfect for families seeking larger terrain without a long trek.
- Gunstock Mountain (NH) — https://gunstock.com
- Pats Peak (NH) — https://patspeak.com
- Crotched Mountain (NH) — https://crotchedmtn.com
🛷 TUBING HILLS
🎢 Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park — Westford, MA
One of the biggest and most exciting tubing hills in New England!
👉 https://nashobasnowtubing.com/
🎢 Ski Ward Tubing Park — Shrewsbury, MA
Magic carpets make this a great choice for younger kids and first-time tubers.
👉 https://skiward.com/tubing/
🎢 Amesbury Sports Park (Reopening Soon?) — Amesbury, MA
A historic tubing favorite; keep an eye on announcements for updates.
🎢 Gunstock Mountain Tubing Park — Gilford, NH
A huge, fast tubing hill just over an hour away — worth the trip!
👉 https://gunstock.com/winter/tubing/
⛸️ ICE SKATING
🧊 Veterans Memorial Skating Rink — Haverhill, MA
Great public skate times and family-friendly atmosphere.
🧊 Phillips Academy Rink — Andover, MA
Offers public skating and community sessions throughout winter.
🧊 Janas Rink — Lowell, MA
A classic rink with family skating times.
🧊 MarketStreet Rink — Lynnfield, MA
Outdoor rink surrounded by restaurants, lights, and shops — a magical winter outing.
👉 https://marketstreetlynnfield.com/
🧊 The Rink at Topsfield Fairgrounds — Topsfield, MA
Seasonal community rink; check local updates.
🧊 Frog Pond — Boston Common
A bucket-list skating experience—beautiful lights and city views.
👉 https://bostonfrogpond.com/
🥾 SNOWSHOEING & WINTER HIKING
The North Shore offers gorgeous winter trails for snowshoeing or winter walks.
🌲 Harold Parker State Forest — Andover/North Andover/Middleton
Miles of trails perfect for all skill levels.
👉 https://www.mass.gov/locations/harold-parker-state-forest
🌲 Georgetown-Rowley State Forest — Georgetown/Boxford
Peaceful, snowy wooded trails for families and leashed dogs.
👉 https://www.mass.gov/locations/georgetown-rowley-state-forest
🌲 Ward Reservation — Andover/North Andover
Stunning vistas, snowy fields, and a family-friendly hike up Holt Hill.
👉 https://thetrustees.org/place/ward-reservation/
🌲 Bradley Palmer State Park — Topsfield/Ipswich
Flat, open trails perfect for beginners.
👉 https://www.mass.gov/locations/bradley-palmer-state-park
🌲 Lynn Woods Reservation — Lynn, MA
Ideal for snowshoeing and winter trail adventures.
👉 https://www.lynnma.gov/departments/lynn_woods_reservation.php
🌲 Trustees Properties with Snowshoe Rentals:
- Appleton Farms (Ipswich) — https://thetrustees.org/place/appleton-farms/
- Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens (North Andover)
- Crane Estate (Ipswich)
🎄 BONUS WINTER FUN
🎅 Holiday Light Shows
- Merrimack Valley Celebration of Lights — Mann Orchards
- Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge — The Trustees
- Brewster Gardens Lights (Haverhill)
🐾 Winter Farm Visits
- Smolak Farms (North Andover)
- Maple Crest Farm (Georgetown)
🔥 Cozy Indoor Fun for Snowy Days
- Create & Escape Craft Studio — Peabody
- In The Game — Peabody
- North Shore Children’s Museum — Peabody
❄️ Tips for a Successful Winter Adventure
✔ Check weather + conditions
✔ Layer up — especially for tubing and snowshoeing
✔ Bring hand warmers and snacks
✔ Reserve tickets early for skiing & tubing spots
✔ Have a hot cocoa stop planned!
ChatGPT was used as a resource for this guide.
