Are you planning to visit the Poconos in the winter? If yes, then you have come to the right place!
As my family lived close to one of the towns in the Poconos Mountains, I have a fair idea of what fun activities you can enjoy in the Poconos in winter.
One of the top skiing destinations in the USA, there is no question that this place is a perfect choice for a winter vacation.
There are lots of amazing things to do in Pennsylvania in the winter, especially the Poconos Mountains. You can enjoy lots of fun winter activities here such as snowboarding, winter hiking, snow tubing, and more.
Apart from the outdoor adventures, there is a lot to explore indoors as well. This is why I recommend you plan a visit to the Poconos for the perfect winter getaway.
Are you looking for ideas on what you can do during the Poconos winter? Well, then keep reading our list of the Top 10 Things to Not Skip in Poconos in the Winter!
Poconos In The Winter: Top Ten Things For Your Bucket List
Go Snow Tubing On The Poconos Mountains In The Winter
Snow tubing is one of the top things to do in the Poconos in winter.
This is a great family-friendly activity as it is well-suited for all ages.
You will find places to enjoy Poconos snow tubing such as Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain Resort, and Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.
I find Camelback Resort a great choice as there are 42 lanes here and you can enjoy after-dark snow tubing.
Even Blue Mountain Resort is good with its 46 lanes and nighttime sonic tubing.
Trust me, whether you wish to learn snow tubing or enjoy it, Poconos in the winter is perfect!
Have Fun At The Indoor Waterparks
Although snow activities are fun, there are several other things to do in Pennsylvania in the winter.
Spending a day at an indoor waterpark is one of the most fun Poconos winter activities you must try.
You will find some of the most impressive Poconos winter resorts that also house an indoor waterpark.
Try the virtual reality slides at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, or enjoy the slides and splashing at the Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Waterpark.
Great Wolf Lodge is a good choice for wave pools and lazy rivers. Honestly, there is no shortage of towns in Pennsylvania in the mountains for the perfect winter vacation.
So, if you are looking for the ultimate activities in the Poconos in the winter, +spend time in the indoor waterparks here.
Learn Skiing Or Snowboarding
Well, it should be no surprise but one of the top things to do in the Poconos in winter is skiing and snowboarding.
The Poconos Mountains are covered in thick and smooth snow making it ideal for these snow activities.
There are plenty of Poconos winter resorts where you can learn these activities and enjoy them.
Jack Frost Big Boulder Ski Area is good for skiers of all levels.
You can find over 150 acres of terrain with 35 beginner to advanced trails.
Plus, they also have a school for learning both skiing and snowboarding.
Other places that you can check out for Pocono winter activities are Camelback Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain Resort, and more.
Try Eagle Watching
Are you tired of the snow activities in the Poconos winter? If yes, then I have something unique for you to try.
Eagle Watching. Yes, you heard me right!
Most birds fly south in the winter, but not the native bald eagles. This is why December to March is the prime time for viewing these majestic creatures in the Poconos Mountains.
You can try eagle spotting on your own or join one of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Eagle Watch Bus tours.
A guided tour will increase your chances of eagle sighting and help you understand more about their habitat.
This is why eagle is one of the top activities to try in the Poconos in the winter.
Enjoy Ice Skating In The Poconos In Winter
Of course, what better way to enjoy Poconos in the winter than ice skating?
The temperature and snow conditions are ideal in the Poconos during this time for ice skating and there are plenty of places to choose from.
To enjoy fresh air, go skating on the Sand Spring Lake at Hickory State Park or Tobyhanna State Park.
Be sure to check the weather conditions before ice skating as ice thickness is not monitored at most locations.
Apart from the natural outdoor skating spots, you can find plenty of indoor ice ranks as well to explore.
Trust me, ice skating is one of the top things to do in the Poconos in winter if you want to have a fun family vacation!
One Of The Best Poconos Winter Activities Is Hiking
Did you know there are over 126 hiking trails available in the Poconos Mountains?
That’s not all, most of these trails are accessible in the winter as well and can be the perfect choice for winter hiking in Poconos.
You might encounter snow on these hiking trails or not, but the view will remain surreal regardless of when you go hiking in the winter.
If you wish to witness an icy winter waterfall, then go winter hiking at Dingman Falls or Raymondskill Falls.
You will also find plenty of beautiful winter trails at Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area and Pocono Environmental Education Center.
So, if you want to have an epic time at Poconos in the winter, then do plan winter hikes with your friends and family.
Visit Casinos In The Pocono PA
If you are looking for an unconventional activity to try in Poconos in the winter, then how about exploring the amazing casinos in the Poconos PA?
Yes, the region is filled with some amazing casinos where you can have some fun while staying warm and cozy.
One of the top casinos in the Poconos PA is Mount Airy Casino Resort where you play table games and slots 24/7.
They also have an on-site theatre for comedy shows and concerts so, it can be a fun-filled night with your friends.
Honestly, if you are bored of the snow activities or wish to make the most of the nights of your winter vacation in the Poconos, then do visit the casinos here!
Try The Local Breweries And Wineries
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to over 300 breweries?
Yes, you heard me right! Due to the large number of breweries, wineries, and distilleries found here, one of the top things to do in the Poconos in winter is try the local craft beer and wines.
For the best beer, head to the Susquehanna Brewing Company or Shawnee Craft Brewery.
Both places offer an excellent ambiance along with fun weekly events to attend.
Shawnee Craft Brewery also offers 16 homemade craft beers on tap, delicious local wines, and more.
For wines, I would suggest checking out Radical Wine Company, Milford Wine & Cheese, and more.
If you want to drink at night, then Poconos won’t disappoint you.
There are plenty of places open in Poconos in the winter for a fun night out with delicious drinks!
Attend A Winter Festival In the Poconos In Winter
One of the best activities in the Poconos winter is attending a winter festival.
No matter when you plan your trip to the Poconos in the winter, there will be plenty of holiday festivals, winter concerts, etc. to enjoy.
Honesdale throws festivals throughout the season and turns Central Park into a Winter Wonderland.
Enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride at Hawley Winterfest or indulge in shopping at Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas festival.
Trust me, there is no shortage of fun winter festivals to attend in Poconos to enjoy your holiday here!
Rejuvenate At A Spa
Tired from all the fun Pocono winter activities? Then, it is time to relax and rejuvenate in one of the Poconos winter resorts spa.
There are plenty of amazing spa resorts where you can get a treatment for a relaxing vacation.
The French Manor is one of the best choices for a Poconos winter getaway. Here, you can enjoy the stunning mountain views along with a hot-stone massage that takes away all the cold from your body.
Another great choice is the Lodge at Woodloch where you can enjoy a sauna or their famous cold-water bucket bath to improve body circulation.
Honestly, after all the adventurous winter hiking, snow tubing, skiing, etc., a day at the spa sounds the right way to end your vacation in the Poconos in the winter.
Packing Tips When Visiting The Poconos In Winter
Read here how to pack light using only a carry-on. Read my tips here.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.
The replaceable Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
You will want to bring a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phone, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in numerous lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
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