Embrace nostalgia and try your hand at one of the only tobogganing hills in the area at Lowell Park Toboggan Run and sledding hill in Waukesha. Cruise downhill on the wooden sled and see just how fast you can go.  

Find a fun new way to get your steps in this winter with cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Walk or ski your way around these parks while taking in their natural winter splendor.  

Enjoy miles of cross-country ski fun at Lapham Peak in Delafield. Featuring 17 miles of loop trails ranging from novice to expert, the park’s 2.5-mile lighted loop is also available at night.  

For beginners and intermediate cross-country skiers, visit Menomonee Park in Menomonee Falls. With three loops of lightly sloping paths, the park is perfect for the learning skier looking for a bit of variety.  

Cruise through Brown Deer Park’s two groomed cross-country trails. Running along the Brown Deer Golf Course, these trails feature scenic views and are perfect for beginning and intermediate skiers.  

Try something new and explore snowshoeing this winter. Whitnall Park offers snowshoe rentals to get you started. Walk the park’s trails while enjoying the fresh air.  

Test out your new hobby and commune with nature at the Wehr Nature Center. Walk through a winter wonderland while exploring the nature center’s 220 acres.  

Dashing through the snow is one thing, flying through it on a sled is another altogether. Dig that sled out of the garage and see how fast you can go down any of these sledding hills.  

Visit the sledding hills of Whitnall Park in Franklin to slide your way down the park’s wintry hills. Located on the park’s golf course, the hill is lit for night sledding with both a large, 400-foot hill, and a small one for the more novice riders. 

Check out the sledding hill at the expansive Brown Deer Park. Short on distance, but not thrills, this sledding hill features a short, steep slope that makes it the perfect place to slide, glide or skid.  

Another thrill ride, Mount Bayside is a relatively new addition to the Bayside area. With a steep grade, this hill asks, “just how far can I slide?” And dares you to beat it. 

Explore the sledding hills near all three Urban Ecology Center locations throughout the Milwaukee area. The Riverside Park location features a variety of different hills perfect for sledders of all interests. The hill on the other side of the lagoon from the center’s Washington Park location is the perfect spot to spend a snowy afternoon. Magnificent sledding runs can also be found in Three Bridges Park and Mitchell Park near the center’s Menomonee Valley branch as well. Sleds are available to rent during public hours and can be borrowed for up to three days.  

Lace up your skates and glide your day away on one of the many ice rinks throughout the Milwaukee area. Tighten your mittens, slip on your favorite socks, and don’t forget the hot chocolate. 

Enjoy the winter season just steps away from all your favorite downtown attractions at Red Arrow Park’s Slice of Ice. Rent skates inside or bring your own, lace ‘em up, and coast around an ice rink that’s larger than New York’s Rockefeller Center. Afterward, be sure to stop inside, warm up and enjoy a hot cup of Starbucks’ cocoa. 

Dan Jansen Family Fest Ice Rink in Konkel Park – named after American speed skater, world champion sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen– is the perfect place to skate after watching countless hours of this winter’s Olympic coverage.  

Try skating on a real lagoon this winter at the Humboldt Park Lagoon. Priding itself on creating a traditional skating environment, the lagoon is a scenic environment to float across the park’s sheet of ice.  

Revel in the historic Lake Park to glide along the picturesque views of Central Park Landscape Architect Frederick Law Olmstead’s vision.  

For ice skating with a hint of art, visit the Lynden Sculpture Garden. Ice skating is free with your admission to the sculpture garden, so be sure to bring your skates, while enjoying views of the many installations throughout the grounds. 

Seeking all the winter fun of the outdoors without the cold and windy conditions? Indoor ice skating is the perfect way to celebrate the season without battling the elements.  

Got Olympic fever? Visit the Pettit National Ice Center. Opened in 1992 as an official training site of U.S. speedskating, the center includes a regulation-sized speed skating oval and two international-size hockey rinks. The Pettit Center had speed skating participants in the last six Olympics and has hosted regional, national, and international competitions. Open skating is available to the public daily.  

Located on the Milwaukee School of Engineering campus, The Kern Center is the first recreation, athletic, health and wellness facility on the university’s campus, including the resident ice center. Home to the Raiders’ hockey team, the center hosts occasional open skates.  

Enjoy open skate at the Wilson Ice Arena’s NHL-sized rink. Grab some friends and enjoy the ice arena’s year-round public skate or the arena’s glow-in-the-dark extravaganza, glow skating. 

Maybe you’re looking for something a little different to keep Jack Frost at bay this winter. Try the time-honored tradition of jumping into frigid Lake Michigan on New Year’s Day called the Polar Bear Plunge. Drop your line for a chance at a cold-water catch while ice fishing in one of the area’s lakes, rivers or ponds. The blustery conditions of winter also seem to bring out some uniquely revamped activities, such as fat tire biking and outdoor running.  

But if you’re inspired by the Olympics to try your hand at the sport of curling, make your way to Hart Park in Wauwatosa or The Milwaukee Curling Club in Cedarburg for their curling rinks. Learn the nuances of the game before picking up a broom and throwing some stones yourself! 

No matter your interest, hobbies, or activity level, there’s an activity for everyone this winter. So what are you waiting for? Plan your winter wonderland adventure today!