Fun Family Activities for Winter Break in Ridgefield

Children's programs at Woodcock Nature Center

Winter Break is almost here and if you’re staying local, you needn’t worry about the kids being bored! Ridgefield offers an abundance of fun activities the entire family can enjoy, from outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences to fun nights at home together. We’ve put together a few of our favorite ideas to spend a chilly (and potentially snowless) week together.

Outdoor Fun

One of the beauties of Ridgefield is our immense amount of green space and the opportunities to explore that come with it. With everything from quaint parks to trails tucked among rolling wooded landscapes, you’ll look forward to heading outside every chance you get.

Hikes for every age family abound with so many trails, parks, and preserves to choose from. Take the littlest ones for an easy but beautiful walk along the Rail Trail for an easily accessible out-and-back trail for as long or short a distance as you like. Throw on the carrier or take your older children and four-legged friends to Pine Mountain Reserve or Hemlock Hills where you can take a real hike. With hundreds of acres of land between them and opportunities to gain elevation and take in some of Ridgefield’s most breathtaking views, you’ll want to pack lunch and make a day of it!

We all know that kids love their independence, and if your child loves nature and getting to do things on their own, send them to Woodcock Nature Center’s Winter Break Camp! They’ll spend their time outside exploring winter’s woodlands, learning about animals, and doing some nature-themed crafts. (Update: Please note that Woodcock Nature Center programs are sold out but there is a waitlist.)

Hemlock Hills @kristalmess

After-School Programs @woodcocknaturecenter

Indoor Recreation

If you have a figure skater or hockey player at home, why not grab your own skates and head over to the Winter Garden Ice Arena as a family! They offer skate rentals for those without, public skating on Sundays and a few weekdays, and a Disco Night on Fridays, as well as programming for children wishing to get into the sports.

Do you prefer to stay warm while getting physical activity? The Ridgefield Recreation Center has something for everyone! From pickleball and the pool to the gym, studio classes and children’s programs, winter break is a great time to spend extra time there—or check it out if you’re not yet a member.

Ice skating with the family

Ridgefield Recreation Center

Explore Ridgefield’s Cultural Side

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean you can’t take a field trip! Learn about Ridgefield’s storied past with the Museum in the Streets Self-Guided Tour. This fabulous walking and driving discovery trail will lead you through thirty stations of local history. Find the first station on the corner of Main Street and Bailey Avenue and do as many as you like. We’re certain you’ll uncover something new with this unique and educational experience!

If you’re looking for even more town history, pop over to the Scott House Exhibition at the Ridgefield Historical Society. This special exhibition includes original shingles from this 1714 home, and features hand-drawn designs and drawings from the Scott House’s earliest inhabitants.

For a taste of the local art scene, visit the various exhibits currently showing in town. The Aldrich Museum’s Third Saturday event just happens to be the first Saturday of winter break! They will be hosting Story Time for children and an all-ages guided Discovery Tour of their current exhibitions. Head to the RPAC Gallery’s glass exhibition Luminosity where you’ll be treated to a stunning display of incredible hand-blown glass pieces.

A new exhibition opens at the Ridgefield Library on February 16th as well, featuring colorful paintings by internationally renowned impressionist H. Lloyd Weston. And while you’re there, why not have a little more fun? Read on for more great library happenings!

Latest exhibits at @thealdrich

Luminosity Exhibit at RPAC Gallery

Bibliophili-Fun

The Ridgefield Library offers some fabulous programming for kids and families alike and it’s a great way to get out of the house and spend some truly engaging time together. Family Story Time, plus Baby and Mother Goose for the littlest tykes, offers families and parents a special time to “read” to their children without being the reader! Join “Big Picture” Films to watch short films based on classic children’s books, and join Family Gaming on Friday afternoon to play a game together.

If your family is a squirm of bookworms, try hosting your own family book reading challenge or book club! With only one week off from the schoolbooks you don’t have to get crazy, but why not keep turning a few pages and make it fun, together? Check out a family-friendly book from the library, or pop into Books on the Common and treat everyone to a new book they’ve had their eye on.

Chess at Ridgfield Library @dig_usa

Books for kids at @booksonthecommon

Family Night

A family which creates together sticks together, and there are plenty of ways to craft a week away! Pick up some new art supplies or a craft kit from Sedona Art—with so many mediums to choose from there is something for every budding artist. Stop into Zoe & Co. Sugarbeads, pick up some baubles, and hone your jewelry-making skills, or think cozy and buy a knitting kit from nancy O. If you start at the beginning of the week, you could have something sparkly and toasty by the weekend!

Arts & crafts from @sedonaart06877

Zoe & Co Sugarbeads

It’s hard to beat pizza night, and when you add a game the whole family can play, you’ll surely share in lots of laughter and a full belly. Choose a new game or puzzle from the great selection at The Toy Chest, and pick up a hot pie from 850 Degrees, Brick House, or Genoa on the way home.

Another family favorite is movie night out! With a varying selection of movies at The Prospector Theater you’ll find one you can enjoy together. Spare a few minutes to grab some movie theater-style popcorn and drinks at the concession stand or pick up a bag of their delicious handmade popcorn in the café. There you’ll find a little something just for the grown-ups, too!

Pick up a new game or puzzle from The Toy Chest

Movie night at @prospectortheater

For even more great winter break ideas, head to our itineraries of seasonal things to do and Events Calendar and explore everything that Ridgefield has to offer.

Thank you to the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce for supporting the Ridgefield community!