winter activities

Winter Bucket List: A Handy List for the Whole Family | Woodloch Resort

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A Handy Winter Bucket List for the Whole Family

There’s still plenty of time to book a last-minute, snow-filled winter escape to Woodloch Resort before spring’s sudden thaw begins to transform the land. Parents instinctively know that children simply cannot resist the urge to play in piles of snow. They could hurl snow, run in circles, build snowmen, and leap into piles of fresh powder for hours. Well, luckily for you and your family, Woodloch Resort is able to simultaneously foster family bonding while allowing mom and dad to relax, even in the heart of winter. Below, you’ll find a kid’s winter bucket list that the whole family can attempt to complete during one stay. Each of these winter activities can be accomplished either on-site or at a nearby location. Give this list a try before the snow inevitably melts and the days of mud puddles begin once again.

Woodloch’s Winter Bucket List

This fun winter bucket list is packed full of obvious favorites, unique Woodloch offerings, and everything in-between. We kept Christmas and New Year’s Eve out of the mix, as many guests may not have the opportunity to visit us during the festive holiday season. While the majority of these winter bucket list activities require little or no preparation, it’s still important to come prepared. Feel free to scan through our daily activity sheet to get a taste of what an “average” day looks like here the serene Poconos.

Build a Snowman
Ice Skate on Lake Teedyuskung
Alpine Ski at Big Bear
Snow Tube Down Woodloch’s Famous Hill
Make Snow Angels
Send Winter-Themed Postcards to Grandma and Grandpa
Orchestrate a Snowball Fight
Sip on Hot Cocoa by a Gas Fireplace
Snowshoe Through the Surrounding Wilderness
Catch Snowflakes on Your Tongue
Play a Game of Football Against Another Family
Join the Winter Olympics
Partake in “Bakery Wars”
Pretend It’s Summer Inside the Indoor Splash Zone
Master an Escape Room
Treat the Kids to a Live Show
Try Horseback Riding
Embark on a Family-Wide Digital Detox

All-Inclusive Resorts in Pennsylvania

With so many fun things to do when it’s cold, it’s no wonder Woodloch was recently named the best American family resort by USA Today. Hopefully, these 18 winter bucket list ideas provide a glimpse of what makes our historic, family-owned resort so incredibly alluring. All-inclusive packages include lodging, family-style dining, countless homegrown activities, daily planning, nightly entertainment, and the best hospitality on the East Coast! Please give us a call today at 800-966-3562 (or check availability online).

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: winter activities

Snowshoeing in the Poconos: Serenity, Beauty, and Exercise

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Snowshoeing in the Poconos: Serenity, Beauty, and Exercise

As the much-anticipated holiday season rapidly approaches, the Woodloch Family gears up for yet another exhilarating, snow-filled winter. Woodloch Resort is widely known for its thrilling snow tubing, inexpensive ski packages, and year-round forest bathing. But don’t forget about the oft-forgotten art of snowshoeing. Most visitors describe Woodloch Resort’s 300 acres of dense Pocono Mountain forestry as a “winter wonderland,” primarily because of this area’s towering, snow-covered trees, curious woodland critters, and utter serenity. And one of our favorite ways to explore this acreage is via snowshoe. Snowshoes have come a long way from their primitive ash and rawhide origins. Nowadays, most shoes are made of metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. But, the fact remains that snowshoeing in the Poconos is still an ethereal experience for many—even youngsters!

Finding a Snowshoe Rental “near Me”

Locating a snowshoe rental “near me” in the Pocono Mountains is a tall task as the region tends to be more rural. Luckily for you and your family, Woodloch Resort proudly offers snowshoeing in the Poconos for a small fee. These rentals don’t cost an arm and a leg like other outfitters in the areas surrounding Hawley, PA. With over 300 acres to explore, you won’t stumble across a more scenic and secluded snowshoe destination during your travels.

Afternoon Bliss: Snowshoeing in the Poconos

The good news: you won’t have to search for a “snowshoe rental near me” this winter. The better news: Woodloch Resort’s acreage is private, peaceful, and undeniably picturesque. Pack a light picnic, strap on your snowshoes, and venture into the wilderness with nothing but a dash of curiosity, a waterproof camera, and a campus map. Lake Teedyuskung itself spans nearly 80 acres, and a lot of adventurers prefer to explore the shoreline before tramping into the dense wilderness. We always recommend “strapping in” when a bit of snow is in the forecast as nothing tops a mid-day trek under bright, swaying snowflakes, especially when the wind is calm. A lot of kiddos return rosy-cheeked and grinning from ear-to-ear with stories of spotted foxes, raccoons, and squirrels.

The Top-Rated Family Resort in the U.S.

Woodloch Resort was recently named America’s premier family resort by USA Today, an award that wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of hundreds of staff members as well as our enthusiastic guests. After an afternoon filled with snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing in the Poconos, return indoors for a family-style meal, live entertainment, and a cozy slumber. To inquire about a mid-winter Poconos snowshoeing excursion, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562. Otherwise, feel free to browse through our many on-site amenities and activities, such as self esteem-building recreation, family reunion rentals, and countless dining options.

Filed Under: Activities, Nature, Winter Tagged With: hiking, snow, snowshoeing, winter activities

Winter Escape | 5 Ways to Stay Warm | Woodloch Resort

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5 Ways to Stay Warm During Your Poconos Winter Escape

While we’re rapidly approaching autumn’s peak here in the serene Pocono Mountains, millions of families are turning their attention to the coziest season of the year: winter. For those who’re already planning that well-deserved, long-awaited winter escape to Woodloch Resort, we’ve pieced together five unique ways to stay warm during your stay. Yes, you and your kids will undoubtedly want to fill the days with snow tubing, ice skating, and Winter Olympics, but sometimes nothing tops a warm, relaxing mid-day activity on a brisk afternoon. We remain one of the top-rated long-stay winter vacations near New York City (as well as the number one family resort in the United States) thanks to our countless on-site amenities, world-class hospitality, and the surrounding natural beauty.

1. Jacuzzi, Sauna, and Hot Tub Relaxation

Perhaps the best way to thaw out during your highly-anticipated winter escape is by hopping into one of our soothing Jacuzzis, steamy saunas, or our 12-person outdoor hot tub. There are several pool facilities to choose from, including Woodloch Springs’ Sports Complex and our newly-renovated indoor pool. If the kids get antsy, they can go for a dip in the main pool, which is set at a balmy temperature during the winter months.

2. Woodloch’s Indoor Forest Playground

The easiest way to stay warm on a particularly crisp winter afternoon is by staying active. The whole family can choose between indoor games, bumper cars, scavenger hunts, and so much more! But Woodloch’s Indoor Forest Playground is a hit for children between the ages of 3-12. There’s no better way to get the blood flowing than sliding, crawling, and climbing inside this state-of-the-art play place.

3. A Delicious Warm Meal

Woodloch Resort wouldn’t be one of the premier all-inclusive winter vacations on the East Coast without our family-style dining. Most families choose our inclusive meal plans because they’re tasty, economical, and stress-free. The menus rotate and change to ensure that return guests don’t savor the same meal twice. Some of the entrees that we’ve served recently include stuffed chicken breast, roast prime rib, jumbo crab cakes, and peppered Chilean sea bass.

4. A Trip to the Game Room

Every Pocono Mountains winter escape should include a full day of snowshoeing, skiing, and forest bathing, but make sure to treat the kids to a couple of hours inside in one of our game rooms. Nothing quite brings life into a child’s eye than a dazzling colorful arcade. We’ve fully stocked these rooms with classic arcade games, air hockey tables, pinball machines, ping pong, shuffleboards, racing simulators, and so many more exhilarating surprises.

5. Gigi’s Coffee House

You’ll always be a hop, skip, and a jump from Gigi’s Coffee House when you stay at Woodloch Resort, even during a mid-winter escape. The cafe is located on Woodloch Pines’ front lawn, just steps from the Main Lodge. This two-year-old coffee shop is an ode to an important member of the Kiesendahl family: Grandma Mould (affectionately known as “Gigi”). Adults love the signature and seasonally-inspired lattes while the kiddos cannot deny the allure of a good, old-fashioned hot cocoa!

Best Destinations in December: A Winter Escape to Woodloch

We’re proud to be one of the best-reviewed East Coast winter getaways. Whether you’re planning a snow trip, annual family vacation, or romantic spa getaway, you’ll never forget your winter escape into the snow-capped Pocono Mountains. Many of the best winter road trips run through our delightful, snowy wonderland—we’re a short drive from Lake Wallenpaupack, Bushkill Falls, Promised Land State Park, and so many more natural marvels. For even more quintessential Poconos winter activities and trip ideas, please visit our fun blog page!

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: Activities, family winter vacations, winter activities

Woodloch Winterfest Weekends | Woodloch Resort

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“Winterfest Weekends” Bring Fresh and Frosty Fun to the Pocono Mountains!

Woodloch is ready to bring a new twist into our already acclaimed vacation experience. Some just love that summer sun. Others fall in love with January snowflakes. But all of us can agree that a good old fashioned carnival brings smiles to everyone! This season, summer “meets” winter as Woodloch will be hosting our first ever “Winterfest” during select winter weekends! All ages can enjoy fun and frosty festivities, indoors and out!

This Brand-New Celebration Includes:

Roasting some delicious marshmallows by our outdoor fire pit while being warmed by the ambient glow of holiday lights.
Kids going wild over our all new trendy “hot chocolate bar” as adults can indulge in specially crafted winter cocktails.
Professional ice carvers crafting beautiful sculptures right before your very eyes!
Meeting our fluffy furry friends from Mountain Top Siberians!
Face painting, balloon artists and your favorite snowbound characters to delight children of all ages

Best of all, the fun continues with our midway carnival games! All of the summertime fun flash-freezes over to celebrate the season! Every guest will receive 10 tickets to spend on games of skill and chance- all with a wintry twist! Succeed in your endeavors and you’ll walk away with all sorts of Woodloch goodies!

Coupled with activities including snow tubing, year-round ice skating, Family Winter Olympics, Scavenger Hunt, Bakery Wars and just too much to mention, your family’s escape to our corner of the Pocono Mountains just got all that better! With over 30 daily activities, spacious accommodations, delicious meals and world-class entertainment, your winter paradise is all under (and around) one roof at Woodloch Resort!