It's time to get the family out of the house this winter and dive into all the fun options that the region offers. This is your official round-up for family fun activities that'll have you taking advantage of our winter weather whether you opt to stay indoors or outdoors. Check out these options for winter break ideas or just a weekend away:

1. County Parks

The Syracuse region is in close proximity to several county parks. Bring your own snowshoes for a trek at Beaver Lake Nature Center or search for critters on a nature walk at Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Looking for a more lowkey outdoor experience, make a reservation for a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride at Highland Forest. This is the perfect opportunity to get the kids outside even in the colder months. 

2. The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST)

Head to the The MOST for a day so fun that your kids won't even notice they're learning. Catch a show in their new live animal exhibit, Nature's Ninjas, learn about fossils and geography or star gaze in the planetarium. If you haven't visited since last winter, the kiddos will amazed by the newer permanent Dino Zone! exhibit, featuring life-sized and lifelike dinosaurs. We promise they won't want to leave! 

3. Rosamond Gifford Zoo

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo gives you the option to visit with animals indoors or step outside to see those that thrive in the cold climate.  Highlights include the Asian elephant exhibit, a wing of primates and an enclosure home to winter loving snow leopards. You won't be disappointed no matter what time of year you visit. Need to keep the family occupied throughout the Winter Break? Sessions are still available for the Zoom into Winter Break Zoo Camp, offering daily live activities with zoo educators including videos of areas of the zoo, live animal meet and greets and craft projects.

4. Hit the Slopes

Check out Labrador Mountain, Song Mountain or Toggenburg Mountain for all your skiing and snowboarding needs. All of these mountains offer a variety of trails for all levels and lessons for those who are new to the sport. Not your speed? Take to Four Seasons Golf & Ski or Camillus Ski Park for a day full of tubing! 

5. Museums

Syracuse offers a variety of museums that cater to a variety of interests and ages. Delve into local history and step on a canal boat replica at the Erie Canal Museum or check out the regions' ties to the Underground Railroad  at the Onondaga Historical Association. If you have an art fan on your hands then the Everson Museum of Art is the place to be. 

6. City Activities

There's still family fun happening every day in Syracuse! Register for ice skating either outside at Clinton Square Ice Rink or head inside for some skate time at Meachem Ice Rink. Be sure to check out the Parks & Rec Facebook page for the weekly schedule of pop-up snowshoe rental events, spread out across various city parks each week. 

7. Destiny USA

Check out a variety of options still available at Destiny USA. Take the kids through an escape room at Escape the Mystery Room, test your balance on the world's largest indoor suspended ropes course at the Canyon Climb, race around an indoor track at RPM or immerse yourself in a live-action adventure at 5 Wits.