This Season – Winter Family Fun
Silvery landscapes of snow-covered hills and pine trees, frozen ponds with dozens of children gliding across the ice, and lacy snowflakes sticking to the window pane are the makings for a quintessential New England winter. Milford sparkles in winter. When blanketed in snow, white church steeples stand out against deep blue sky, offering a postcard-perfect backdrop right out of a Currier and Ives scene.
Winter in Connecticut: it can feel cozy, yes, but also incredibly long. Here is some inspiring ideas to get you and yours out and about this season…sans temper tantrums and pouty faces.
Go Sledding
The very first storm of the season creates quite a stir for those of us who excitedly await a winter wonderland. Sure, building snowmen and having snowball fights leave the kiddos breathless, but it’s hard to match the thrill of holding tight to a sled while careening down a hill on a quest to finish first and go farthest. For a truly great sledding experience, check out the hills at Jonathan Law or Foran high schools.
Skate Away
One of New England’s most enchanting winter offerings is the opportunity to skate outdoors on quaint, tree-lined frozen ponds. Whether it is the fresh air, the gentle winter sunlight, or starry night sky, skating outdoors brings a kind of frosty (Frozen?) magic. When the temps dip below freezing, lace up those skates and take the kids skating on the Duck Pond, Mondo Pond, or Walker Pond. (Be sure to check with local officials for clearance on pond skating to be safe!)
Take a Hike
If the seemingly endless cold and gray of winter starts giving you a case of cabin fever, bundle up the family and head to one of our local parks. Winter brings its own magic to the parks and preserves of Milford. Fewer crowds means more peace and quiet to enjoy your natural surroundings. Look for animal tracks in the snow or spend some time gathering materials to make an awesome ice suncatcher. There are great trails at Eisenhower Park, Mondo Ponds, Beaver Brook Trail, and Wilcox Park. You can also explore nature indoors or out at Milford Audubon Center.
March to the Marsh
No snow? No problem! Swap your snowshoes for weatherproof boots, disconnect from the screens and devices for an afternoon, and reconnect with nature. Surrounded by a saltwater marsh teeming with wildlife, the Coastal Center at Milford Point provides great opportunities for spotting bald eagles and snowy owls which come down to New England from the Arctic during mating season. If you’re lucky, you might capture images of snow-speckled bald eagles.
Take a Sip
Nothing warms the body and soul like a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate. Cafe Atlantique or Bee’s Knees Cafe are perfect places to warm up on a cold day with a decadent chocolate treat.
