Chautauqua-Allegheny's Winter of Family Fun!
Get out and play for some Big Family Fun in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region!
Little Explorers (ages 3-8) and their favorite grown-ups will have fun with a nature lesson, walk, crafts and snacks at Audubon Nature Center (February 9, March 9). Other programs include Snowflake Festival (February 2), Snow Camp for Kids (February 18) and a Cross Country Ski Outing (February 23). The Tour Chautauqua calendar has Winter Tracking Fun (February 9); Snowshoe and Brew (February 9); Full Moon Snowshoe Hike (February 23); Snowshoe Hike on Westside Overland Trail (March 2), and more!
It’s the chilliest Lake Erie idea this season – the 2013 President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival (February 15-17) has something for everyone – contests, bonfire, fireworks, horse drawn wagon rides, vendors and a flare parade. On February 16-17, the NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series comes to Chautauqua Lake! Too cold outside? February 16-17 and March 16-17, there’s a Huge Indoor Yard Sale nearby. And, don't forget Maple Weekends (March 16-17 and March 23-24) too!
Holiday Valley (6th Best Winter Resort in eastern North America by SKI Magazine) has winter sports and family events, including Boarding For Breast Cancer (February 16), Penquin Paddle (February 23) and Winter Carnival (March 9-10). Nearby, the 50-year old HoliMont Ski Area (North America’s BIGGEST private ski area) averages 200 inches of natural snow each season on 50 slopes and trails. Want more of the crisp, cold air and natural beauty of winter? Allegany State Park (the largest of the New York State parks) has over 350+ miles of snowmobile trails and 18 hiking trails.
Bundle up and “take a “step back in time” with Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua (every Saturday and Sunday through February 24). Beautiful draft horses pull a bobsled along Lake Chautauqua and through the Victorian village. Camp Onyahsa’s overnight school year programs for 7-13 year olds are a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy winter weekends at Lake Chautauqua (February 16-17).
The Jamestown Arena hosts the Jamestown Ironmen’s second junior league season with the National American Hockey League (NAHL) in February and March. You can also enjoy a Sweetheart Skate (February 14), St. Patty’s Day Skate (March 17) and “Scooby Doo Live Musical Mysteries” (March 19).
Want more great ideas for local attractions? How about visiting the Fenton History Center, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Roger Tory Peterson Institute - or Desilu Playhouse Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center Museum, and The Lucy Desi Center For Comedy? You’ll find two unique visitor facilities – The Lucy Desi Museum and The Desilu Studios -- and see I Love Lucy sets and The Tropicana Room where Ricky Ricardo captivated audiences!
2013 President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival - Mayville
Allegany State Park
Audubon Nature Center
Camp Onyahsa Overnighter
Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame - Jamestown
Fenton History Center - Jamestown
Holiday Valley - Ellicottville
HoliMont Ski Area
Huge Indoor Yard Sale
Jamestown Arena
Jamestown Ironmen – NAHL
Lucy Desi Center for Comedy - Jamestown
Maple Weekends
NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series
Roger Tory Peterson Institute
Sleigh Rides at Chautauqua
Visit Chautauqua Allegheny region for more Winter Travel Ideas!