Winter is what you make of it. Winter can either be an enjoyable time filled with winter activities with friends, or it can be a bah humbug kind of experience. The Des Moines area winters are filled with a plethora of great events to help make the most of winter and have the most fun through a beautiful season. So what are some of the best ways to spend your winter holiday in Des Moines? Here are just a few ideas to get your vacation started.
Ice Skating
What is winter without a little ice skating? Ice skate under the stars or in the bright sun light of the newly fallen snow. Brenton Skating Plaza is the best place to go ice skating with the family and spend some time creating memories. Gather the family, stop for a cup of hot chocolate, and head out to the rink to teach little Johnny how to ice skate for the first time and make a lifetime’s worth of memories in one afternoon.
Snowboarding/Skiing
There are a number of places through the greater Des Moines are that are perfect for a little snowboarding or skiing. Head over to Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, IA for some year-round outdoor adventure. Seven Oaks offers a chance to go skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing, which is great for the younger kids in the family. Bundle up and get ready to fly down the hills as fast as you dare and take in breathtaking views from atop the hills of the greater Des Moines area. After your day of snowboarding, stop by the lounge and fire pit adorned patio for a hot meal to warm you up. Don’t forget the camera for the day of adventure.
Cross-Country Skiing
Head up to Terra Park in Johnston for a plethora of cross-country skiing trails that will take you into some of the more picturesque parks in the greater Des Moines area. Cross-country skiing is a great activity for the younger kids to partake in, as it gives them a chance to go at their speed while still enjoying the beauty of the freshly fallen snow.
Breweries
If you’ve been outside for too long and need to warm up, check out any number of the local breweries around the area that will serve you up a large pint of your favorite draft. From local brews to longtime favorite domestics, each brewery has a different thing to offer. See here for more information on the different breweries in the area that you can visit.
There are many things to do in Des Moines during the winter. Not only the outdoor activities, enjoying the freshly fallen snow, but the many winter events held throughout the city are always a pleasure and create lifelong memories for your family. Check with your Ramada Tropics hotel desk attendant for a calendar of all of the upcoming events while you are in town. And if you get back and have had enough of the snow, don’t forget your swim suit! Stop by Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park to be taken back to a tropical place!