Not sure where to take your kids in winter? We’ll help you decide!

Winter can be a challenging season for many parents. It's cold, dreary, dark early, and the playgrounds aren't ideal for spending time. Coming up with engaging activities for kids can be tough, but we've gathered some tips on where to take them and how to keep them meaningfully entertained during winter.

Tips for winter activities and places

Winter nature is simply magical. Braving the cold for a while can reward kids with unforgettable moments they'll remember for a lifetime.

Winter sports

Winter sports are a fantastic way to stay healthy, boost immunity, and improve kids' fitness. Some of the best options include:

• Skiing and Snowboarding

Visit family-friendly ski resorts with great conditions for beginners, including ski schools, kids’ parks, and ideal beginner slopes.

 Popular locations include: Park Snow Donovaly, Bachledka Ski & Sun, Salamandra Resort, SKI PARK Kubínska hoľa, Ski Tále, Vrátna Malá Fatra an more.

• Sledding and Tobogganing

If skiing or snowboarding isn't your child’s thing—or they're still too young—sledding is a classic winter activity. Of course, under the condition that there is enough snow. :)

Choose a quiet snow-covered hill or a designated sledding track, such as those in Herbienok or Donovaly. For a more adventurous experience, try a toboggan run, like the one at Snowparadise Veľká Rača-Oščadnica.

• Ice Skating

During winter, both indoor and outdoor rinks open up. Indoor arenas offer public skating sessions, while outdoor rinks, often smaller, are ideal for young skaters. On natural ice, always ensure it's safe before venturing out.

Winter outdoor activities

For those who enjoy winter walks or light hiking, Slovakia offers plenty of options. Be cautious, though, avoiding closed or icy trails. Equip kids with sturdy, anti-slip footwear and pack a thermos of hot tea.

Winter Hiking Suggestions:

• Štrbské Pleso (High Tatras)

A 2.5 km easy route around the lake with stunning views.

• Kvačianska Valley (Orava)

A 6 km trail to the historic Oblazy watermills, perfect for a 2-3 hour hike.

• Hrebienok (High Tatras)

From Starý Smokovec, a 5 km round trip includes sledding opportunities and an Ice Dome.

• Demänovská Valley (Low Tatras)

An easy walk to Vrbické Pleso, ideal for small children.

• Čičmany (Strážovské Hills)

Stroll through this picturesque village with painted wooden houses and a small animal farm nearby.

• Súľov Rocks (Súľovské Hills)

A 4 km round trip to Súľov Castle with breathtaking views of rock formations.

Winter and Christmas attractions

Winter is rich with events and attractions that enhance its magical atmosphere, offering kids fairytale-like experiences.

• Christmas Markets

Introduce kids to the festive spirit by visiting Christmas markets in cities like Bratislava, Vienna, Graz, Budapest, Brno, Prague, or Krakow.

• Light Parks

Light-themed parks featuring stunning installations are increasingly popular. For example, Winter Wonderland in Bratislava or Story of Lights in cities like Banská Bystrica, Komárno, and Košice.

• Ice Sculptures

Visit the annual Tatranský Ice Dome at Hrebienok, themed around Pope John Paul II this year. From January 18-19, 2025, check out Tatry Ice Master and later the Gallery of Ice Masters featuring 35 unique sculptures.

• Animal Farms

Even during the winter months, animal farms and petting zoos can be a great destination for outings with children. Many farms are open year-round, offering the chance to see animals up close, and some even allow petting or feeding them. Children can enjoy unforgettable moments interacting with animals such as horses, goats, llamas, and even exotic species like tigers or meerkats.

Popular locations include ZOOKontakt in Liptovský Mikuláš, Biofarma Príroda in Stupava, Malkia Park near Orechová Potôň, and Salaš Krajinka in Ružomberok. These farms are perfect for combining fun with learning and relaxation in a pleasant environment.

Indoor activities

If the weather isn’t cooperating, indoor activities are a warm and entertaining alternative.

• Play Centers

Nowadays, almost every major city has various play and family centers or corners for children of different age groups. They offer a safe and entertaining space for spending free time, developing various physical skills, and engaging in social interactions with peers. These centers often feature attractions like trampolines, climbing frames, rope parks, or ball pits. Many also have facilities for parents, where they can relax with a cup of coffee while the children play.

• Pools and Aquaparks

Winter is also an ideal time for water sports and swimming in indoor pools. This is an activity you can enjoy together with your children, spending quality time with them. There are also swimming classes and courses available for babies. For older children, aquaparks are perfect, providing a full day of fun, almost like being on vacation. Some of the most popular aquaparks include Tatralandia, Bešeňová Water Park, Aquacity Poprad, and Aquapark Senec.

• Creative Home Activities

If you prefer not to go anywhere with the kids or have a limited budget, take advantage of numerous creative activities that can be done at home. These include baking together, modeling with clay or playdough, painting and drawing, crafting with paper, creating decorations from natural materials, building with blocks or puzzles, doing homemade experiments (e.g., making slime or a volcano), and, of course, playing board games. The only limit is your imagination.

We hope these suggestions inspire you to make the most of winter with your kids, filling the season with joy and unforgettable experiences. When spring arrives, don’t forget to check out the BikeUP showroom to explore kids' bicycles for the upcoming cycling season.