Don’t let cold or snowy weather keep you hibernating indoors! Bundle up and explore some local trails this winter to witness how the beauty of nature transforms this time of year! Our best trails for family winter hikes feature well-kept trails and mild hills for easy adventures with kids.
Tips for Hiking in Winter
Hiking in the snow or in colder temperatures presents unique challenges, especially with kids. Be ready with these tips:
- Make sure you and the kids have proper footwear for snow, muddy, or slippery conditions along trails.
- Always bundle up, dress in layers, and bring extra pairs of gloves. We will also utilize hand warmers on longer hikes. We like to keep blankets for the kids to use in the car while it heats up.
- Never forget snacks on a hike!
- A good thermos for hot cocoa or coffee can help extend the amount of time spent outdoors.
- With little ones who are still discovering snow, plan for shorter lengths of time outside.
- Please be advised that the majority of park restrooms are typically closed from October to May; however, restrooms may be available at Nature Centers and certain ice skating facilities.
Winter Scavenger Hunt
For an added fun activity, download and print our Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable.
Best Winter Hikes In Rochester For Families
Basil Marella Park | Greece
This park has ample parking near the playground. The trail at this location goes through the woods and is completely paved. It’s a beautiful wooded path that runs parallel to Route 390. Even covered in snow, these trails could be stroller-friendly depending on the stroller. There is a small hill for sledding here as well.
Durand Eastman Park | Irondequoit
The playground is located on Log Cabin Road, while Zoo Road leads to the arboretum. There’s plenty to see from walking the paved roads. For winter fun, kids frequently sled the hills on the golf course along Kings Highway. For more outdoor adventure, the Eastman Lake Trail goes through the most evergreens. It’s a dirt path that circles the lake and may be a bit challenging for littler kids, but it offers some beautiful scenery.
Gosnell Big Woods Preserve | Webster
The paths are mainly dirt and lined with numerous evergreen trees. While they can get muddy after rainfall, they are well-traveled enough to be enjoyable on a snowy day. The mild hills make this a fairly easy hike through beautiful scenery. These trails are great for giving little kids a true taste of outdoor adventure.
Highland Park | Rochester
The park features paved trails through mild hills with trees to view along the way. There are multiple playgrounds throughout the park and several good spots for sledding. The Lamberton Conservatory at the park is home to turtles and quails! Entrance is free for kids under 5 years old, and the heated space offers a nice way to thaw out from the cold. Lily Pond provides a natural skating rink in the winter. When ice conditions allow, there is a warming hut available near the rink. Skate at your own risk; equipment is not available for rent.
Mendon Ponds Park | Pittsford-Mendon
Mendon Ponds Park is the largest Monroe County park, spanning 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and glacially formed landforms. It’s a beautiful park to walk among evergreen trees. There are two designated sledding hills located across from the Cavalry House Lodge on Douglas Road, and located next to the East and West Lodges on Canfield Road. Many trails are groomed throughout the winter, which accommodate the more than 20 miles of marked cross-country skiing trails. Snowshoers should avoid walking on groomed cross-country ski trails. Wild Wings Nature Center makes a great spot to warm up and continue learning about nature. They are open to the public every day (except Wednesdays & Thursdays) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offer snowshoe rentals.
