Image designed by the National Park Service
The days are shorter, but the possibilities for enjoying national parks during the winter season are endless. Vibrant fall colors give way to serene winter wonderlands. Wildlife is often on the move to warmer destinations or hunkered down until spring. Many cultures, communities, and families have winter traditions and celebrations, some passed through generations, now shared with each other in parks.
Whether you prefer to embrace or escape the cold, find your winter park experience. Or stay connected with parks virtually. Remember to check ahead of your visit for trip planning, rules, weather, and safety considerations.
A Few Winter Suggestions
- Frolic and Play in the Snow. Embrace the cold with skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and other cold-weather winter fun.
- Fly South with the Snowbirds. Prefer to stay warm instead? Many parks closer to the equator have sunny beaches, paddling, camping, and warmer weather activities.
- Find Festivities. Many parks host events or have programs about local winter cultural traditions and holidays.
- Take a Winter Wander. Whether bundled up on foot or in the warmth of your car, enjoy the stunning scenery of park winter wonderlands.
- Look at the Lights. Some parks have festive winter light displays to share local history and heritage. Nature sometimes has its own stunning light shows on the winter solstice or with the Aurelia Borealis (Northern Lights).
Trip Planning Tools
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Follow Us on Social MediaJoin the conversation and share your park adventures, inspire others with your stories and experiences, and find expert tips and the latest
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Download the NPS AppVisiting a national park? There is an app for that. Use the NPS App before and during your trip to make the most of your experience.
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Trip PlanningMake your winter adventure a fun, safe one by planning ahead. Find tips and a checklist to get started.
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Winter WeatherWinter weather can change rapidly during your outing. Consider basic safety tips to avoid being caught unprepared in the cold.
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Winter Hiking TipsWhether you are taking a casual stroll or an adventure in the wilderness, find basic tips for winter hikes.
Seasonal Celebrations and Pastimes
Winter Festivities
Find winter festivities happening at parks across the country and join in the many historical and cultural traditions of the season.
Winter Sports
Bundle up and head outdoors to play in a winter wonderland of snow! Choose your favorite snow activity and where to go.
Winter Solstice
Shine light on the darkest day of the year by experiencing the winter solstice in national parks.
Staying Home Warm By the Fire
If you're not venturing out this winter, stay connected with national parks across the country throughout the season. Many parks have virtual experiences to enjoy from the warmth of your own home. Follow the latest news and activities with national parks on social media using #FindYourPark or #EncuentraTuParque.
Find Your Virtual Park
Stay connected with national parks across the country with online resources and virtual experiences.
Games and Challenges
Test your knowledge or learn something new about national parks with games and challenges for all ages.
School in Session
As the school year continues, find lesson plans, educational activities, distance learning opportunities, and more.
Focus on Safety
Don’t let winter hazards take you by surprise. Colder temperatures, severe weather and conditions, and changes in wildlife behavior present challenges to be aware of when visiting national parks. Be prepared for your trip and stay alert to have a fun, safe winter adventure.
Roads can be slippery and visibility can be reduced during the winter. Keep in mind these basic winter weather driving tips to keep yourselves and others safe while out enjoying the spectacular winter scenery in parks.
- Drive slowly to adjust for the conditions of the road and your surroundings.
- Increase following distance between you and the vehicles in front of you.
- Turn on your headlights to help others see you and to increase your own visibility.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
NPS / Derrick Lam and Lilia Fomm
The infographic is titled "Winter Driving". The illustration includes the view out of a car's front windshield driving in a snowy, foggy area towards a city. The driver has two hands on the steering wheel and is maintaining a long distance from a vehicle in front on the road.
The illustration includes the road signs and text for "Slippery Road" and "Reduced Visibility".
The infographic includes four driving tips, including drive slowly, increase following distance, turn on headlights, and always wear a seatbelt. More information is on the website "nps.gov".
The illustration includes the road signs and text for "Slippery Road" and "Reduced Visibility".
The infographic includes four driving tips, including drive slowly, increase following distance, turn on headlights, and always wear a seatbelt. More information is on the website "nps.gov".
Winter Trip Ideas
Need inspiration for specific trip ideas and things to do? Parks have suggestions for self-guided activities to enjoy the winter season.
Calendar of Events
Find a park near you or explore in-park and virtual events hosted by parks across the country. Set the calendar to winter months to see what events are being hosted in national parks or online to join in the festivities.
Last updated: November 13, 2025