As the cold of winter months sets in, it can be difficult to find new adventures that will both entertain and warm one's spirit. It may be tempting to stay inside and snuggle up to avoid the cold, but to beat the monotany of the winter weeks, why not take a day trip to check out somewhere you haven't been around the state?
Whether your interest is winter sports, history, nature or interactive museums, Missouri is home to many attractions that can provide fun for families with children of varying ages. Be sure to check local event calendars and more, as there is always something exciting going on right here in Jefferson City, but these destinations will surely be memorable as well.
Snow Creek, Weston
Approximately a three-hour drive from Jefferson City
Open from December through the middle of March, Snow Creek resort in Weston is a great place for people of all ages and skill levels to go snow-skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Wintertime hikers can enjoy 12 different trails that range from beginner to advanced, and the Rattlesnake Terrain Park is a place for expert skiers and boarders.
Lessons, season passes and group options and equipment rental are available, but the hours vary. While Snow Creek has snow machines that can produce up to 123 inches of snow in 24 hours, it is advised that visitors call for current snow conditions.
Reservations are recommended. Visit Snow Creek online at skisnowcreek.com.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort, Wildwood
Approximately a two-hour drive from Jefferson City
Hidden Valley Ski Resort, located in the St. Louis area, is another popular place for outdoor adventure lovers. This resort also offers Missouri skiing and snowboarding from December through mid-March. All trails are lighted for Hidden Valley's popular night skiing, which is offered every evening. Midnight skiing is held on Fridays and Saturdays beginning in late December, weather permitting, and snow tubing is open Fridays-Sundays. Visit Hidden Valley online at hiddenvalleyski.com.
Many people interested in snow tubing do not realize fresh, natural snow makes the tube runs slower, not faster. Very cold weather usually means faster runs and a higher rate of speed for tubes. A day with medium temperatures and sunshine may also make for faster runs, as the top layer of snow may melt just enough to help increase tubing speed. Both Snow Creek and Hidden Valley will let guests check the snow in the tubing area before purchasing tickets.
Steinberg Skating Rink, St. Louis
Approximately a two-hour drive from Jefferson City
Steinberg Skating Rink is not only the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Missouri but also in the Midwest. Also known as one of the most romantic places in St. Louis, the rink boasts more than 27,000 square feet of ice skating fun.
A gift from the Steinberg family, the rink has been in operation since 1957 and now offers both indoor and outdoor seating and viewing areas. Visitors may rent skates or bring their own, and patrons enjoy free parking and on-site food and drinks. The rink is open every day November through February. For more information, visit steinbergskatingrink.com.
Fantastic Caverns, Springfield
Approximately a two-hour, 20-minute drive from Jefferson City
This all-natural attraction is America's only ride-through cave. Since the cave stays a comfortable 60 degrees year-round, it is open and enjoyable in every season.
The cave was originally discovered in 1862 and now hosts thousands of tours each year. Each tour last about an hour, and at varying parts, visitors are encouraged by their tour guides to touch a particular section of low ceiling dead stalactites. For more information, visit fantasticcaverns.com.
If you'd like to continue your science-themed day trip, check out the Discovery Center of Springfield, an interactive museum with exhibits and demonstrations aimed at all ages. Learn about the human body, astronomy, machines and energy, world geography and more through hands-on activities. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday during the winter months, and more information can be found at discoverycenter.org.
Legoland Discovery Center, Kansas City
Approximately a two-hour, 30-minute drive from Jefferson City
More than 3 million Legos are just a part of the display and interactive events for children aged 3-12 at Kansas City's Legoland Discovery Center.
The center also features two rides for families to enjoy. While there are countless opportunities to test one's building skills and creativity, many visitors are fascinated during the factory tour where you can see first-hand how Legos are made. Another popular part of the attraction is the display of a miniature Kansas City made out of Legos.
Located near Legoland is the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, an interactive aquarium containing contains thousands of aquatic animals. It also features interactive touch pools and a 360-degree ocean tunnel.
Both Legoland and the aquarium are open year round, beginning at 10 a.m. seven days a week.
Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center, St. Charles
Approximately a one-hour, 50-minute drive from Jefferson City
This St. Charles destination is both educational and fun. Located not far from the state's first Capitol building and other historic sites in St. Charles and nearby St. Louis, the boathouse and nature center can be one stop on a day-long St. Charles excursion.
Children and adults of all ages can learn fun and interesting facts about Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition across the western U.S. The self-guided tours include life-size replicas of some of the boats and other materials used during the time of the expedition. The boathouse, open seven days a week, sits near the Missouri River and allows for lots of wildlife sightings. For more information, visit lewisandclark.net/museum.html.