From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Keep the entire family active and entertained this holiday season and all winter long with these fun activities:
- Take a walk through your neighborhood, yard or a local park. Stop and listen to the sounds of winter (e.g., wind or snow under feet). Find tips for exploring winter trees on the Project Learning Tree Family Activity web page.
- Make your own snowman bird feeder. Dress your snowman with food strings of unsalted, unbuttered popcorn and cranberries to increase the food variety and attract colorful birds.
- Snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking are great cold-weather options, with hundreds of miles of trails in state parks.
- Winter is a great time to enjoy bird watching. Explore Iowa DNR’s Get Into Birding How-to Guide for beginners.
- Escape to a winter cabin wonderland. Tucked among quiet forests, on the shores of peacefully frozen lakes or inside scenic parks, Iowa’s cabins offer the coziest escape. Get 20% off your stay with Promo Code Cabin2026 when you book now for January or February 2026.