Massanutten: 8 Winter Must-Do’s as a Family

A couple of weeks ago, we took the kids to spend the weekend at Massanutten. It’s a four season resort, so you can ski in the winter and golf in the summer. Our plan was to spend a couple of hours snow tubing, then enjoy the on-site waterpark, but I quickly realized there is so much to do at Massanutten Resort and for every member of the family. Take a look at these eight ways to enjoy Massanutten in the winter:

1. Go Snow Tubing: Of course, you’ll want to reserve a two-hour block for snow tubing at the Peaked Mountain Express Tubing Park. You’ll need to buy your tickets in-person the day you plan to go tubing, but resort guests can buy tickets a day ahead. Go tubing in the morning for fewer crowds. My oldest daughter, Clare, was even brave enough to take a short video as she sped down the tubing run.

snow tubing
Molly & Kate Ready to Snow Tube

2. Race Down the Mega Zip Line: Adjacent to the snow tubing park is the Mega Zip Line, so you’ll get all hooked up in a harness and race down the mountain on a 750-foot zip line, which spans the length of the tubing park. Race tubers if you like, or race a friend or family member, since there are two lines.

3. Take Ice Skating Lessons: Massanutten has converted a tennis court into an outdoor ice rink. There are plenty of open-skate sessions, as well as skating lessons throughout the week. My six-year-old spent an hour in a learn-to-skate lesson while my older girls skied. They also have Parent & Tot skating lessons, as well as private ice skating lessons.

molly ice skating
Molly Learning to Ice Skate

4. Take Ski Lessons: Given Massanutten is largely a ski area, it only makes sense to gear up in ski jackets, snow pants and goggles for a few trips down the slopes. My kids signed up for the four-hour ski lesson package, which included two one-hour lessons and a two-hour lift ticket. I loved the way this package worked because you did not need to take the lessons back-to-back. You could take a lesson, try out what you’d learned on the ski slopes, then come back for another one-hour lesson. Ideal. Lessons are available for kids as young as four.

5. Splash Around at the Indoor Waterpark: After a morning of skiing or snow tubing, nothing beats escaping the cold at the on-site indoor waterpark. My kids loved going down the slides and floating along the lazy river. My oldest daughter even tried her skills body boarding on The Pipeline.

The Indoor Waterpark
The Indoor Waterpark
Clare Floating Down the Lazy River
Clare Floating Down the Lazy River

6. Relax at the Spa: Since I was spending time with my littles watching them ice skate and feed the animals, I did not get a chance to partake in the spa. However, if you have a chance, it’s worth a visit. Look for massages, manicures, facials and all kinds of body treatments. Perfect after a day on the slopes.

7. Feed the Animals at the Petting Farm: While my older girls took a ski lesson, I took my younger two kids (ages 4 & 6) to the petting farm. They fed sheep, llamas and goats. We even got to visit with zebras, a pot-bellied big, turkeys and plenty of chickens. This was the perfect activity for little ones.

Feed the Animals at the Petting Farm
Feed the Animals at the Petting Farm

8. Enjoy a Pony Ride: Adjacent to the petting farm is a stable that offers two options: one-hour trail rides and pony rides around a ring. Since my kids are so small, we opted for the pony rides, which consisted of three times around a ring. It was a perfect way to finish off our trip to the petting farm.

Paul on a Pony Ride
Paul on a Pony Ride

Massanutten also hosts festivals throughout the year, features fantastic dining and has plenty to do for every member in your family. Before you go, download the most up-to-date Entertainment Guide for all that’s going on at the resort during each season. Have fun!

Disclaimer: I received six complimentary snow tubing and waterpark passes to use at Massanutten. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.