The past few winters in New York City have been mild, but lately, New Yorkers have been gifted the opportunity to deck ourselves out in our most fashionable winter gear. And, when Winter Storm Fern made its way across the South, the Midwest, and the Northeast, New York got a few more inches of snow. While some may complain about the bristling cold, many families and kids are more than thrilled to play in the snow and even watch others go sledding! And, luckily, there are many amazing places in New York City for snow tubing.
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Despite the news cycle, most New Yorkers are unserious about excessive snow, and they will happily head outside to have a great time. One of the best things about snowy weather and snow days is that they give families a break from the grind, school schedules, and routines. Central Park is known for many things, but “The Great Hill” is a winter hotspot among the locals. This year, after the first snowfall, during Snowstorm Fern, I decided to head to Cedar Hill (you can enter the park at 76th and 79th at 5th Avenue) with my teen and toddler to let off some steam. And, it was absolutely amazing. Watching others enjoy sledding was equally as rewarding as our own few attempts at snow sledding down the hill.
This year, professional snowboarder Shaun White was in Central Park on the day after Snowstorm Fern came through, and he was performing sledding stunts for several hundred families and kids on the hill. It was truly a New York moment, because no one knew who all would be on the hill in Central Park. This hill was a perfect fit for my family, as we have two very different age groups. The lower part of the hill is great for younger kids and those who are still newish to sledding and tubbing (like me!), and the upper part of the hill (headed East) is perfect for the older kids and teens. And, Cedar Hill is absolutely beautiful, and it truly feels and looks like a Winter Wonderland. (If you’re looking for even more amazing ways to maximize snow days in New York City, check out this guide.)
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For those who live a bit further uptown, towards Harlem and the Bronx, there are other amazing parks like St. Nicholas Park (St. Nicholas Avenue (east), St. Nicholas Terrace (west), 128th St (south), and 141st St (north). History buffs will be pleased to know that St. Nicholas Park is also home to walking trails like the Hamilton Grange Trail and the Alexander Hamilton National Memorial (the site of Alexander Hamilton’s Uptown country estate). As a parent, I love that my kids get to have unique experiences that truly showcase the city’s diversity. And snowtubing this past week in Cedar Hill was truly the icing on the cake, as it was a beautiful time when families from various neighborhoods and all walks of life came together to enjoy nature and the outdoors, despite the cold.
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Looking to plan your next family adventure in New York? Be sure to check out Only In Your State’s Itinerary Planner when searching for the best places to stay in New York, great places to eat in New York City, or to help you find your next daring hiking adventure! And, if you’re looking to experience a few towns in New York that are hidden gems, some people spend their whole lives in New York and somehow miss these three lovely places.