Step outside and embrace the fresh, winter air in Ames! From scenic walks through snowy parks to thrilling activities like sledding, ice skating, and cross-country skiing, there’s no shortage of winter fun. Explore the beautiful trails, enjoy a friendly game of ice hockey, or snowshoe across park trails!
Seven Oaks Recreation Center
Seven Oaks Recreation Center is the ultimate destination to make the most of a snow day! With an array of exciting winter activities like tubing, skiing, and snowboarding, the fun never stops. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to enjoy the snowy outdoors, Seven Oaks offers something for everyone. Grab your gear and embrace the winter chill!
Ames Ice Arena
Take a refreshing break and enjoy some fun on the ice at the Ames Ice Arena! While this activity might not be outdoors, the chilly temperatures inside will certainly give you that crisp, wintery feeling. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, the rink offers a great activity built for the wintertime. It’s a perfect outing for people of all ages, so gather your kids, family, and friends for an unforgettable day of skating. Don’t forget to bring your warmest gear to stay cozy while enjoying the frosty atmosphere!
Parks and trails
+ Take a walk and admire the beautiful snowy landscape at Brookside Park! There are shelters and playgrounds along the paths, so bring the kids for a fun, chilly day outside!
+ Get active and snowshoe around McFarland Park Trails! With 3.8 miles of trails, there are many different paths to take while taking in the scenery.
+ One of the best places in Ames for cross-country skiing is Peterson Park Trails! Get outside and explore the 2 miles of trails that wind throughout the park.
Outdoor winter events
+ Winter Forest Bathing Walk at Reiman Gardens (Jan. 11 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.) – Enjoy an embodied awareness walk through the beautiful garden spaces at Reiman Gardens! This crisp winter walk will end indoors with a warm beverage and snacks by the fire.
+ Winter Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Ames (Jan. 9-12) – Winter Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Ames are a semi-annual sale held by businesses in the Downtown district. Not only will you find great deals, you’ll be supporting the local community by shopping local! You’ll find discounts, promotions, sales, and many other good deals! Take a stroll in Downtown Ames and check out what our local businesses have to offer.
