Winter Activities Near Philadelphia: A Day at Spring Mountain

When the weather turns cold and the kids start asking when we can finally go skiing again, Spring Mountain is usually our first stop. A short drive from Bucks County, PA, it’s close enough for a day trip but still feels like a little getaway — just far enough to trade our usual weekend routine for snow, fresh air, and a change of scenery.

We’ve found that it’s the perfect spot for families who want to ski, snowboard, or even just try something new without the stress of packing for a full weekend away. The day always ends with tired legs, red cheeks, and big smiles — exactly what you hope for after a winter day spent together outside.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Spring Mountain

Spring Mountain keeps things family-friendly, with slopes mainly geared toward beginner and intermediate skill levels. Beginners can start slow on the magic carpet or beginner hill without having to pay full price for lift tickets — which was nice for us when the kids were first learning to ski.

The magic carpet area is a small, roped-off hill where new skiers can safely practice their “french fries” and “pizza” moves without picking up too much speed. On the beginner hill, the main lift drops you off halfway, giving you a gentle introduction before tackling the full slope.

For more experienced skiers, ride the lift all the way to the top to work on your turns down the steeper incline or check out the terrain park for some extra fun. If you’re looking for a longer run, head over to the other side of the mountain where you’ll find winding trails through the woods and a few more challenging options.

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, the Ski & Ride School is a must. My kids took a couple of group lessons, and the instructors were patient, encouraging, and made learning fun. It’s a great way to build confidence on the slopes.

You can rent everything you need right on-site — skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets — so there’s no need to worry about hauling gear from home. Spring Mountain is the perfect place for kids (and adults!) to learn to ski or snowboard without the long drive to the Poconos or the overwhelm of a big resort.

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Ice Skating Fun for Everyone

If skiing isn’t your thing — or if you just want to mix it up — ice skating at Spring Mountain is another great way to enjoy the season. The outdoor rink makes it feel extra special, giving off that classic winter wonderland vibe, and the upbeat, family-friendly music adds to the fun atmosphere. We try to get up here at least once during winter break because usually the rink is open before the ski season really kicks off, depending on how the weather is cooperating.

While it’s smaller than a traditional indoor rink, it’s the perfect size for kids learning to skate or just looking to have some fun. They also have plenty of skate helpers available — those handy frames kids can hold onto to keep their balance — and the best part is, they’re free to use. My youngest found these extremely helpful last year since it was her first time skating, and I did as well trying to hold her up! They are plentiful and there always seemed to be enough for everyone who needed one.

Skate rentals are available, so all you need to do is bundle up and hit the ice. Right outside the rink, there’s often a food truck with picnic tables where you can grab a snack, a funnel cake, or a cup of hot chocolate to warm up between laps.

It’s a cheerful, wintry scene that perfectly balances a little exercise with a lot of laughter — especially when everyone’s wobbling around together. For us, skating is often where we get the best family laughs (and maybe a few gentle falls that end with giggles).

Where to Eat and Warm Up

After a few hours out in the cold, nothing hits the spot quite like a good lunch (aka chicken fingers and pizza). Spring Mountain’s lodge is home to the Spring Mountain Café, a casual, cafeteria-style eatery with plenty of family-friendly options. You’ll find everything from grab-and-go snacks to the classics — burgers, fries, pizza, and soft pretzels. There’s also a sweet selection of treats, including ice cream and cookies, perfect for a little post-ski reward.

Once you’ve grabbed your food, head to the seating area where you can relax and watch skiers make their way down the slopes. There’s also a more formal dining area upstairs, but we usually stick to the café downstairs — it’s easier with kids (and all that ski gear!).

Tips for Visiting Spring Mountain

• Book ahead: Lift tickets, rentals, and lessons can sell out on busy weekends, so it’s best to reserve early.
  

• Dress in layers and bring sunscreen: The weather can change quickly, and you’re likely to warm up with all the movement, so layers make it easy to stay comfortable. Also, don't forget the sunscreen especially for your face! With it being chiller, you may forget how much that sun reflects off the snow!
  

• Bring extras: Gloves, socks, and hand warmers are always a good idea for kids (and grown-ups too!). They do have different size lockers you can rent to put your valuables in. I would suggest throwing all your extras into one big bag and leave as much as you can in the car.
  

• Arrive early: Parking fills up fast in the lot right outside the lodge, so get their early if you want to park close or have easy access to your car. They do have an overflow lot down the street and a shuttle bus that will take you to the main lodge. It’s also only about a 5-10 minute walk.
  

• Check the snow report: With the up and down weather in this area it’s important to check out the slope conditions on their website as they are updated daily.

Wrapping Up the Day

By the end of the day, we were tired in the best way — the kind of tired that comes from fresh air, laughter, and a little trial and error on the slopes. There’s nothing quite like the moment you finally take off your ski boots and slip back into your sneakers — instant relief after hours of clunky walking. The kids were proud of themselves for learning something new, and I’ll admit, it felt pretty good to finally make it down a hill without falling.

As the sun started to set and the lights came on across the mountain, families were still skiing and skating, stretching out those last moments of fun. It was the perfect mix of adventure and simple joy — the kind of day that reminds you how good it feels to get outside, try something new, and just enjoy winter for what it is.