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Family-Friendly Winter Fun in Miami County, Ohio
January 23, 2025
As the chill of winter settles in, Miami County, Ohio, transforms into a playground of snowy adventures and cozy indoor activities perfect for families. From sledding and ice skating to sipping hot cocoa, there’s no shortage of ways to make winter memories together. Here’s your guide to family-friendly winter fun in Miami County!
Lace Up Your Skates for Ice Skating Fun
Lace-up your skates and take a spin around the ice at Hobart Arena in Troy, where their seasonal ice-skating rink is a hit with families. Whether you’re an experienced skater or it’s your first time, this is the perfect spot to enjoy winter fun while practicing your best moves or simply laughing together as you find your balance. Don’t forget to warm up afterward with a steaming cup of cocoa from the snack bar.
Explore Nature in the Snow
Bundle up for a winter hike at Charleston Falls Preserve. The trails are transformed into a winter wonderland, with the star of winter being the beautiful frozen waterfall. Kids will love spotting animal tracks in the snow, and parents will appreciate the scenery and a little exercise for everyone. For a quieter outdoor experience, check out Stillwater Prairie Reserve, where the cool winter air and trails create the perfect backdrop for a family outing. If you’re the adventurous type, bring your cross-country skis along.
Pro-tip: Plan your visit to one of the Miami County Parks around their programs.
Inspiring Kids Through Innovation and Ingenuity in Miami County
Explore the rich history of aviation or the ingenuity of the Ford Mustang at one of the museums in Miami County. The WACO Air Museum in Troy takes you back in time to the golden age of aviation, featuring meticulously restored WACO planes, interactive displays, and workshops that highlight the area’s aviation legacy. Kids will be inspired at the Halderman Museum, which showcases the life and innovations of Gale Halderman, including his contributions to the automotive industry, with exhibits that tell the story of creativity and progress in rural America. The Halderman Museum is available by appointment only; please contact them to schedule a visit for your family.
Dining Out with Kids in Miami County Relax, Connect, and Leave the Mess Behind
Taking the whole family out for dinner can be a game-changer for moms who need a break from cooking and cleaning. There’s something wonderful about sitting down at a table where the hardest decision is choosing what to order. There are no dishes to wash, no mess to clean up, and everyone gets to decide what they want to eat without Mom lifting a finger. Whether it’s a casual pizza spot, a diner with a kid-friendly menu, or a restaurant with crayons and coloring pages, dining out means more time to relax and connect with your kids and way less stress at the end of a winter day.
Pro-tip: Use our restaurant guide to help find the perfect place to eat.
Get Creative Indoors
When the cold winter winds are blowing, head indoors for some hands-on fun. The Troy-Miami County Public Library offers winter-themed crafts, storytime sessions, and activities for kids of all ages. Or, unleash your family’s creativity at Studio 14 in Troy, where you can paint pottery, create artwork, and bond over shared masterpieces. Another great place to enjoy the artsy side with family is Board and Brush, where they offer mini-classes that are perfect for all ages. If the kids are amped up and need to use up some of their energy, head to the Piqua Center for Hero Day Piqua, where you can relax while they jump and play.
Warm Up with Sweet Treats
No winter day is complete without indulging in some sweet treats. Stop by Winans Chocolates + Coffees to sample their famous hot cocoa and hand-dipped chocolates. For an unforgettable experience, visit Susie’s Big Dipper in Piqua, where winter doesn’t stop the fun of enjoying their homemade ice cream!
Where to Stay
Turn your winter day trips into a weekend adventure with a stay at one of Miami County’s family-friendly hotels. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Troy offers spacious accommodations, an indoor pool, and a hot breakfast to fuel your next day of fun. Fairfield Inn offers a great place to warm up after a day of play; the kids can swim in the pool or cuddle up for a movie night. Just off I 75 is the Comfort Suites Piqua, where you can enjoy the Piqua Center and hotel amenities.
Miami County makes winter a season of discovery, laughter, and family togetherness. Whether jumping at an indoor park, marveling at frozen waterfalls, or sharing hot cocoa, Miami County is bursting with opportunities to embrace the winter months. Plan your trip, layer up, and head to Miami County for a winter getaway with your family for a winter trip for the memory books.
Brandy Gleason is the CEO of Gleason Media, LLC. , chief writer at Gleason Family Adventure, and creator of the Ohio Road Trips Facebook group. She has written three books, 100 Things to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country Before You Die, and co-wrote the Ohio section of Midwest Road Trip Adventures and Midwest State Parks, and 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die will be released in 2024. She has spoken at National Conventions on education and conferences on travel, was a brand ambassador for THOR industries in 2021, and is currently a Heartland RVs brand ambassador.
Brandy loves to travel and explore and has a passion for the environment, sustainability, and the outdoors. She buckles up for a road trip any time she can, and her driving force behind her writing and social media is to encourage others to find their own adventures. One of her favorite quotes is “In order to write about life first you must live it.” by Ernest Hemingway, and she fully embraces each day.
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Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ohioroadtrips