We'll never forget the look of startled pleasure on the snow-dusted face of our son, Abram, then three, when my husband and I first took him down a toboggan run. A classic winter thrill, a trip down one of these chutes--formed from wood, fiberglass or banked snow--provides a longer, faster ride than you're likely to find at your local sledding hill. Unlike skating or skiing, this sport requires no athletic ability or expensive equipment. And, because most toboggans accommodate four riders, it's truly an activity families can do together. So bundle up and head to the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Nebraska, where you'll find old-fashioned excitement and many winter thrills.

ASHLAND, NEBRASKA

EUGENE T. MAHONEY STATE PARK
Bring your own toboggan and ride for free on three runs that are maintained by snowmakers. Choose from the straight 200-foot kiddie run or two curvy 400-foot runs. The park also boasts a warming lodge, snack bar, ice rink, ice fishing and cross-country ski trails. Hourly rentals are $5 for a 7-foot wooden toboggan and $3 for a 3-foot plastic sled. Park admission is $2.50 per vehicle. Call 402-944-2523 or click here.

Joan Huyser-Honig is a freelance writer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.