Sure, it's cold outside. But why just chill out at home when you can celebrate the snowy season with carnival games, wacky contests, toboggan rides, and more? At festivals across the United States and Canada, families can find a flurry of fun and inexpensive activities for curing cabin fever. Check out our hot list to find a cool event near you.
1) Snowfest, Naples, Florida, December 6. The city of Naples transforms 70 tons of ice into mountains of snow for sledding, climbing, and toboggan rides, all in 70 degree weather! The frosty fun continues with "glice" skating on a plastic rink, photo ops with Santa, and ornament-making workshops. Free. 239-252-4000, snowfestnaples.com
2) Bavarian Ice Fest, Leavenworth, Washington, January 17-18. Set in a Bavarian-themed village, this old-fashioned festival offers classic games with a winter twist: tug-of-war on ice, snowball tosses, ice cube hunts and more. Don't miss the smooshing competition, where teams of four adultst ry to ride one pair of skis. Free admission. Event prices vary. 5-90548-5807. www.leavenworth.org
3) Flake Out Festival, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, January 17-18. The Dells may be better known for summer escapes, but this midwinter event has been drawing crowds for almost two decades Highlights include snow angel competitions, ice-carving demonstrations, and a candy snowball-eating contest. Free admission.Event prices vary. 800-223-3557. Wisdells.com
