Bundle up and get outside this holiday season

Keep the whole family active and entertained this holiday season and all winter long with these fun activities.

Take a walk through your neighborhood, yard or a local park. Stop and listen to the sounds of winter — wind or snow under your feet.

Make your own snowman bird feeder. Dress your snowman with food strings of unsalted, unbuttered popcorn and cranberries to increase the food variety and attract colorful birds.

Snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking are great cold-weather options, and state parks have hundreds of miles of trails.

Winter is a great time to enjoy bird watching. Explore Iowa DNR's Get Into Birding How-to Guide for beginners.

Join a First Day Hike on New Year's Day. More than 40 locations are offering either a guided hike with park staff or a suggested hike to explore on your own. Find a First Day Hike near you.

Escape to a winter cabin wonderland. Tucked among quiet forests, on the shores of peacefully frozen lakes or inside scenic parks, Iowa's cabins offer the coziest escape. Get 20% off your stay with Promo Code Cabin2026 when you book now for January or February 2026.