Winter is here - the air is chilly and snow covers the ground in many areas! For some individuals, these ingredients equate to a great reason to stay indoors with a cup of your favorite hot beverage. To others, however, this is a recipe for adventure!

For those who enjoy being outdoors, we have fun ideas for day trips and excursions that the whole family can enjoy!

Syracuse
Venture to the Syracuse Winterfest! A 10-day affair, this annual February festival started in 1985 and has grown exponentially! With several events planned throughout the city from participating local businesses and establishments such as the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Museum of Science and Technology, outdoor fun at state parks and libraries, there will surely be a variety of activities that will entertain everyone!

2020 dates: February 13th - 23rd 

Buffalo
Resting on Buffalo waterfront, Canalside offers visitors, and winter warriors, plenty of outdoor activities in downtown Buffalo! The spacious Canalside ice rink is massive enough to accommodate all its offerings: ice bumper cars, ice bike rentals, ice skating and curling – or head to the Outer Harbor for some cross-country skiing.

Rochester
If you want to immerse yourself in the cold that is winter and partake in outdoor activities, stop by the Mendon Ponds Winterfest. The one-day, free event takes place every January and has great winter activities such as horse and wagon rides, sled-dog races, cross-country ski lessons, snowshoe race, crafts and more. In between all this winter fun, if you need to warm up from the outdoor festivities, there are several lodges where refreshments are available to purchase.

2020 date: February 23rd 

North Pole, N.Y.
And after you’ve explored our Club’s region, perhaps you want to venture deep into the Adirondacks. About an hour ride from the Vermont border rests North Pole, N.Y. where you’ll find Santa’s Workshop. The holidays may be over but the theme park has festivities planned as early as July (when they host "Christmas In July" events) until December 30th so you can make plans to visit the Pole in 2020 now! Visitors can see the Village of Lights, have breakfast with Santa, create your own ornaments, ride a steam train and more. Lastly, those who book a Yuletide Family Weekends package with lodging, enjoy a photo with Santa, a welcoming package and each child receives a gift from Santa. 

Want to explore more ideas for winter travel destinations? Call AAA at (800) 836-2582 or stop by your closest Travel & Insurance branch to speak with a travel agent!

AAA Travel Consultants