Embrace the Season: Five Ways to Winter in the Fox Cities

Platform Tennis at Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel

1. Get in the swing of things.
Stay active and in the swing of things with these sport options: platform tennis and indoor golf.

Platform tennis is played on a raised court with heaters underneath, allowing the sport to be played even amidst snow. The Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel has two courts, which can be reserved through the Bridgewood Platform Tennis Club.

Indoor golf has also made its way to the Fox Cities at Appleton Indoor Golf. This indoor venue allows you to practice your game on simulators with beer, food, and good memories in hand.

You can also stay active and have fun at area trampoline parks, laser tag, arcades, bowling lanes, and other indoor amusement centers.

Cross Country Skiing at Bubolz Nature Preserve

2. Brave the outdoors ... and love it.
There are plenty of ways to embrace winter outdoors in the Fox Cities. Winter hike at High Cliff State Park. Cross country ski at Bubolz Nature Preserve. Walking along the Fox River at 1000 Islands Environmental Center. Play on the Children's Canopy Walk at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. Wherever you play, you'll experience the beauty and adventure in exploring nature.

Looking for other trail options? Check out Loop the Lake, Fox Trot Trail, or a stretch of some of the Fox Cities 100+ miles of trails. There are plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors amidst the changing seasons.

With literally hundreds of parks and greenspaces scattered throughout the Fox Cities, there is no shortage of fun to be had in winter. Fields transition into ice rinks. Grassy hills become sledding hills. Playgrounds are cleared for year-round play.

Ice Rinks*

Appleton: Memorial Park, Erb Park, Jones Park, Highview Park, Colony Oaks Park, and Pierce Park
Neenah: Washington Park, Green Park, Memorial Park and The Plaza at Gateway Park
Menasha: Hart Park
Greenville: Jennerjohn Park

Sledding Hills*

Appleton: Appleton Memorial Park, Arrowhead Park, Erb Park & Reid Golf Course
Combined Locks: Memorial Park
Kaukauna: Grignon Park, White City Park
Kimberly: Sunset Park
Menasha: Clovis Park
Neenah: Fritse Park, Quarry Park, Island Park, Washington Park, and Memorial Park
Sherwood: Wanick Choute Park

* Check park and recreation websites and social pages for the most up-to-date rink and sledding hill conditions.

Downtown Neenah

3. Stroll picturesque downtowns.
If you're dreaming of small town winter scenes straight from the Hallmark movies, look no further. The Fox Cities is made up of 19 communities, many of which perfectly blend historic charm, natural elements, and modern amenities.

Stroll, shop, snack, and sip in historic downtown Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Hortonville, and other Fox Cities communities. Check off your list by searching these 30 local boutiques.

Van Abel’s of Hollandtown

4. Warm up with a hearty meal or good drink.
From a classic supper club meal to a modern small plate delicacy to warm drinks, restaurants and coffeehouses in the Fox Cities can fit your taste. Whether you are looking for ethnic fare at Zacatecas Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge, a classic fish fry at VanAbel's, a sip of coffee downtown at Copper Rock Coffee Co., or a taste of a chef-prepared, scratch kitchen-style meal at Field and Fire, fill your belly and your heart this season with a meal from a Fox Cities restaurant.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

5. Opt for an engaging educational experience.
The Fox Cities is home to numerous museums sure to expand your horizons, leave you intrigued, and fill a winter afternoon. The Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Trout Museum of Art, Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass, Hearthstone Historic House Museum, and many others are great options to explore.

If you're looking for a mix of history, art, and the outdoors, bundle up and take a self-guided walking tour on the Fox Trot Trail, Historic Downtown Neenah Walking Tour, or another Fox Cities walking tour.

Banner Photo: 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Kaukauna