The Ultimate Winter Bucket List: Family Fun in Howard County, MD
Winter has a way of slowing us down, at least a little, and honestly, I welcome it. After the rush of fall schedules and before spring sports and schedules take over our calendars, winter in Howard County gives us permission to lean into togetherness. It’s the season of mittens by the door, foggy car windows, and saying “yes” to one more cup of hot chocolate.
If you’re looking for ways to make the most of the colder months (without defaulting to yet another movie night), I’ve put together the ultimate winter bucket list for families right here in Howard County. These are the kinds of moments that feel simple while you’re in them, but turn into the memories your kids will talk about years from now.
Get Outside (Yes, Even in the Cold):
Howard County is beautiful year-round, and winter has its own kind of magic if you bundle up and head out.
Explore a local trail.
Whether it’s a quiet walk at Centennial Park or a wooded path closer to home, winter hikes are surprisingly peaceful. No bugs, fewer crowds, and that crisp air that makes everyone sleep better at night.
Go on a winter nature scavenger hunt.
Look for animal tracks, pinecones, frozen puddles, or bare branches shaped like letters. It turns a simple walk into an adventure, and keeps little legs moving.
Build something in the snow.
Snowmen, snow forts, or even tiny snow creatures lined up on the porch railing. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect; it just has to be fun.
Warm Up with Cozy Indoor Fun:
When the temperatures really drop, Howard County has plenty of ways to stay entertained indoors.
Visit a local library.
Our libraries are winter lifesavers. Storytimes, cozy reading corners, and that feeling of coming in from the cold, it’s comfort in building form.
Try a family craft afternoon.
Paint winter scenes, make paper snowflakes, or let the kids design their own “winter survival kits.” Bonus points if you don’t worry about the mess.
Bake something together.
Cookies, muffins, or a family recipe passed down from grandparents. Let the kids measure, stir, and sneak a few chocolate chips, it’s part of the joy.
Seasonal Experiences:
This is where winter in our area really shines. These are the outings that feel special the moment you put them on the calendar, the ones your kids ask about every year.
Merriweather District Ice Rink
There’s something undeniably magical about skating under the lights at Merriweather. Whether your kids are gliding confidently or clinging to the wall (we’ve all been there), it’s one of those experiences that feels festive without being over-the-top. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the district, perfect for pairing with a warm drink afterward.
B&O Ellicott City Station Museum Holiday Train Garden
If you’re looking for a tradition-worthy outing, this is it. The holiday train garden is pure nostalgia, even if it’s your first time visiting. Watching little faces light up as trains weave through miniature winter scenes never gets old, and it’s a lovely reminder of Howard County’s rich history during the holiday season.
Savage Mill Yuletide Festival
Savage Mill feels especially cozy in winter, and the Yuletide Festival takes that charm to another level. Local vendors, seasonal music, festive decorations, it’s the kind of event where you wander, linger, and accidentally stay longer than planned (because it just feels that good).
The History of Santa Heim, Merryland
This is one of those quietly wonderful experiences that sticks with you. Visit the New Weave Building for you and your children to learn the history of Santa Heim. Learning how Santa traditions have evolved over time adds a meaningful layer to the season, and it’s a beautiful way to blend education, history, and holiday magic.
Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore)
Yes, it’s worth the short drive. Seeing the homes along 34th Street lit up in all their glory feels like stepping into a holiday movie. We usually grab hot chocolate, bundle up, and just take it all in, it’s joyful, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Merriweather Symphony of Lights at Symphony Woods
Driving through the Symphony of Lights is one of those moments where everyone goes quiet—not because they have to, but because they’re mesmerized. The music, the lights, the familiarity of it all, it’s a Howard County winter classic for a reason.
Winter in Howard County doesn’t have to be something we simply “get through.” It can be a season we lean into, a time for bundled-up adventures, twinkling lights, and moments that remind us how lucky we are to raise our families in a place that offers so much, even in the quiet months.
Whether you check off every item on this bucket list or choose just a few that fit your family’s rhythm, the real magic is in showing up together. These are the days that become traditions, the outings that spark stories, and the small memories that stay long after the season changes.
So grab the coats, warm up the car, and say yes to winter. There’s so much to experience right here at home, and it’s all waiting for you.
