Winter in Indiana doesn't have to mean staying cooped up indoors. Whether you're looking for family-friendly winter activities in Indiana or you're ready to carve up some slopes, the Hoosier state has plenty of ways to turn the cold into cool. We teamed up with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to bring you 16 of the best winter activities across the state—from ice rinks and ski resorts to snow tubing hills and peaceful winter hikes.
Ice Skating Rinks Across Indiana
Holliday Park Ice Rink – Indianapolis
Pack up the mittens and head to Holliday Park's ice rink in Indianapolis. Open from late November through early March, this outdoor rink offers public skating sessions, hockey nights, and skating lessons for all ages. It's become a beloved winter tradition for Indy families, and the wooded setting makes it feel like you've escaped the city entirely.
Headwaters Ice Rink – Fort Wayne
For the northern Indiana snow birds, Headwaters Ice Rink in Fort Wayne is a must. A community favorite since 2003, this rink hosts public skating and themed events throughout the season. Look out for nights like Dancing Through the Decades, Frosty Flow, Skate It Off, and Skating with Miracle Sister featuring special guests.
Frank Southern Ice Arena – Bloomington
If you're down south, hit up Frank Southern Ice Arena in Bloomington. At just $7 for admission and $3 for skate rentals, it's one of the best values in the state. The indoor arena offers public skating sessions throughout the week, making it a reliable option even when the weather isn't cooperating.
More Ice Rinks to Check Out
Howard Park Ice Trail & Pond – South Bend's outdoor skating experience features a unique ice trail that winds through the park. Reserve sessions online at visithowardpark.com.
The Fuel Tank at Fishers – The home of the Indy Fuel offers daily public skating sessions, cosmic skate nights with a live DJ, and skating lessons. Find schedules at indyfueltank.com.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing in Indiana
Perfect North Slopes – Lawrenceburg
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in Indiana, Perfect North Slopes is the gold standard. Located in Lawrenceburg near the Ohio border, this resort features 23 trails of varying difficulty levels, making it great for beginners and experienced riders alike. Snow tubing is also available for those who want the thrill without the learning curve.
Paoli Peaks – Orange County
Head to southern Indiana for Paoli Peaks, another excellent option for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. The Arctic Blast tubing hill is a family favorite, with groomed lanes that send you flying down the slope. It's about an hour from Indianapolis, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes – Noblesville
For snow tubing closer to the Indianapolis metro, Koteewi Run at Strawtown Koteewi Park in Noblesville is the spot. Trust me—I know what I'm talking about when it comes to this place. The snowslide is an absolute blast, and the groomed tubing lanes make it fun for all ages. The 2025-26 season runs from mid-December through early March.
More Sledding and Tubing Spots
Simon Moon Park – Westfield
Flat Fork Creek Park – Fishers
Both parks offer great hills for traditional sledding when there's enough snowfall.
Winter Hiking Trails in Indiana
Eagle Creek Park – Indianapolis
For Indy-area hikers, Eagle Creek Park should be your first stop. With over 1,400 acres and dozens of miles of trails, it's the perfect place for a peaceful winter walk. The bare trees open up views you can't get in summer, and birdwatching is excellent during the colder months.
Fort Harrison State Park – Indianapolis
Fort Harrison State Park is another great option in the Indianapolis metro. The park covers over 1,700 acres and features trails winding through forests and along Fall Creek. Bonus: Fort Ben also has a massive sledding hill that's popular with families when the snow piles up.
More Winter Hiking Spots Around Indiana
Brown County State Park – Nashville (the largest state park in Indiana with 20+ miles of trails)
Rum Village Park – South Bend
Lindenwood Nature Preserve – Fort Wayne
Charlestown State Park – Southeast Indiana
Winter hiking offers a different perspective on these beloved parks. The quieter trails, crisp air, and chance of spotting wildlife make it worth bundling up.
Make the Most of Indiana Winter
Whether you're lacing up skates, strapping on skis, or just looking for a good hill to sled down, Indiana has you covered this winter. From the outdoor rinks of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne to the slopes of Lawrenceburg and Paoli, there's no excuse to stay inside.