This winter, delight your kids—and yourself—with a horse-drawn sleigh ride. From mountain to pastoral countryside views, the whole family will be charmed by the swish of sleigh runners over fresh snow and the muffled clomp of horse hooves. We don’t think you’ll be able to stop yourself from humming “Winter Wonderland”!
Sleighbells ring—from east to west, here are eight family-friendly sleigh rides to check out this winter:
Rockin’ Horse Stables sleigh ride in Kennebunkport, Maine
Experience a beautiful winter in Maine at Rockin’ Horse Stables, located 40 minutes south of Portland. Rides depart from a 100-year-old barn and take riders through snow-covered fields. After your adventure, warm up next to the fireplace with a hot chocolate.
Cost: Adults $15, Children $5
Tip: Celebrate your little one’s birthday with a party at Rockin’ Horse Stables.
Sleigh rides at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Each holiday season, from Thanksgiving through Christmas, Christmas by Candlelight comes to Old Sturbridge Village. This month-long event takes place each weekend (Friday through Sunday) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to sleigh rides, Christmas by Candlelight features New England holiday traditions, live music, storytelling, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, a nightly tree lighting, and a gingerbread house contest!
Cost: Adults $28, Children 4–14 $14, Children 3 and under free
Tip: Save 15% by purchasing tickets before Thanksgiving
Pleasant Valley Dream Rides in Oakland, Maryland
Take a step back in time with a sleigh ride through Amish country with Pleasant Valley Dream Rides. By sun or starlight, you’ll experience the beauty and quiet of a family dairy farm. Located three hours from the DMV area and two and a half hours from Pittsburgh, you can spend a weekend exploring the Deep Creek Lake area.
Cost: Adults $19, Children 3–12 $15, Children under 3 free
Tip: Ask about farm tours and milking demonstrations
Forest View Farms in Tinley Park, Illinois
Located 30 miles from downtown Chicago, a sleigh ride with Forest View Farms is the perfect nearby getaway for families in the Chicagoland area. Forest View Farms is a family-owned business and has been providing family-friendly horse fun since the 1950s.
Cost: $7–$10 per person
Tip: Call to check availability and schedule a ride
Apple Holler ag-venture experience in Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Apple Holler offers visitors a unique ag-venture experience with a farm-to-table restaurant, bakery, gift shop, orchard, family farm, and winter-wonderland sleigh rides! Winter sleigh rides glide through orchards and 100-year-old hardwood forests. After the ride, cozy up to a crackling fire, s’mores, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate. Located 30 miles south of Milwaukee and 70 miles north of Chicago, Apple Holler is a great day trip for families with kids of all ages.
Cost: $80 for up to four people, $15 for each additional person
Tip: Bring along a carrot or two for the horses!
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National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming
This one-of-a-kind sleigh ride takes riders into the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY. Horse-drawn sleighs glide through an elk herd numbering in the thousands! Other wildlife viewing opportunities include eagles, coyotes, foxes, badgers, bison, deer, wolves, trumpeter swans, ducks, and geese. And as if the wildlife encounters weren’t enough, riders are treated to picturesque views of the Grand Teton Mountains. Sleigh rides into the refuge operate daily from mid-December through early April (closed on Christmas). Tickets can be purchased at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.
Cost: Adults $25, Children 5–12 $15, Children 4 and under free
Tip: Dress in layers, bring a blanket, and BYO hot chocolate!
Idaho Sleigh Rides in Garden Valley, Idaho
Image courtesy of Idaho Sleigh Rides
Located an hour north of Boise, Idaho Sleigh Rides offers old-fashioned sleigh rides pulled by Spotted Draft Horses. You’ll take in views of the Sawtooth Mountains and you might even spot wild elk! Warm-up after your chilly ride at the lodge with a complimentary hot beverage next to the fireplace. Lunch and Dutch Oven dinner options are also available.
Cost: Adults $25, Seniors over 55 $22.50, Children 4–12 $22.50, Children 3 and under free
Tip: Allow for extra driving time during winter driving conditions.
Leavenworth Sleigh Rides in Leavenworth, Washington
Operated out of Mountain Springs Lodge, Leavenworth Sleigh Rides offers passengers a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride through open meadows and forest groves with views of the Cascade Mountains. A mid-ride stop at Beaver Creek Barn treats passengers to hot spiced cider and a warm fire. Breakfast and dinner rides are also available.
Cost: Adults $26, Children 3–12 $16, Children 2 and under free
Tip: In the winter, it takes about 30 minutes to make the 14-mile drive from Leavenworth to Mountain Springs Lodge.
Borges Sleigh Rides on the shores of Lake Tahoe
image courtesy of Borges
Glide along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe in a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Borges Sleigh Rides. You’ll be treated to winter views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and scenic Lake Tahoe. This hour-long adventure takes place at Sand Harbor State Park from November through March. A $10 fee is required to enter the park.
Cost: Adults $50, Students 11–17 $45, Children 2–10 $20
Tip: Explore the park’s Visitor Center after your sleigh ride.
