frost valley ymca

President’s Day is coming up on Monday, February 16 and the kids will be off from school, so why not make the most of the three-day weekend (or for some kids, a week-long holiday) by spending time together as a family?

From snowy sports, to crafts and classes, to simply relaxing, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy during a two-to-seven-day stay at Frost Valley YMCA. This year-round retreat center and summer camp is located just a few hours north of NYC in the beautiful Catskills (which was recently chosen by the New York Times as one of “52 Places to Visit in 2015”).

Whether you love the outdoors, or are more of a cozy-up-by-the-fireplace type, here are five ways you and your family can avoid the boredom blues during this midwinter holiday, and ALL of these options are available in one beautiful location: Frost Valley!

frost valley
Get Active
Instead of being cooped up indoors, bundle up and have some snowy fun! Besides snowman building, there are so many family-friendly activities to try. There’s nothing like racing downhill on a cushy, inflatable snow tube to bring out your inner-child. Or, head to an ice rink to let youngsters show off their skating skills during a kids-vs.-parents ice hockey game. Just be sure to bring your own sleds and skates when you visit Frost Valley.

Be Crafty
If the weather outside really is frightful, you can always dedicate some time to the arts. It’s the perfect chance to get deep into your favorite craft, or to try something new together, like candle making or recycled crafts in Frost Valley’s indoor and HEATED arts & crafts studio.

Try Something New
How often do you get to try cool things like indoor archery or rock climbing? How about ice fishing, broomball, or snowshoeing? Frost Valley offers these activities and more (many are indoors, too). Expand your family’s horizons with new skills and fun activities you may not have even thought to try.

Get Back to Nature
Have you ever seen a frozen waterfall? How about the sherbet-colored clouds of a Catskills sunset? Explore Frost Valley’s nature trails during guided hikes that go into the woods, along brooks, in front of the High Falls waterfall, over cable bridges, and beyond. You can even access gorgeous views while cross-country skiing (weather permitting). Just be sure to bring your hats, scarves, and mittens – and your appetite for hot cocoa afterward as well as freshly prepared meals that cater to all dietary restrictions and preferences.

Enjoy a Getaway
Why visit for a day, when you can stay at Frost Valley for a weekend or throughout the week of President’s Day? You can try any of the activities mentioned above during two special events in honor of the holiday. Choose from a wide range of comfortable lodging options during President’s Day Weekend (Feb. 13-16) and create an itinerary from available programs. Or, extend your stay for President’s Week (Feb. 16-20) and enjoy FREE lodging in their Modern Camp-style Lodges. Nutritious meals are included for both events. Email reservations@frostvalley.org for more information, or give their friendly and helpful staff a call at (845) 985-2291.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family together, and with Frost Valley as the host, you can relax and enjoy spending time with one another.

Can’t make it for President’s Day? Join the fun any time of the year! In the summer, Frost Valley is a renowned summer camp for children and teens, and they provide the above programming and more to families on weekends throughout the school year. Please visit FrostValley.org to learn more.