Winter Fun Guide for Moscow Families

There’s a point every Moscow winter when you realize everyone’s been inside a little too long. The kids are restless, the screens have been on all day, and you’re running out of ideas that don’t involve another movie. That’s usually the sign it’s time to get out of the house and find some fresh ways to move, play, and burn off energy—without spending hours planning.

The good news? Moscow and the surrounding Palouse are packed with places where kids can move, climb, slide, and skate their way through winter—without using your furniture as sporting equipment. Here’s your winter survival guide, Moscow-style.

1. Glide (or wobble) around Palouse Ice Rink

If winter had a “main character” activity, it would be ice skating.

Palouse Ice Rink on South Main Street is Moscow’s go-to spot for public skate sessions, lessons, hockey, curling, and more. It’s an indoor rink, which means you get that crisp winter vibe without the “my eyelashes are freezing” windchill. Public skate times are offered throughout the week—perfect for squeezing in an energy-burning outing after school or on weekends.

Just check the online schedule before you go, lace up, and glide the wiggles out.

2. Bounce the chaos out at Flying Squirrel Moscow

Some days the windchill is so intense even the snow seems to be questioning its life choices. That’s your sign to head somewhere built for bouncing.

Flying Squirrel Moscow is an indoor trampoline and entertainment park with wall-to-wall ways to burn energy: trampolines, climbing walls, dunk hoops, and kid-friendly zones for younger jumpers. Safety rules are clear, staff are there to help, and there’s even the Drey Café for snacks and drinks when you need to refuel.

It’s perfect for:

• Weekend family adventures
• Winter birthday parties
• “We’ve hit maximum cabin fever and need a save” emergency trips

The best part? All that bouncing, climbing, and sprinting happens here—so you’re not spending your evening asking people to stop jumping on the couch.

3. Sled the hill at Berman Creekside Park

Nothing says winter joy like flying down a hill on a sled.

Berman Creekside Park has a popular sledding hill on the west side of the park, and it’s a local favorite once the snow piles up. The park also has a large brick fireplace in the timber-frame shelter, which makes for a pretty dreamy “thaw out and snack” spot after a few runs.

Cheap, simple, and guaranteed to result in rosy cheeks and early bedtimes.

4. Cruise the Latah Trail in winter mode

When you want movement without the adrenaline of a big hill, the Latah Trail steps in.

This 10-foot-wide paved trail stretches about 12 miles between Moscow and Troy and can be used for walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter.

It’s an easy reset: everyone gets outside, gets moving, and comes home in a better mood.

5. Go exploring on Moscow Mountain

Moscow Mountain is your “close-to-home adventure” button. In winter, it becomes a playground for people who love snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, or simply hiking through snowy trees. Locals head up for ski touring and snowshoe explorations once the snowline drops.

Check road and weather conditions beforehand, and always bring proper gear. Even a short outing on the mountain can feel like a mini winter expedition.

Don’t forget to bookmark this list (you’re going to need it)

Winter in Moscow might be chilly, but with the right mix of skating, sledding, trail exploring, and trampoline time, it can also be the season your family remembers as the one where you played hard, slept well, and officially retired the phrase, “stop jumping on the furniture.”