8 things to do in Rhode Island during winter when you want to get outside

Winter requires more effort to enjoy in Rhode Island than the easier days of summer.

It takes a little more commitment to leave the house when it’s cold, not to mention more layers. But, the rewards are there for New Englanders who are prepared to brave the elements to discover a bit of winter magic. Whether you're looking for the ease of a horse-drawn sleigh ride or the rigor of cross-country skiing, there's plenty to explore. We rounded up eight of the state's very best outdoor winter offerings for you to try.

Take a sleigh ride through the snow with Liberty Farm and Carriage Company

It’s the sort of bucket list item that fairytales are made of – a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the scenic woods of Burrillville.

This particular fairy tale depends on Mother Nature setting up the right conditions. The farm’s sleigh ride policy stipulates there has to be “frozen ground and a sizable snowfall" for the sleighs to slide between January and March. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the sleigh ride will get switched for a wagon ride or moved to another date.

But if it does work out, for $95 two people can experience 25 to 30 minutes of old-timey winter charm. Plus, the photos will be stunning.

Take a spin on the outdoor ice-skating rink in Providence

Want to glide on ice outside with a view of the city? There's a place for that. And, there are even bumper cars if you aren't feeling graceful.

The Providence Rink at Bank NewportCity Center offers a straightforward experience, and I got deal at at $9 for a three-hour session for an adult. The price is even lower for kids, at $6. Plus, there’s the fun factor of ice bumper cars to consider. If you’re thinking, “How do ice bumper cars work?” they have an electric motor with joysticks that the driver can control. The result is a 360-degree turning radius, perfect for bumping. They don't let these loose in the same area as the skaters, if you’re reading this and conjuring visions of chaos. The price per-rider depends on the time of day, but it’s either $13 or $16.

Take advantage of Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing Park’s guaranteed snow in Exeter

Sledding is one of the great joys of winter, and with snowfall being a little unpredictable, Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing Park in Exeter is the solution.

They make their own snow, guaranteeing that perfect glide. They have seven lanes and tow ropes so that you don’t have to climb back up the hill. (The highest elevation at Yawgoo is 310 feet, according to Google.) It's open on Friday nights and weekends, and a 90-minute session costs $30.

Take in some winter birding with a hike along the coastline

Winter is one of the best times for birding in the Ocean State. For one thing, it’s the only time of the year a snowy owl might visit, which is always a crowd favorite. (Though inserting the standard reminder that a crowd favorite does not mean you should crowd the bird.) Second, it’s the best time of year to see fancy ducks offshore, such as harlequin ducks, the common goldeneye and long-tailed ducks. And third, the leaves aren’t in the way of someone trying to spot a bird in a tree.

If this appeals to you, a couple of great spots to try are Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge. If you have binoculars, be sure to bring them, as it will make the birds much easier to see.

Go sledding at one of Rhode Island’s best hills

If you’re looking for the best sledding hills in Rhode Island, there are quite a few good ones sprinkled throughout the state.

In Providence, both Roger Williams Park and India Point Park offer perfect hills to get a good glide going. Outside the city, consider Diamond Hill, which operated as a ski area for four decades in Cumberland before closing. There’s also the fourth hole on the Rhode Island Country Club golf course in Barrington, nicknamed Suicide Hill, for those looking for speed.

Try cross-country skiing at Pulaski State Park

Cross-country skiing is one of those winter activities that the weather conditions need to line up just right for – snow on the ground, the right kind of snow on the ground and a trail with the right topography for it. The best place in Rhode Island is Pulaski State Park in Chepachet, where the state offers up to 10 miles of groomed trails in the winter. The trails are as short as a half mile and as long as 4½ miles. You’ll need to bring your own skis, as there are no rental options. You can call ahead for snow conditions at (401) 723-7892, and trails close at 3:30 p.m.

For options outside of Pulaski, Rhode Island Cross Country Skiing has a great guide on their website for both beginners and experienced skiers.

Spot some seals on a Seal Watch Tour with Save The Bay

Migratory harbor seals come to Narragansett Bay from November to April to enjoy the chilly waters, so catching sight of them is a perfect winter activity in Rhode Island. There are a few places where you can try spotting them from shore (Brenton Point in Newport, Rome Point in North Kingstown, or Rocky Point in Warwick), but the best way to see them is from out on the water.  Tour tickets can be purchased through April at Save The Bay’s website for $17 to $22, depending on age and if you are a Save The Bay member.

Check out the Lumina festival

While it might be dark outside, the 195 District Park will be aglow with the first-ever Lumina festival. At the heart of it is a light installation called Prismatica, with 25 "towering prisms" lit up in vivid colors and reflecting a rainbow back at you, depending on where you are standing. They glow both day and night. It's free to see, and there's a whole schedule of other events based around the light exhibit that's worth checking out.

More: Lumina, an event similar to a huge festival in Montreal, is coming to PVD. What to know

This story was updated in January 2024.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island winter: 8 of the best outdoor winter activities to try