Best Kid-Friendly Winter Activities Near Sunday River
Tubing, Dogsledding & Snowy Fun in Bethel, Maine
By Busy Travel Bees 🐝
If your family dreams of a classic snowy New England getaway, the Sunday River area in Bethel, Maine delivers exactly that.
Picture snow-covered mountains, cozy cabins, tubing hills filled with laughter, hot cocoa after long days outside, and quiet snowy forests that feel straight out of a winter movie.
We visited during snow season for the skiing, and started digging into everything else the area offers for winter.
Beyond the slopes, here's a full lineup of tubing, dogsledding, and cozy winter activities worth adding to your own trip.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly winter activities near Sunday River.
❄️ Tubing at Black Mountain
One of the biggest draws for visiting families is Black Mountain Tubing Park.
The tubing lanes were fast enough to feel exciting but still family-friendly for younger kids. Kids often end every run asking to go again. Adults tend to enjoy it just as much.
If you’re visiting during winter weekends or holidays, definitely reserve tickets early because tubing sessions fill up quickly.
🐕 Dogsledding Through Snowy Maine Forests
For a truly unforgettable Maine experience, New England Dogsledding offers rides through the snowy backcountry.
Gliding quietly through snowy woods while bundled under warm blankets felt incredibly peaceful and unique. The huskies were friendly, energetic, and dogsledding is often a trip highlight for kids and adults alike.
🎿 Beyond Skiing at Sunday River Resort
Of course, Sunday River Resort is the star attraction during winter.
Whether your family skis, snowboards, or simply enjoys mountain views, the resort offers activities for all experience levels. We especially loved the scenic lift rides and family-friendly atmosphere throughout the village.
On non-ski days, we mixed things up with indoor activities and slower-paced adventures around Bethel.
🛷 Snowmobiling on the Way
Since Bethel doesn't have an in-town rental outfitter, snowmobiling is best planned as a stop on the way in or out — NorthEast Snowmobile & ATV Rentals has locations in Gorham, NH (about 30 minutes west) and Fryeburg, ME (about 45 minutes south), both offering guided trail rides through Maine's extensive groomed trail network.
Booking a ride on your travel day, rather than carving out time mid-trip, keeps it simple and skips the extra drive back and forth from Bethel.
🐴 Winter Horseback Riding & Cozy Adventures
Depending on snow conditions, Deepwood Farm sometimes offers winter trail rides through snowy countryside trails.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about horseback riding through fresh snow with mountain views all around you.
And after long days outside, nothing beat warming up back indoors with games, snacks, and family movie nights.
☃️ Indoor Fun for Snowy Days
Winter weather can be unpredictable, which makes indoor attractions a handy backup plan.
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum ended up being one of our favorite surprises. The interactive exhibits and real moon rocks kept the kids fascinated far longer than expected.
We also spent time at River Lanes, Bethel's bowling alley and arcade, which gave everyone a break from the cold while still keeping the fun going. Their buffalo wings were an absolute hit for our whole family.
Photos from Maine Mineral & Gem Museum and River Lanes | Brunswick Bowling
🔥 Winter Pro Tips for Families
- Dress in serious layers — especially gloves and waterproof boots.
- Bring extra socks for kids after snow play.
- Reserve tubing and dogsledding in advance.
- Build flexibility into your itinerary for snowstorms.
- Keep snacks and hand warmers in the car.
- Plan downtime — winter adventures can wear kids out quickly.
Why We Loved Winter Near Sunday River
What made this trip special wasn’t just the snow — it was the feeling that came with it.
Slow mornings watching snowfall outside the windows. Kids coming back inside with rosy cheeks after tubing. Hot cocoa by the fire. Quiet snowy roads and mountain views everywhere you looked.
Bethel and Sunday River delivered the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cozy family time.
If your family loves winter activities, mountain towns, and classic snowy vacation memories, this area of Maine is absolutely worth experiencing. ❄️🏔️
🐝 Looking for a Cozy Winter Stay Near Sunday River?
Check out Hideaway Havens, two stunning family-friendly chalets located just 2 minutes apart in a peaceful mountain neighborhood, only 12 minutes from Sunday River Resort and minutes from Bethel Village restaurants and shops.
The homes sleep 13 and 16 guests separately, or up to 29 guests combined.
Enjoy Amenities Like:
🌄 Panoramic mountain views
🛁 Private hot tubs + cozy barrel saunas
🔥 Fire pits for s’mores nights
🎮 Arcade games, pool table, ping pong & air hockey
🎤 Karaoke setups for unforgettable family nights, and much more....
Perfect for:
- Multi-family vacations
- Ski trips
- Summer adventures
- Fall foliage weekends
- Family reunions
- Retreats & group getaways
Looking for the dream winter adventure basecamp?
What’s your favorite winter basecamp near Sunday River? We’re always looking for new adventures for our next Maine trip! 🌄
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there kid-friendly snow tubing hills near Sunday River?
Yes! Black Mountain Tubing Park is highly recommended for families. The lanes are fast enough to be thrilling but completely safe for younger kids. Because it is such a popular alternative to skiing, it is strongly advised to reserve your tubing tickets in advance for winter weekends and holidays.
Is it better to stay at a Sunday River resort hotel or a private chalet in the winter?
For families and large groups, booking a private mountain chalet in nearby Bethel is often the ideal choice. While resort hotels offer immediate slope access, a private vacation rental gives your family much more room to keep bulky snow gear, full kitchens for cozy meals, and exclusive winter amenities like private hot tubs and fire pits—all while being just a 10-12 minute scenic drive from the resort.
Can you go dogsledding near Sunday River, Maine?
Absolutely. New England Dogsledding operates nearby and offers magical, family-friendly guided rides through the snowy Maine forests. It is an unforgettable way to experience the winter landscape off the ski slopes, but advanced reservations are essential during peak season.
What are the best indoor activities in Bethel for extremely cold or stormy days?
If the weather gets too intense or the kids need a break from the cold, Bethel has fantastic indoor options. The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum features interactive exhibits and real pieces of the moon and Mars, while Big Adventure Mini Golf and Arcade is perfect for keeping kids entertained and warm indoors.
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger
Jeana Deninger