When that winter wind blows through Ontario you figure out what kind of person you are pretty quick. When the snow falls are you the type that jumps for joy or the type that looks to get deeper under the covers? Are your winter dreams filled with walks in the woods or meals that coat your bones? My family of four has a split personality. My youngest can't get to the snow fast enough. My oldest is always thinking of the next meal. My husband refuses to let a little snow and hail stop him from a good run and me? Well you can find me buried deep in the covers or drinking hot cocoa inside a swanky chalet watching the snowfall from the warmth inside. The good news? Living in Ontario means we each get what we want. The bad news? Winter only lasts until June.
Here's how you can make the most of it no matter what your winter personality.
The Foodie - If the colder temps bring out those cold weather cravings, you're in the right spot. Start with poutine and beavertails in Ottawa, pop in for gourmet hot chocolate at the Soma Chocolate shop in Toronto's distillery district or settle in for family friendly eats without sacrificing good taste at cultural culinary hotspots like Greektown, Little India or Little Italy. There's no shortage of spots where families rule and kids will drool.
The Snowlover - To them snow means only one thing: Getting outside. Hit the slopes in places where even the warmer than seasonal temps won't dampen your spirit. At Blue Mountain you'll find everything from snowshoeing to downhill skiing right outside your door. Feed the kids taste for adventure on a dogsledding trip through the Haliburtons, a snowboarding lesson in Huntsville or join them in a tubing race down the hills of Snow Valley in Barrie. The day's toughest decision? Do you cap your night with a winter sleighride in Timmins or a campfire where the winter chill will take second place to the awe of watching a glittering nightsky in North Bay. Endless options. Every one of them a winner.The Hibernator - Prefer your family fun indoors? No need to settle for less adventure! Head to the tried and true for new and exciting winter projects. Check out the live animals area inside the Canadian Museum of Nature or try out your own art skills in the pottery workshops at the Gardiner Museum. Get up close and hands on with a T-Rex at the Royal Ontario Museum, Test your human body savvy at the Ontario Science Centre or let them loose at the Children's museum inside the Canadian Museum of Civilization. And while they run around free from boots and mittens, sit back with something warm and enjoy the snow knowing you've got a full day to avoid it.
The Pampered - Winter's hard! Why not take it easy? Head inside the luxe properties across the province waiting for the chance to bring you back to life. Teach your kids the art of self-indulgence while also getting really, really wet at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls or grab tickets to a family friendly theatre production at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Dine with a view they'll remember in the rotating restaurant at the top of the CN Tower or fill their pockets with coins and challenge them to a duel at Missisauga's Playdium super arcade. Then tie things up in style: A sleepover in an iconic castle like the Chateau Laurier or fancy digs like the new Ritz Carlton. Warning: Once you've exposed the family to the finer things, it may be tough to get them back down off cloud 9.
To learn more about family-friendly activities, relaxing getaways, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences in Ontario visit ontariotravel.net/family.
This post is sponsored by Ontario Tourism. All content is true, based on Heather's personal experience. 
