![\"Image](\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/medium-Alley-Spring-Mill.jpeg\")
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge<\/a>, now a pedestrian and biking bridge, is an iconic St. Louis spot along Route 66. From there, head west for a stroll around Citygarden<\/a>, an art- and architecture-focused park blending sculptures, plants and fountains near the Gateway Arch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of scenic spots in Central Missouri too, from the expansive Ha Ha Tonka State Park<\/a> near the Lake of the Ozarks<\/a>, which features trails and the ruins of a stone castle, to the geological wonders of Columbia\u2019s Rock Bridge Memorial State Park<\/a>, including the spacious and always cool Devil\u2019s Icebox. Then there\u2019s the Katy Trail State Park<\/a> spanning 240 miles \u2013 the longest rail-to-trail path in the U.S. \u2013 prime for hiking, biking and even horseback riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n December through February is prime time to watch the skies for bald eagles<\/a>, drawn to unfrozen water near dams and power stations after heading south for the winter. There are numerous spots across the state for eagle-eyed bird-watchers and organized events like Eagle Days<\/a>, hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days<\/a>\u00a0feature opportunities to spot the majestic birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fishing permit is also a ticket to some \u201creel\u201d winter fun<\/a>. The Show-Me State is teeming with bass, catfish, trout and crappie, offering many places to cast your line. From the Lake of the Ozarks<\/a> and Lake Taneycomo<\/a> to the Gasconade<\/a> and Jacks Fork<\/a> rivers, Missouri is swimming with waterways perfect for winter fishing. Looking for catch-and-release trout fishing through the winter months? Check out Bennett Spring State Park<\/a>,\u00a0Roaring River State Park<\/a>,\u00a0Montauk State Park<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Maramec Spring Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to get out but don\u2019t want to face the cold, Missouri has no shortage of indoor activities to keep you toasty<\/a>. Take a winter trip to Branson for live shows to fit anyone\u2019s taste, or check out bowling and arcade games at Fritz\u2019s Adventure<\/a>. There are also attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum<\/a> or the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum<\/a> for indoor, family-friendly activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kansas City has plenty of exciting spots to check out, including the Legoland Discovery Center<\/a> and the Hallmark Visitor\u2019s Center<\/a>, where adults and children alike can learn and immerse themselves in iconic and beloved brands. There\u2019s also The Rabbit hOle, a whimsical, multi-sensory museum, or music and art history galore in the American Jazz Museum<\/a>, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts<\/a> and free-admission Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re headed to the St. Louis region, check out warm indoor fun and hands-on learning at <\/a>The Magic House<\/a>, or put your problem-solving skills to the test at Mastermind Room Escape<\/a> in St. Charles. There\u2019s also lots of architecture nearby to enjoy from inside, like the mosaics covering the ceiling of Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis<\/a> with more than 41 million pieces of colored glass or the 17th-century Campbell House Museum<\/a>, which showcases artifacts from the life of fur trader and businessman Robert Campbell. And, of course, there\u2019s the innovative and interactive Museum at the Gateway Arch<\/a> for a taste of pioneering history and spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Springfield has ample historic spots to explore, too. There\u2019s the History Museum on the Square<\/a>, situated on historic Route 66, which tells stories of the city and offers immersive experiences, like a recreation of the first Wild West shootout. The Route 66 Car Museum<\/a> shows off vintage sports cars and celebrity rides, too, but if you\u2019re more in the mood for drama or a laugh, there\u2019s always the Springfield Little Theatre at Historic Landers Theatre<\/a>, the oldest and largest civic theater the state has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore fun, affordable and educational winter outings for your family, like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum<\/a> in Hannibal and the Jesse James Home<\/a> in St. Joseph, where visitors can step into the worlds of two famous Missourians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Louis also offers options for family learning at the Saint Louis Zoo<\/a> and Saint Louis Science Center<\/a>. Or if your family\u2019s headed farther south in Missouri, book a ticket to the Historic Rodgers Theatre<\/a> in Poplar Bluff or get some hands-on education at Cape Girardeau\u2019s Discovery Playhouse<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also educational opportunities for the whole family in Central Missouri, like the world\u2019s largest collection of prehistoric Missouri artifacts at Columbia\u2019s Museum of Anthropology<\/a> and live critters and displays at Runge Conservation Nature Center<\/a> in Jefferson City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for somewhere with an outdoor mix? The 207-acre Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park<\/a> in Springfield offers a free-entry, authentic farm experience. Ever wanted to check out the latest movies while sitting in an airplane hangar? Maryville\u2019s unique cinema, The Hangar<\/a>, is as close as it gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Kansas City area, check out the free-entry crafting and creativity venue Kaleidoscope<\/a> and learn about Missouri\u2019s plants and animals at Lakeside Nature Center<\/a>, featuring about 60 animals of all types. You can also tour the Economy Museum at the St. Louis Fed to check out vaults and coin collections and even walk away with a bag of shredded cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With so many destinations in Missouri to cozy up in besides home, plan your weekend getaway to Big Cedar Lodge<\/a> near Branson for a cabin, cottage or even a glamping tent for your stay. Several options offer fireplaces to bundle up by as you take in the panoramic views of Table Rock Lake<\/a>. For a trailside vineyard retreat, check out The Blufftop<\/a> at Rocheport, featuring luxury and mid-century modern flair with plenty of amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n There are also many opportunities to elevate your stay in other ways, like in a tree house! There\u2019s the whimsical Enchanted Forest Treehouse<\/a>\u00a0in Union, designed by artists to immerse visitors in a magical world. Then there\u2019s rustic charm with wooded views at Branson Treehouse Adventures<\/a>\u00a0or the TreeLoft at BaseCamp<\/a>\u00a0near Perryville, which touts a wheelchair-accessible tree house for two with a fireplace and more. Near Hermann, The Cottage<\/a> features a trio of adult-sized tree houses nestled close to wine country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Louis also offers some cozy accommodations, including the colorful Angad Arts Hotel<\/a>. With themed rooms inspired by the colors of the rainbow, the hotel sits in the heart of the Grand Center Hearts District for easy access to local eats and adventures. There\u2019s also The Cheshire Hotel<\/a>, with a homey atmosphere and rooms named in honor of famous authors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Show-Me State offers a wide range of festive activities to get on board for the holidays, like magical, festive train rides in St. Louis<\/a> and Washington<\/a>. There\u2019s also the Hallmark Christmas Experience<\/a> in Kansas City and Hometown Christmas<\/a> in Warsaw for fans of festive d\u00e9cor and cozy small-town vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those looking to brighten up a cold winter\u2019s night, check out holiday light displays like Carthage\u2019s Sparkle in the Park<\/a>, featuring about 26 miles of lights, carriage rides and delicious hot chocolate. Or head to the\u00a0Missouri Governor\u2019s Mansion<\/a> in Jefferson City for a candlelit tour and see the lighting of a tall exterior tree donated by a Missouri grower. Farther south in Branson, there are plenty of light tours and displays, including millions of lights and dozens of daily shows during An Old Time Christmas<\/a> at Silver Dollar City.<\/p>\n\n\n There\u2019s no shortage of ways to make memories across Missouri around the holidays. Glide across the ice with glee at the Crown Center Ice Terrace<\/a>\u00a0in Kansas City or the Steinberg Skating Rink<\/a>, the largest rink in the Midwest, on the other side of the state in St. Louis.\u00a0There\u2019s also Winterfest<\/a>\u00a0at Kiener Plaza in St. Louis every weekend during the holiday season, featuring a view of the Gateway Arch, thousands of twinkling lights and even s\u2019mores stations and heated igloos to warm up in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re up for a cool outdoor adventure or in the mood for a cozy getaway, start planning your frosty fun adventures this holiday season in Missouri. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Missouri is home to countless winter activities. Whether you want to brave the cold for an outdoor adventure or need a cozy getaway with your special someone, there\u2019s something for everyone in the Show-Me State. Outdoor Winter Activities in Missouri There are plenty of spots in Missouri for outdoor winter adventures. Grab your coat and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5199,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"972,973,974,975,976,977","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1517,5,7,9,783,780,1],"tags":[1512,1526,1524,1513,1523],"class_list":["post-70030","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-getaway","category-attractions-and-tours","category-family-fun","category-outdoors","category-road-trips","category-seasonal-holiday","category-uncategorized","tag-family-fun","tag-getaway","tag-holidays","tag-missouri","tag-winter"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nIndoor Winter Fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Family-Friendly Winter Adventures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Winter Weekend Getaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Big](\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/medium-Big-Cedar-Lodge.jpeg\")
Celebrating the Season in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Actors](\"https:\/\/mdt-visitmo-cdn.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/medium-Missouri-Governors-Mansion.jpeg\")