Looking for family fun that everyone can enjoy this winter? Redding and Shasta Cascade offer both indoor and outdoor winter fun for the whole family.
Winter fun isn’t complete without some time on the mountain. Luckily, Redding is a short drive from the excitement and splendour of Mt. Shasta, which is on the Lonely Planet’s list of the Best in the US up-and-coming destinations. There’s excitement mixed in with the mellow, Zen vibe, too: Mt. Shasta’s glaciers, trails, and lakes beckon high country adventurers and snow fans of all ages to its slopes, making it a great place to get away for the day. Enjoy some microbrews in nearby Dunsmuir and square dancing in McCloud before heading back to Redding for the night. When everyone’s buzzing about trendy Mt. Shasta next year, you’ll be a step ahead.
Here’s a list of the top eight winter family-friendly activities
1. Skiing/Snowboarding at Mt Shasta
Family members are invited to embrace their inner mountain at the Mount Shasta Ski Park. The ski hill offers everything from downhill and backcountry skiing and snowboarding to tubing and competitions. The Ski Park hosts several exciting events, as well as ski and snowboard lessons and equipment rentals. With 425 acres of skiable terrain, 32 trails, three triple chair lifts, two moving carpet lifts, and terrain parks, it’s no wonder why majestic Mt. Shasta is a winter mecca.
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2. Snowshoeing at Mt. Lassen
Calling all families. Take in the beautiful scenery from a different perspective: a walk in the woods via snowshoeing. Families can go it alone or join one of the many wallet-friendly ranger-led snowshoe walks. Snowshoes are available for participants with a suggested $1 donation, and rangers lead one-to-two-mile adventures exploring winter ecology and Lassen’s geologic history. Route and distance varies depending on group ability and fitness.
3. Winter Rink in Downtown Redding
Redding has a non-refrigerated skating arena offering family fun for all ages over the holiday season. Presented by Shasta Regional Medical Center, the Winter Rink Downtown is a unique way for everyone ages 5-105 to hit the “ice” and show off their spins.
4. Shasta Rock Club
Kids of all ages love to climb. The Shasta Rock Club takes that natural urge to scramble up things (trees, furniture, etc.) and puts that energy into an activity that will build confidence and play a positive role in the lives of every family member. The Shasta Rock Club is the ultimate indoor rock-climbing destination aimed at educating, challenging, and inspiring people through a unique rock climbing experience. Shoe rentals are available, so bring the whole family to get their climb on.
5. Rare Air Trampoline Park
The Rare Air Trampoline Park is northern California’s hot spot for family fun. Featuring 10,000 sq. feet of indoor trampoline space, including multiple dodgeball courts, slam dunk basketball hoops, an air bag pit, a main court, a junior zone, and more. All the trampolines are designed with state-of-the-art technology to provide safe family fun for all ages. Rare Air combines exercise with fun to support a healthy and active lifestyle.
6. Lake Shasta Caverns Tours
Imagine being surrounded by crystal beauty 250 million years in the making. Your family’s adventure to the Lake Shasta Caverns begins with a ride across the blue waters of Shasta Lake on a 20 m (65 ft) catamaran. You’ll learn all about the lake from your boat captain before arriving on the east shore below the amazing limestone North Gray Rocks. From there, your family will board a custom bus for a ride up the hill to the cavern entrance. Your expert guide will be waiting to take you inside the carefully preserved underground world of the caverns. These tours are as interesting as they are breathtaking.
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Lake Shasta Caverns Tours
7. Redding Marathon & Sundial 5K (for little runners)
The annual Redding Marathon is on January 19, 2020. Runners from all over the world gather every year for this exciting “26.2 with a view”. There are also special events for younger athletes, including the Sundial 5K, which takes place along the world-famous Sundial Bridge, plus food, music, and fun for all.
8. Shasta Historical Society Gold Rush
Walking Tours
Families are invited to explore the remains of the “Queen City” of California’s northern mining district while learning all about the gold rush. Just six miles west of Redding, a row of old, half-crumbling, brick buildings remind passing motorists that Shasta City, the lusty “Queen City” of California’s northern mining district, once stood on this site. These ruins and some of the nearby roads, cottages, and cemeteries are all silent but eloquent vestiges of the intense activity that was centered in the region during the California gold rush. Fascinating and beautiful, the whole family will enjoy this historic tour.
Visitors come to Redding and the Shasta Cascade for all sorts of reasons and appreciate the diversity of the many exceptional places to stay, where warm hospitality and personalized service rule the day all year. It’s easy to book reservations at a downtown Redding hotel located just steps from great shopping, restaurants and nightlife, or perhaps a quiet bed and breakfast on the outskirts of town is more your family’s style. If you’re planning to travel via RV, make sure your RV Park has all the amenities you need before your wheels hit the campground, from Wi-Fi to a swimming pool, clubhouse, or marina for your boat. Stay your way in Redding by consulting the wide selection of lodging choices.
For more information or to request a visitor’s guide visit www.shastacascade.com, the Facebook page, or twitter.