Winter is coming, and there’s plenty going on in Chester County to keep the whole family going!

Even though the temperatures drop, there are still plenty of fun family things to do both inside and outside. Get those skates out of the closet, take a long hike through some of Chester County’s most beautiful areas, or warm up some cocoa and see some of the better indoor things going on in the area.

With that in mind, here are six great family things to do this winter.

Lace up your skates at IceLine

As far as fun winter activities go, ice skating might be undefeated. It’s a great way to make new friends and you’re constantly on the move, which is great exercise! . The best part? Anyone from ages four and up can participate. Make sure to grab a hot chocolate when you’re done!

IceLine is located at 700 Lawrence Drive in West Chester. Click here for the full public skating schedule.

Christmas at the Upper Main Line YMCA

Want to start celebrating Christmas early? We’ve got you covered. The Upper Main Line YMCA’s annual Christmas Festival takes place Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. Our North Pole Courtyard features Santa and real, live reindeer, while our friends Elsa and Anna, Rudolph, the Grinch, Frosty and others also join the party!

Kids can make crafts in the Mansion, visit Santa’s Workshop Treat Trail, check out the Winter Science Wonders and barnyard animals, go down the inflatable slide and so much more! The cost is $5 per individual and $10 per family and all children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Upper Main Line YMCA is located at 1416 Berwyn Paoli Road in Berwyn. Tickets are available at the door.

Visit beautiful Marsh Creek State Park

There’s a lot to explore at Marsh Creek, and when it snows, you can find seven acres of slopes to explore. The massive 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake freezes in the winter, and once the ice is four inches thick, you can lace up your skates, go for a spin and see your breath as you carve up the ice. If the family is into ice fishing and ice boating, that’s cool, too, if you have the correct permits.

Marsh Creek State Park is located at 675 Park Road in Downingtown. Click here for full info.

Christmas at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is impressive enough as is, but once you add in a spectacular French-inspired holiday display, it’s an absolute can’t-miss. There’s an unbelievable light display, open air theatre fountain shows and a display that mirrors France’s Versailles. There really is something for everyone in the family!

Timed admission tickets are required. Click here for tickets. Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett. Click here for more information.

Catch a show at West Chester University

True to form, West Chester University has a jam-packed schedule of events going on at its campus, ranging from musical performances to plays and discussion series. As you can see here, there’s something to do almost every night. The best bet for a family? Check out the Brandywine Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker on one of six dates or the West Chester Christmas Parade downtown on Dec. 1.

West Chester University is located at 700 South High Street in West Chester. Click here for the full November and December schedule.

Play in the YMCA’s Winter Youth Sports Leagues

Whether you want to score on a hoop or a hockey net, we’ve got a spot for kids ages 3 to 15 in our Winter Youth Sports Leagues. The Y has leagues for basketball and floor hockey, so if one’s not your thing, there’s a good chance you’ll love the other! The seasons start Jan. 2 and end Feb. 24, with basketball leagues at the Brandywine, Jennersville, Kennett Area, Lionville Community, Oscar Lasko and Upper Main Line YMCAs. The Jennersville and Oscar Lasko locations will host floor hockey leagues. What are you waiting for? Now’s time to sign up, because registration closes Nov. 26.

Click here to register for the Y’s Winter Youth Sports Leagues.