6626 Skyway
Paradise, CA

If you and your crew are the more adventurous type—or if you’re simply trying to put a day or two of fun together to liven things up in the drearier months—Butte County is a fantastic place to seek out a full slate of winter escapades. It rarely gets too cold or wet around the area, and both nature and local businesses embrace the season festively, providing ample opportunities for the activity-minded family to enjoy.

Oroville, CA

With the start of the rainy season emerges Phantom Falls, a beautiful and ephemeral waterfall in the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Oroville. Unlike other year-round waterfalls in the area, Phantom Falls only flows after a lot of rain. It’s a beautiful image, and well worth bundling up for. There’s no official trail, so bring a GPS, maybe only the older kids, and a willingness for a little adventure. Get ready for a spectacular view.

625 Esplanade
Chico, CA

Next, spend a few hours at Chico’s Gateway Science Museum, which focuses on the exploration of science and natural history in the Butte County region and beyond. Stay warm while you enjoy the interactive and rotating exhibits.

132 W 4th St
Chico, CA

From mid-November though early January, you can hit the ice with the whole family in Chico! The Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza puts you right in the middle of downtown, so you can make a day of skating, shopping, and dining! It's open daily (weather dependent) and features themed nights and other fun events throughout the season!

Butte Meadows

Butte Meadows, California, United States

In the winter, the high-elevation Butte Meadows turns into a winter wonderland complete with snow-laded pines and rolling hills. Bundle up (don’t forget the hats and gloves), grab a sled, and get ready to have a great time. Bring your camera, too, as it is simply picture perfect and too pretty to pass up the opportunity for some family photos.

325 Main St
Chico, CA

Created with the whole family in mind, the Chico Children’s Museum in the heart of Downtown is a space to connect and learn through play. With a multi-sensory zone designed for children with special needs as well as a swing that accommodates wheelchairs, every member of the family is welcomed here.

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

With its location along the Pacific Flyway, Butte County becomes home to thousands of migrating birds throughout winter, and kids of all ages will love getting an up-close view of this avian delight! The Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in Gridley features a viewing platform with high-powered telescopes for quick and easy viewing, or you can enjoy easy hikes along two flat trails and enjoy the view from two observation blinds!

931 W 5th St
Chico, CA

Warm up with some indoor activity at Terrain Park Climbing Center, where kids of all ages can literally climb the walls. The more adventurous set can showcase their skills or learn some new ones on the classic rock climbing walls, while the youngest member of your family will love the Adventure Center, complete with 12 new Auto Belay climbing lanes, a 3 story play structure, and dedicated toddler play area!

2465 Carmichael Dr
Chico, CA

If you didn’t get your fill of skating at Paradise on Ice but definitely got your fill of being cold, head inside for some old-school roller skating at Cal Skate. Enjoy theme nights, public skating lessons, and even family price specials on Saturday nights.