By Wade Ellett, Let’s move Quad Cities Outdoor Blogger

I love winter fun in the QC, and now that we’ve got snow, I’ll be enjoying lots of activities. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Sledding

You’ll find more hills around the Quad Cities than most places, so if you feel like a thrilling ride, pick up a sled and head out.

You can find especially good sledding at Fejervary Park and Duck Creek Park in Davenport, Scott County Park in Eldridge, Camden Park in Milan, and Lincoln and Longview Parks in Rock Island.

2. Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Head out to the Wapsi River Center in Dixon, IA, for some snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Call 563-328-3286 to to make sure there’s enough snow on the ground, and to find out if they have the necessary equipment (if you need to rent skis or snowshoes).

They have equipment that will fit both children and adults, so bring the whole family! Go here for more information.

For anyone who’s as new to snowshoeing and cross country skiing as I am, here are a few snowshoeing and cross country ski tips that might be useful to you.

3. Ice Skating

Check out Frozen Landing Ice Rink in Bettendorf. The rink is open to everyone, regardless of skill level or age. Daily admission is $1.00. Skate rentals are available for $2.00 for both children and adults. Hours vary according to the weather, so call ahead to make sure it’s open: 563-549-0587.

Ice skating is also available at Riverside Park Lagoon in Moline and Vander Veer Park Lagoon in Davenport. You’ll have to provide your own skates.

Be sure to check the posted signs indicating whether or not the ice is safe for skating!

There is always the world class River’s Edge Ice Arena near the Centennial Bridge in Davenport for skating and lessons! (Check out LMQC’s guest blogger, Katherine Womack, who writes about it!)

4. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Snowstar Winter Park in Andalusia, IL, serves up plenty of snowy fun for the whole family.

Whether you want to snowboard or ski, or if snow tubing is more of what you’re looking for, Snowstar Winter Park has you covered. Don’t worry if you’ve never had skis on your feet or balanced on a snowboard before; trained instructors offer group lessons and private instruction to get you on the slopes.

Call 800-383-4002, though, to make sure the conditions are right and trails are open.

Whatever you choose, get out and embrace your inner snowman … but make sure to layer up, stay warm, and get that hot chocolate when you’re back inside!

Meet Wade Ellett, Let’s Move Quad Cities Outdoor Blogger. Wade is an outdoor adventurer who shares his passion for QC outdoor adventures here! Read his other posts by clicking here.