If you’re looking for activities for your children to enjoy outdoors this winter, you’re in luck. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Land is hosting five full-day events designed to get your kids outside and exploring everything that the state of Maine has to offer.

Beginning on January 15 and lasting through February, the series of “Take It Outside” events will include cross-country skiing, sliding, snow shoeing, dog sled rides, and ice-fishing derbies.

This event offers something for every member of your family. Due to the work of many local volunteers and sponsors, each activity is a minimal cost and includes a hot lunch.

January 15: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Youth Ice Fishing Derby, Lake St. George State Park, Liberty

All equipment is included, and all registered children will be awarded prizes. If there is snow, there will be dogsled rides with a $3 donation. $1.50 for adults and children, ages 12-64, all others free. For more information, call (207) 589-4255.

January 21: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Winter Family Fun Day, Cobscook Bay State Park, Edmunds Township

This is a great chance for families to try cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobile tote rides, birdhouse building, and nature walks. $1.50 for adults, ages 12-64; kids and seniors free; for more information, call (207) 726-4412.

February 4: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Winter Family Fun Day, Mount Blue State Park, Weld

Ice skate on the outdoor rink, try cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, hay rides, nature interpretive walks, bonfires, and keep warm in the warming hut. $1.50 for adults and kids, ages 12-64; all others free; for more information, call (207) 585-2261.

February 18: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Kids Ice Fishing Derby, Range Ponds State Park, Poland Spring

This event is part of the Sebago Lake Rotary Derbyfest and Statewide Derby. It includes free ice fishing equipment for the first 500 children who register compliments of Kittery Trading Post. For more information on the event and registration, go to: http://www.icefishingderby.com/

February 25: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Winter Family Fun Day, Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle

Go cross country skiing, sliding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobile tote rides, and try a guided nature interpretive walk with your whole family! $1.50 for adults, ages 12-64; kids and seniors free; for more information, call (207) 768-8341.

These events are a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors with your family, so be sure to mark your calendars!

Tags: Children, fishing, Fun, Maine, outdoors, Recreation, snow, winter