3 Reasons to Hit Gateway Parks Before the Season Ends

The 60-degree weather we had early this month was great for people who don't like to shovel their driveways — but less great for tubing, skiing and snowboarding.

Never fear! Gateway Parks, located inside Eagle Island State Park, has plenty of manmade snow and is planning three fun events you won't want to miss before they close for the season Feb. 19:

1) Daddy Daughter Slide Night: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. This is a casual event in which dads and their girls can enjoy an evening at Gateway Parks with other families. As always, their "magic carpet" conveyor will carry you back up the hill, so you can save your energy for the ride down. Their tubes are rated to 20,000 pounds or more, so you and your family can pile into them however you feel comfortable.

2) FREE Ski and Snowboard Lessons: Offered from Monday, Feb. 12 through Friday, Feb. 16 with your day pass. You'll need to bring your own equipment, but they're there to help you get started or to take your fun to the next level. (Remember to get your ticket and book your hill session online here.)

3) And our personal favorite: Bring Your Pet Days: Presidents Day weekend (Saturday, Feb. 17 through Monday, Feb. 19.) Bring your dog. Bring your kids' favorite stuffed animal. Heck, you can put your three cats on your lap and tube down the hill if you want. We can tell you from past Pet Days, your photos will be Facebook-worthy.

Plus, Gateway Parks has played host to all sorts of creatures, as evidenced in this video from their Facebook page:

Haven't been out to Gateway Parks yet this season? Planning a trip is easy. Their world-class terrain park and tubing hill is open for all ages. (Parents should use their own judgment about having small children ride with them.)

Concessions offer hot cocoa, cider, coffee, soda, Gatorade and other snacks, most for $2 each. Spectators get in free, but they ask for participant reservations 24 hours in advance during the week and just an hour in advance during school closings and weekends. (They have more information, including ticket prices, on their website here.)

If you need a little time out to refuel, a large gazebo at the base of the hill has picnic tables and a fire pit, while another gazebo with picnic tables sits at the edge of the park.

Without much effort, you can have as much fun as this guy: