Learn the sport of cross country skiing. This fun based 4-session class will be a group cross-country ski lesson specially designed for kids. Your child will learn the basics of cross-country skiing on level terrain and become familiar with the snow. Skis, poles and boots will be provided. Classes meet at Garmany Hall Ski Center weather permitting.

The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program offers a free in-depth ice fishing class that introduces you to the wonders of water, fish and fishing during the winter. Miss Judy and other state certified volunteer instructors will pass along the knowledge they have learned through years of angling. The morning class includes a video, hands-on demonstrations with the equipment, how to stay safe on the ice, and additional activities that will teach and entertain youths and adults alike. Please Bring your own lunch. If ice conditions are safe, an outside ice fishing practice will be offered in the afternoon. All equipment is provided for your use. It is very important to dress in layers for the weather conditions and to wear boots for the afternoon practice -- no sneakers are allowed.
Class 9:30 to 11:30am
Lunch 11:30am to 12:00pm (bring your own)
Practice 12:00pm to 3:00pm (if ice conditions allow)

Skiing under the stars! Does this atmosphere sound good to you? If you answered yes, then you'll want to join us for this unique program. Weather permitting, fellow skiers will gather the 1st Friday of the month for a special guided ski tour of our trail system. The warmth of a roaring fire, light fare and conversation will follow this nocturnal trek. This program is not for beginner skiers. (Weather permitting) Registration is required by noon, Thursday prior to the event.

Miss Judy invites you to bring your friends and family for a fun night of learning about the great outdoors. The evening format includes an inside introduction to maple sugaring, an outside walk to explore our sugaring grove, cooking a maple syrup recipe from scratch, enjoying a warm fire, and of course family socializing with other night explorers. Dress in layers for the weather conditions that day -- it can get very cold on these winter nights so come prepared.

Join us on Walton Pond for an evening of family fun under the lights. There will be music, a roaring fire, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and more. This program will be held weather permitting.

There are still members who have never been out on skis, so for those of you who have never tried, but would like to, we invite you to come out for a 1-hour free group lesson. There is a fee for rental equipment. Space is limited. This program will be held weather permitting. Registration is required at least 3 days prior to the start of the program.

This is the ultimate night out for any kid! Tons of games, pizza, an ice cream sundae bar, a big screen movie, and endless amounts of fun await you here at the Trails. This program has evolved into a very popular kid's event and space fills up quickly. So parents plan your night out and send the kids here for theirs. Head on over to the Trails for a night out that you will never forget. Sorry, parents not allowed! Please bring clothing that is appropriate for outdoor (weather dependent) and indoor play as well as provide a sleeping bag/blanket and pillow for the movie.

Your 4 and 5 year olds can begin to learn the sport of skating. This fun based 4-session class will involve getting your children up and around on skates. The basics of forward and backward skating, turning, and stopping will be covered. Children must have their own skates or rent. (If you need to rent skates please call ahead to arrange for them.) Single blade skates only please, and don't forget to have them sharpened! Helmets must be worn. Classes meet at Walton Pond warming hut. Weather permitting. Registration is required by 3 days prior to start of session.

Your 6 thru 9 year olds can begin to learn the sport of skating. This fun based 4-session class will involve getting your children up and around on skates. The basics of forward and backward skating, turning, and stopping will be covered. Children must have their own skates or rent. (If you need to rent skates please call ahead to arrange for them.) Single blade skates only please, and don't forget to have them sharpened! Helmets must be worn. Classes meet at Walton Pond warming hut. Weather permitting. Registration is required by 3 days prior to start of session.

Your 4- and 5-year-olds can begin to learn the sport of cross-country skiing. This fun based 4-session class will be a group cross-country ski lesson specially designed for kids. Your child will learn the basics of cross-country skiing on level terrain and become familiar with the snow. Skis and boots will be provided. Helmets must be worn. Classes meet at Garmany Hall Ski Center. Weather permitting.

This winter join Miss Judy for a fun Saturday of learning something new about the great outdoors. The program format is an indoor introduction about the day's topic followed by a hands-on outdoor activity to try out what you learned. The morning session will have activities for families with young children. The afternoon session will be for anyone that enjoys walking. Dress in layers so you can be comfortable during the indoor introduction and warm enough for the outdoor activity.
The February program will have us exploring the winter landscape. The activities will be based on the weather -- checking out ice on the pond or building a snow fort or taking a hike. In March, we will be experiencing the entire maple sugaring process from taping the trees to boiling down the sap into syrup.
Come prepared to explore and have fun! Look forward to an exciting winter season!

The Save Walton Pond project was the single largest capital project in the history of Winding Trails. The planning, moving of animals, and subsequent renovations took many years and the efforts of many to see to its completion. Join our staff as we walk you through this project from beginning to end. We will share what we learned and the state of the Walton Pond 10year s after the renovation. A lunch will follow the presentation.

We are pleased to have The Zoo in Forest Park of Springfield, MA joining us again to provide an entertaining program about animals that live at their zoo. Unique facts will be discussed about where the animals come from, their behavior and diets, how they defend themselves, and their status in the wild.