Come explore one of the world’s coolest Winter attractions – Ice Castles! Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings winter fairy tales to life. This interactive ice experience is built using hundreds of thousands (!) of icicles, hand-placed by professional ice artists. Featuring breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, slides, and fountains, this over-the-top ice kingdom is the ultimate winter experience that you will never forget. We have visited Ice Castles 5 times over 3 different locations – and can promise you that it is even more magical in person. Read on for our updated 2023 tips and what you can expect when visiting Ice Castles with kids.
Still need tickets? Use our exclusive 15% discount code! Click over to the website and use lkbc23 for 15% off of tickets to any location/time during the 2023 season.
Behind the Ice
Who is behind this incredible frozen abyss? Ice Castles was founded in 2011 by Brent Christensen, a Utah father of six. After moving from sunny California to snowy Utah, Christensen built an ice cave in his yard to get his kids out of the house and to help his family to enjoy the outdoors together, even through the cold winter months. His icy invention wasn’t just a hit with his own children. Kids from all over the neighborhood – and eventually from all across town — heard of his creation and came to play at his wintry wonderland. Those who came to visit affectionately called this winter playground an “ice castle” and the name stuck. Ice Castles was born.
Ice Castles has grown to be a cultural phenomenon and will not be melting away soon. The award-winning frozen attraction has five locations this 2023 year across North America – including Brighton, Minnesota; North Woodstock, New Hampshire; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Midway, Utah and Lake George, New York.
Ice castles have grabbed the attention of countless news and press organizations, television shows, and movies, and has gained in popularity with a Social Media following. As such, it is absolutely necessary to purchase your tickets well in advance via the Ice Castles website (weekend times often sell out within hours of tickets going on sale!). Even with the significant growth, the mission remains the same for the company – to create happiness, laughter, and unforgettable winter memories for all those who visit.
Brick by Brick – Building the Ice Experience
Each towering, walk-through structure is made entirely of ice, weighs 20 million pounds, and is approximately one acre in size. As you can imagine – the building of the castles is quite a process. Each ice castle takes thousands (!) of man-hours to create. It takes a team of 20-40 ice artisans two months to construct a single castle.
The building process consists of growing (yes – they grow them!) 5,000 to 12,000 icicles. These icicles are then harvested by hand and individually sculpted into existing ice formations. Newly placed icicles are then drenched with water. Repeat! The blend of icicle placement, temperatures, water volume, and wind results in an astonishing and ever-changing variety of ice formations. To make the experience even more special, LED lights are frozen inside some of the ice. At night, portions of the castle will have lights that dance to the beat of music, adding a magical ambience to the breathtaking interactive sculptures.
Visitors will also find frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains, and much more built within the complex. All Ice Castles sites are located next to a natural water source so the water returns directly to the environment to be used again by wildlife, people, and plants in spring.
Ice Castles: Opening Dates for 2023 per Location
The 2023 season marks the ninth season for this winter attraction! Depending on Mother Nature, the castles (typically) open in January and remain open through March. However, this year has been a challenge due to warmer than usual temperatures, and many of the locations have delayed openings. Here is the latest update:
Midway, Utah – December 21st
Brighton, Minnesota – December 31st
North Woodstock, New Hampshire – January 27th
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – February 4th
Lake George, New York – February 6th
Ice Castles: Experiences at Each Location
Just as each snowflake is different, each Ice Castles location has its own unique look and amenities. While each location has the signature ice slides, sculptures, crawl tunnels and caverns, several have other magical elements too. Here’s whats to expect at each location this year:
Midway, Utah Ice Castle Experience
Unique to the Utah location is the Reindeer Room, where you can watch, meet, and take photos with these majestic animals! The Utah location also offers Sleigh Rides that take you through a stunning winter trail.
Brighton, Minnesota Ice Castle Experience
The Minnesota Ice Castles location offers a tubing hill. Grab a tube and cruise down a groomed snow path. The location also offers a magical lantern passage and a polar pub for an (undoubtedly frosty) alcoholic beverage.
North Woodstock, New Hampshire Ice Castle Experience
More than just castles! The North Woodstock location offers snow tubing, horse drawn sleigh rides, a polar pub, and a Mystic Forest Light Walk that is a stunning winter walking trail through the woods (be sure to look for fairies!). Good to know: The tubing and forest experience are included in the ticket, the Sleigh Rides require an additional fee and need a separate reservation. Find this here:
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Ice Castle Experience
Lake Geneva has something special for families – a whimsical winter fairy and enchanting snow queen experience who are at Ice Castles each day greeting guests at the entrance. At this location you will also find Sleigh Rides and a stunning Illumination Grove.
Lake George, New York Ice Castle Experience
Belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage at the Lake George location. Lake George also offers a Mystic Light walk where you can immerse yourself in a magical glow of winter and lights.
The Ice Castles Experience – Ice Castles with Kids
Journey through hidden ice tunnels and crawl spaces – Each and every turn was a new jaw-dropping discovery. Some trails lead you to a top of hill with an overlook, others through a small nook that only a child could possibly crawl through. There were slides and thrones, balconies and king-sized ice sculptures with such exquisite shapes that they more fittingly belonged in an art gallery and not a frozen field. Walking into ice castles feels like walking into a fairytale.
The Ice Castles Experience – Ice Slides
Ice slides are available at every Ice Castles experience. They vary by location – but there are usually several slides; and always one for kids/adults, and one for toddlers/very young children. The shorter slide for children doesn’t require a sled (you slide down on your rear end – a reminder to wear snow pants!). The other slides are fast and a wild ride. They require the use of a plastic sled that you pick up at the slide entrance. The fast slide is super fun and as with anything that is fun, it is popular. Expect a line for rides.
The Ice Castles Experience – Snow Tubing
Snow tubing is another perk available at some of the Ice Castles locations. The use of the snow tube as well as the snow tubing experience is included in you ticket.
The Ice Castles Experience – Light Walk
Several locations of Ice Castles have a nature experience through the surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll through the trees along a quarter-mile walking path completely illuminated in the magical glow of winter. Lights, fairies, and sound scapes complement the experiences.
Day vs Night – When to Visit Ice Castles with Kids
We have been to both evening and day sessions. Personally, I loved viewing the experience with the sun rays kissing the sculptures, as it brought them alive with sparkling color. The sun not only naturally illuminated the structures- it helped to highlight (the multiple) frozen ice layers, and the complexity it took for the ice to form. Without the glistening rays, these moments were harder to realize. Another note on time of visit – it becomes muccch colder in the evening. Something to consider for little ones, or those who are allergic to cold settings (raises hand).
This being said – there is magic to be had with an evening visit, as some of the ice sculptures are built upon rainbow light apparatuses. It. Is. Stunning. A light show for the ages, in vibrant night-strewn pastels. Less ice (as you miss the delicacies of the structures), but more lights and color.
Our suggestion: if possible, try to go for both. Once you enter Ice Castles you can stay as long as you’d like. Entering right before dusk, and then stay long enough to catch nightfall. This option would give you the best of both worlds! (It is important to note: you will not be alone. Many are on to this notion and as such it is the most popular time period.)
More specific tips and tricks for your visit in the bullet points below.
The Ice Castles Experience: Food and Beverage
Thirsty or want to warm up with hot cocoa? There are snack stations available on-site at Ice Castles. The New Hampshire location offered multiple food & drink options, such as hot chocolate and cookies, and delicious cinnamon rolls! Each Ice Castle location has its own food and drink, be sure to check with each directly if you are looking for something specific. There is also a gift shop on site to help commemorate your experience.
New this year, several locations are offering a Polar Pub. At the pub you can belly up to a frosty ice bar and order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage that you can enjoy while you chill out in the coolest place in town. Good to know: Children are allowed to enter the pub when accompanied by a parent.
Essential Tips for Visiting Ice Castles with Kids:
- If you’re reading this and interested in tickets – BOOK THEM NOW. A bit dramatic, but the urgency is real. Prime times sell out almost immediately. Look into tickets here. Use our code lkbc23 at checkout for 15% off of tickets!
- It’s cold as ice. Seriously. A bit of (duh!) but even if you are ready for the cold, it gets super cold QUICK. If you plan on staying for a while plan on layers and layers, adequate scarfs, mittens and headgear, and a must have accessory – instant hand warmers.
- Wear snow pants! Some of the sides require you to slide down on your rear.
- Do not bring a stroller. It is literally impossible to do so – as the walking paths are literally large ice chunks ground up. They wouldn’t even roll an inch. Sleds are welcomed as transportation for little kids.
- The walking paths are not slippery but (as mentioned) are deep in ground ice – and are quite hard to walk on. It takes lots of energy and motivation – I attribute the sensation to walking through a 2-foot deep snowbank. Boots are essential, and children (and adults!) tire waking through these quickly. Plan accordingly.
- Hand (and body) warming bonfire stations are sprinkled throughout the experience. These are not heat lamps – but real bonfires that produce ash and (of course) smoke. Be wary of children around the areas.
- Most locations have porta-pottys only. Plan ahead.
- Food and drink are available – hot chocolate and cookies, and the similar. Debuting this year: ice bars for adult beverages.
- A reminder that camera batteries die quick in cold conditions – it is essential to bring a backup battery or charger for all electronics.
- Freeze the Moment – there is a professional photographer on-site for photos, that can be purchased.
Ice Castles with Kids
More information on this frozen attraction HERE. Use our exclusive 15% discount code! Click over to the website and use lkbc23 for 15% off of tickets to any location/time during the 2023 season.
Can’t get enough of icy fun? Another “cool” family experience is the Hôtel de Glace (the Ice Hotel) in Quebec! Read more about this HERE.
Thank you Ice Castles for sponsoring our visit. As always, all reviews and opinions are our own.
