ICE! at Gaylord National

ICE! at Gaylord National

ICE! is the one winter outing that gets planned a month ahead, because weekend dates tend to sell out. This year's theme is Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the show runs November 14 through January 3. Passes start at $41, and kids under 3 get in free with a paid adult.

The whole thing is a walk-through space kept around 9 degrees, full of ice sculptures carved by hand. Past years have had loaner parkas at the door and ice slides at the end, so check the Gaylord site to see whether that holds for the Grinch run. Plan on a short visit. Most families are in and out in about an hour, and the youngest kids tend to hit their cold limit before the exit. It sits inside a resort, so the rest of the day is indoors and warm.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Book a weekday if you can. Weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year's sell out first. Morning slots are less crowded than late afternoon.
• ✓Dress warm under the loaner parka. Bring hats and gloves for everyone. Hands go numb faster than parents expect.
• ✓Keep toddlers' visit short. Nine degrees is a lot for small bodies. If your kid melts down in the first ten minutes, head out.
• ✓Check the exit gift shop rules. The path to the exit often goes through a shop. Pick your rules with kids before you go in.
• ✓Make it a half day. Pair the ice with a walk along the waterfront at National Harbor or a meal inside the resort.