Epic Ideas to Stay Active This Winter
Epic Ideas to Stay Active This Winter
Winter months don’t have to mean you stay inside. There are plenty of amazing winter activities and sports to enjoy. You and your family may want to try the following to stay in shape and to stay active this winter:
Skiing
If there are any ski hills near you, try downhill skiing. It can be fun for the whole family and a great way to escape from everyday activities for a little while. If you don’t have any downhill skiing near you, cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the outdoors when they’re covered in snow.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is an adrenaline rush and is perfect for older children. It’s an activity that interests many older children and keep them active while they explore and learn a new skill.
Ice skating
Many communities have skating rinks inside or outdoors and ice skating is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. If you live in colder climates and are feeling adventurous, try building an ice-skating rink in your backyard by flooding a flat surface and waiting for the water to freeze.
Sledding
Sledding is another activity for the family to enjoy together in the outdoors. All you need is a sled or toboggan and a hill. Start with smaller hills, especially with smaller children, and work your child’s way up to steeper hills so they can sled safely.
Snowball fights
A fun way to spend an afternoon is in the middle of a snowball fight. From collecting snow for a barrier, to putting together snowballs and running around to avoid getting hit, a snowball fight can be a full body workout. Remind children to stay safe, emphasizing not to throw them at each other’s faces or heads — it’s a risk for facial injuries. As long as everyone aims for the abdomen and arms, you can enjoy a clean and fun snowball fight.
Snow fort contests
Snow fort contests use excess snow to build something creative. If your family is building a snow fort, keep a few safety rules in mind. Never tunnel underneath snow unless you have a structure in place to prevent tunnels from collapsing inward and trapping someone inside. Snow forts are safest when they are solid chunks of snow that have been stamped down repeatedly and don’t pose a danger of anyone falling through.
Snowman contests
Snowman contests are another way to creatively use excess snow. Use clothes, accessories and carrots to create unique snowmen in different poses and costumes. Encourage your children to come up with creative snowman outfits and ideas. Pose snowmen together to create a larger scene in the front yard for neighbors and people that pass by to enjoy.
Hiking and snowshoeing
Some hiking trails are maintained during the winter. Even city sidewalks can be a great spot for trekking, as they allow for low-impact exercise while also letting your kids enjoy fresh air. If you don’t have groomed trails near you, snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the woods in winter.
