Winter Activities You Can’t Skip This Year

When the temperatures start to drop, your inclination might be to curl up under a blanket next to a fire and binge watch Netflix all day, but don’t let the winter blues get the better of you. There are still plenty of activities that you can do outside — and get some much-needed vitamin D from the sun.  

Outdoor activities

• Ice skating: Maybe it’s something you always wanted to try or you’re an old pro at it, but ice skating can be a great way to get some exercise. Some outdoor rinks have really beautiful settings, and some of them even have free admission if you bring your own skates. Even if you don’t have an outdoor rink nearby, an indoor rink can be just as fun. So grab your family and friends and enjoy some time together.
• Skiing (or snowboarding): There’s nothing quite like the thrill of carving a trail down a freshly groomed ski slope. There are places all across the northern part of the United States, Canada and Europe with a variety of skill levels. You can start with the bunny hills and a tow rope and work your way up to black diamond runs with moguls. Larger mountains have lodges at the top or halfway down the mountain, so you can take a break and warm up without having to go all the way to the bottom. If downhill skiing is too intimidating for you, you can try cross-country skiing, which is amazing exercise and very peaceful.
• Sledding: One activity that requires zero skill is sledding. All you need is a hill and something to slide down on. Choose from a traditional sled with runners, a toboggan, a saucer, or one of the newer inflatable options, and head down the hill. Just watch out for other sledders walking back up.
• Snowshoeing: For beginners to experts, snowshoeing is an inexpensive way to enjoy nature. You can start by renting snowshoes and poles to see if you like it before buying your own. It’s also a good idea to sign up for a class or a tour to learn skills and how to prepare for avalanches. There are places with designated trails that charge a fee, but you can also go to national forests, state parks or other places where you normally hike in the summer.
• Snowmobiling: To explore areas that are inaccessible by car, snowmobiling is a great option. It provides a surprising amount of exercise and skill when navigating tough terrain, and it gives you an adrenaline rush like nothing else. There are places in the northern part of the United States, Canada and Europe with trails for snowmobiling. Check out a snowmobile club in your area to find people with the same interests and get information on where to ride. Some places also require a safety class before riding for the first time.
• Snow tubing: Similar to sledding, snow tubing is an activity that requires zero skill. Enjoy sliding down a snowy slope on an inflated tube with the wind rushing through your hair. There are tubing parks pretty much anywhere there’s snow. Adventure levels vary based on the steepness of the slope, so it’s easy to find something that everyone in your family will enjoy. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $15-70, and sessions are usually around two hours long.
• Horse-drawn sleigh ride: Have you ever wondered what it feels like to ride in a sleigh pulled by horses like they sing about in Christmas carols? Well, winter is your chance to find out. Snuggle up under a warm blanket while you cruise through a snowy wonderland listening to sleigh bells ring. Choose a scenic setting and turn it into a winter getaway vacation for a truly unique experience.

Fun things to do with (or without) kids

• Build a snowman: When nature delivers you some good packing snow, get out there and create the tallest snow person you can. Add some sticks for arms, a carrot nose, scarf, hat, and some buttons to make it come to life (but only if you name it Frosty or Olaf).
• Make snow angels: Fall back into some deep snow and sweep your arms and legs back and forth to make the perfect snow angel.
• Have a snowball fight: Get your friends and neighbors together and have a big snowball fight — adults against kids or house against house. However you divide the teams, it’s an exhilarating time. Then go inside and warm up with some hot chocolate and peppermint sticks.

Holiday activities

• Create outdoor planters: Don’t let those summer planters on your porch go to waste over winter. Remove the dead plants and add some artificial poinsettia plants from a craft store. Embellish with any other décor that you find while you’re there: pine cones, holiday picks, glittery branches or berries. If you have leftover cuttings from trimming your Christmas tree to fit in the stand, you can mix them in. Most tree farms also have branches that you can buy or even take for free.
• Visit holiday light displays: Google light displays near you to find some professional displays during the holidays. Some zoos put up lights and have special evening hours. If you don’t have any nearby, check your local social media board to see which neighborhoods have lights. Some streets get together to create some really extravagant displays.

Now that you know how to conquer the winter blues, get out there and enjoy spending time with family and friends.