How to Plan Fun Outdoor Winter Activities

When the temperatures turn colder and the snow begins to fall in some parts of the world, it’s natural to want to move activities indoors where it’s warm. Outdoor winter activities are abundant, so don’t let those cold temperatures get you down! The fresh winter air can be refreshing and the activities can have a lot of fitness benefits. Besides, when you come back into the warm house, you can always fix some treats and snuggle under a cozy blanket together.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a step back to your childhood and make snow angels with your child. It will definitely bring out the kid in you too!

2. Take a winter walk. Whether you just put on big boots and stomp through the snow or purchase child-sized snowshoes, there is so much joy in walking in the brisk winter air, enjoying nature and one another.

3. Build a snowman, snowgirl, snowdog, snow dinosaur, or snowboy. Kids and adults get a big workout when they roll those snowballs bigger and bigger. Don’t forget to accessorize your snow creation with a hat, scarf, mittens, pine cones, buttons and more!

4. Build a snow fort. Although this may be more of a workout for the adult, children can help with this winter activity too! Snow blocks can be made with a summer planter or with a snow fort block mold. Your child can help by filling and packing the mold, then you can plop it out together and lift it onto your fort.

5. Find a nice hill and go sledding. Whether you have a simple sled, a toboggan or one of the fancier sleds, there’s nothing like the thrill of zooming down a wintry hill. You and your child will reap the fitness benefits of walking back up to the top of the summit!

6. Investigate and identify animal tracks in the snow in your backyard or local park. It’s a great learning opportunity!

Tips & Warnings

• Dress your child warmly with several loose-fitting layers of clothing, bundling up in snow pants and a warm coat (or a snow suit), and keeping extremities warm with waterproof boots, a cozy hat, mittens and scarf. Be sure that kids are comfortable and not wearing clothing that is too tight.
• When planning winter activities, keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If the wind chill is very cold or temperatures dip too low, you may want to keep the fun inside.

[shaztheripper]

on 2/16/2009 Fun article to read. Makes me want the go get a sled.

[jull14]

on 2/11/2009 Great comments about winter and everything we can do to enjoy life, thanks for the wonderful ideas.

[goldiec]

on 2/10/2009 This was an awesome article. I enjoyed reading about winter. I used to have so much fun when I was young playing out in the snow. Thanks for the memories.

[Rainbowwatcher]

on 2/9/2009 Fun Article - Great! Im going to build a snow dog and a snow angel. Thank You, for such a lovely article.

L ASTOR - Author of Virginia's Love Secrets

http://www.virginiaslovesecrets.com

[greekalexander]

on 2/9/2009 thanks for the tips now i need to work on having children