Staying Active in the Winter Months

What’s on your winter bucket list?

Staying active as a family throughout the winter season can be challenging, particularly if you live in a region with freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall.

Finding ways to embrace the elements or getting creative inside to stay active is not only good for our bodies but also inspires quality time for bonding as a family. Don’t let dark evening skies or a cooler forecast keep you from getting up and out to move and enjoy some fresh air.

Try these winter activities—inside and out:

Snow Adventures
Spend time outside to build a snowman or snow fort together. Head to the local park or nearby sledding hill to try tubing, snowshoeing, or skiing.

Hit the Ice
Whether you choose an outdoor or indoor ice rink, this activity is a fun one for all ages. Many rinks provide skate rentals, so you don’t need your own equipment. Most will also have skating aids for beginners to push so they can feel more confident while learning how to balance.

Indoor Gyms
If you have a local gym membership or access to a community center, take advantage of the pools, basketball or pickleball courts, toddler play areas, and other all-ages gym equipment.

Night Hikes
Evening walks are especially magical after a fresh snowfall, but they’re a lot of fun regardless! Bundle up and put some batteries in your flashlights to light the way. Stay safe by choosing a well-marked route with clear sidewalks or easy terrain. Take a moment to pause as a family and listen to what you hear in the quiet night. Many local parks offer guided, lantern-lit options, too!

Winter Beach Visits
The sandy shores don’t have to be reserved for summer! Bundle up to visit a nearby beach to climb the dunes, watch the waves, check out the frozen landscape, or fly a kite on a breezy day.

Visit a Conservatory
Many cities have beautiful, warm conservatories, which are living plant museums that you can explore during all seasons. These are great places to shed your layers and spend time exploring the different colors and habitats on an otherwise gloomy winter day.

Visit a Nature Center
Many nature centers stay active during the winter months, offering guided hikes, wildlife tracking workshops, and story time for younger children. It’s a fun way to learn about how animals and plants adapt to winter.

Share some of these ideas with your child(ren) to see if anything sounds exciting to them. Their interest may inspire a few new activities or encourage you to make a plan. Have fun finding ways to stay active and enjoy all the cozy memories you’ll be making along the way!