Don’t let the cold or the snowy weather put a damper on your winter days. There is plenty of fun to be had outside even during the colder months of the year. Consider these family-friendly activities the next time you are looking for something to do.

Ice Skating

A quintessential winter activity, ice skating is always a nice way to spend an afternoon. Find a nearby frozen pond or ice skating rink where you can lace up and get gliding. Many locations offer rentals if you don’t have your own skates, and you may even be able to rent skate trainers for little ones who are just starting to learn.

Ice Fishing

Another top activity to do on the ice during the winter is ice fishing. If you happen to live near some good ice fishing spots, then pack the family up for a day trip to try your angling luck. Make sure you dress for the weather and familiarize yourself with ice fishing safety rules before you go to ensure a good time.

Sledding

For kids, there is nothing quite like the rush of zooming down a snow-covered hill on a sled or toboggan. Chances are you have a sledding hill nearby, and you can always check your municipality’s website for more options. Make sure your kids are properly outfitted with a jacket, snow pants, boots, gloves, and a hat. Wearing a helmet is recommended as well.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore all of your favourite summer hiking trails in a novel way. Once you get the hang of it, using snowshoes is easier than trudging through the deep snow. You’ll have to make an initial investment into the gear but, when properly cared for, snowshoes can last for many years.

Building a Snowman

To have fun in winter, sometimes you don’t even have to go farther than your own yard or a nearby park. Why not spend a morning or afternoon after a heavy snowfall building a snowman? You can also encourage your kids to let their creativity reign and build all sorts of other snow creations, like castles, dogs, bears, or anything else they can imagine.

Identifying Animal Tracks

Something else you can do after a fresh snowfall is head out to a park, preferably one that hasn’t seen too much human traffic yet, to identify the different animal tracks you can find. You might see the tracks of rabbits, birds, squirrels, deer, and maybe even coyotes. Look online to find out what other types of critters frequent the area.

Identifying the Neighborhood Evergreens

While you are out searching for animal tracks, why not also pay attention to the trees and try to identify different species of evergreens? Different trees can be distinguished by their needles and by their overall shape. It’s a great learning opportunity for kids, and there are sure to be resources online about the types of trees where you live.

Getting outside during the winter can be just as fun as during the warmer months. It is a great way to help keep the whole family active and entertained, especially if your usual activities are on hold.