Here’s How to Have Fun & Stay Fit this Winter

The approach of cold weather means packing away the shorts and sneakers, but there’s still plenty of winter activities you can do to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Skating, snowshoeing and sledding all offer lots of winter fun. For an even wilder ride you can try your hand at snow tubing or fat biking. Just make sure to layer your clothing and bring warm winter gloves and winter toques. So bundle up, bring a thermos, and get busy!

Sledding & Snow Tubing

Sledding is more popular than ever and offers a great way to enjoy the outdoors. To stay safe, make sure you’re aware of weight restrictions on your sled or toboggan, and that small children are always accompanied by an adult. Remember too that you should always have your feet pointed downhill! A snow scooter can also get you down the hills, and snow tubing is simply a ton of fun. The cushy snow tube makes for a softer ride, but you have less control of steering and braking. First-timer safety tip: look for hills that have dedicated snow tubing areas.

Winter Fat Biking

Fat biking is quickly gaining traction with winter sport enthusiasts. It’s a great way to stay in shape and retain your riding chops for summer. So, what’s a fat bike? Essentially it’s a regular bicycle kitted out with super-wide tires filled at extra low pressure. This allows the bike to float over the surface of snow instead of sinking. You can take many of your existing favourite trails, or even just cruise through your neighbourhood. Make sure to check or update all your bike gear and bike accessories before taking a trial run.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing offers a great opportunity to learn a new skill and find a little adventure along the way. All-inclusive rentals are available, but if you’re an avid DIYer you might consider building your very own ice fishing hut. Either way you’ll need the right fishing gear. That includes cleats, ice auger and chisel, jigs, fillet knife, and a good rod and reel combination. Oh, and it does get chilly out there on the ice so bring a portable heater.

Hockey & Ice Skating

Most urban areas have public outdoor rinks for family ice skating. Some even have lights for night skating and benches to sit on while changing from boots to blades. In addition to skates you’ll want some related gear like a helmet skate guards, a lace tightener, skate sharpener, and maybe a skating aid trainer for young kids.

Build Your Own Outdoor Rink

Building your own backyard rink is a great way to spend time with your family, while providing a safe place for kids to practice their skating and hockey skills. Simple rink kits are available that just require filling with water. You’ll also need a hose for reflooding the ice surface and wide shovel for snow removal. add the. More robust DIY ice rink kits include all boards and panels, and you can even add a rink shack with benches and storage. Having your own private rink allows you to skate anytime, or even drop the puck for a game of shinny. Be sure to stock up on hockey sticks and gear, and maybe add a hockey net at each end.

Snowmen & Snow Forts

Building snowmen and snow forts are great winter activities for kids. Even the youngest of children can take part in the play, since snowmen can be made in any size. Kids can get the snowball rolling, then let mom or dad take over as it gets to full size. Buttons, popsicle sticks and other crafty items make great accessories. To make a snow fort, begin by tracing the outline of the fort, then make snow bricks by hand and start stacking. You can fill in any gaps with snow and spritz with water to harden the exterior. If young kids will be playing in it, the roof should be left open for safety.

Go for a Sleigh Ride

Whether it’s a romantic outing or a fun winter excursion for the whole family, sleigh rides are sure to be a hit. Glide along the white countryside while enjoying the crisp winter air snuggled up under a blanket. Don’t forget a thermos and hot chocolate!

Go Snowshoeing

If you have younger children, or just want a simpler way to head outdoors, then snowshoeing is a good option. Just strap on your snowshoes and head to the park to enjoy the trails or even run around the open space. Some kid’s snowshoes even have fun shapes to leave tracks.

Winter Walks

While you might not equate leisurely walks with winter, it can actually be one of the best times to take a stroll. Simply strap on a pair of cleats to avoid slipping and enjoy the crisp air and fresh-fallen snow in your neighbourhood.

Maple Syrup Harvesting

Harvesting your own maple syrup is a fun pastime that also serves a purpose – you get to enjoy the final product! You can visit a maple syrup farm, or you tap your own trees with a few simple harvesting supplies. All you need to do is drill a hole in the tree angled upward, add a spout so the sap runs downward, and a hanging bucket to collect the sap.

Indoor Fun

No matter how fun the outdoors can be, there will still be days that are just too cold or hazardous to venture out. Adults can stay active with some indoor exercise equipment, while puzzles and board games can be fun for the whole family. For smaller kids, activity toys like finger-painting, building sets and ride-on toys will keep them active and entertained.

Baking Sweet Treats on a Snowy Day

What better way to ride out the cold than by baking up some warm treats and goodies? Chase away the winter blahs with cookies and cupcakes, or bake a cake for dessert. It’s also great fun for the kids when it comes time for icing and decorating. Make sure you’ve got muffin pans and cookie sheets ready to go.

While you may miss the warmth and sun of summer, there is still plenty of love about winter. By staying fit with fun winter activities, you and your family can get through the season without forfeiting your active lifestyle.