With the cold comes a difficulty of finding good activities the whole family can do together. Of course, people think immediately of skiing or snowboarding down mountains like a pro and breaking fresh powder in wide open spaces on their snowmobiles.
But these activities can get a little pricey, even if you’re hoping to save some cash by investing in a season or family pass. So where to start? And how can you find something that everyone will enjoy, at least for a little while?
Outdoor Activities
Even though the ski hill is a favorite place, it doesn’t mean that other snow activities don’t exist. There are plenty that won’t empty your pockets, and you can spend as little or as much time doing them as you would like.
Sledding
Do you have a hill nearby, whether in the neighborhood or at the local park? Grab a few sleds and head over for a good hour or so of sliding down the hill. You don’t need to have any fancy equipment, just clothes that will keep you warm and dry along with a simple sled to sit on.
There are plenty of expensive sleds out there, but you don’t have to look further than your summer tubes for a ride that’s just as good (if not better) than those store-bought sleds. Are tubes hard to come by? Try out trash can lid with a smooth bottom or take on the task of making something out of cardboard, trash bags, or tarps.
Ice Skating
Another fun activity to take part in is visiting the local skating rink. You don’t have to own a pair of skates for every member of the family either. Skate rentals are generally pretty cheap. Indoor facilities mean it’s easy to sit and take a break without freezing, while some seasonal ice rinks can have more affordable admissions and rentals than the year-round facilities.
As this can turn into a more aggressive activity, take into account your children’s tendencies and protect those teeth from needing to make an extra visit to the regular family dentist.
Snowshoeing
If you’re a family that loves seeing new things and being out in nature, the hiking family can transition smoothly into a snowshoeing one. Again, it’s easy to rent gear like snowshoes and poles if you need to, and otherwise, all you need is warm clothes, some snacks and water, and an excellent location to explore so you can see how the snowfall changes your favorite scenery.
“Out There” But Not Out There
If spending an extended period in the cold doesn’t seem like a challenge all your family members are up to quite yet, some easy alternatives require a little time outside but not too much.
See the Lights
When the days get dark quickly and even colder, along with heavy homework loads and school activities, a great way to take some time to be together and relax is to take a drive to see all the lights that have been put up.
Driving around your neighborhood or taking a quick walk can be a fast refresher for everyone before jumping back into their responsibilities, but there are also streets and parks that get decked out for the holidays with some impressive displays. So ask around and see what there is near your home. It’s always fun to surprise the family with something new.
Baking
Something everyone will love is spending some time baking or cooking a delicious recipe. Whether your family loves cookies or casseroles, it’s something your family can share around the table or share with the neighbors to wish them a happy holiday.
Card-making
Christmas and holiday cards have become a bit obsolete, with people opting to design them on a computer screen and send them electronically. So take the time to pick out cards as a family or pick out card-making materials that everyone can use.
Have everyone pitch in writing the cards to family, friends, and others they may choose to send or give a card to. It’s a way to bring a bit of humanity and joy to others one by one.
Service Opportunities
Get your family in the giving spirit by interacting with all sorts of people in all kinds of ways. You may know friends or family members that need help clearing the snow from their driveways and sidewalks that, when everyone pitches in, can be cleaned up in the blink of an eye.
Or you may choose to make friends with new people by caroling on a cozy street corner or visiting an assisted living center to hear stories and exchange smiles. Chances are, any grumbling that might have happened before will become a plea to go back and do it again.
Are you someone who has to hit the slopes every winter? If yes, get great tips on avoiding common winter sports injuries.
