Being stuck inside for days and weeks on end might be the worst part about this season, but it doesn’t have to be. For the last few, years my family has found that there is a remedy for the winter blues: it’s getting outside and on some hikes despite the cold!
We like to call our outdoor excursions Polar Bear Hikes, but you don’t really have to do an official hike to make it count. Our family rule of thumb is that if it is 15 degrees or above, we will try to get outside, even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day! It’s amazing what a brisk walk and sunshine (or sometimes just the walk) can do for the psyche. It’s also amazing how much your body and outlook can adapt, and what seemed bitter before, starts to feel more comfortable!
10 Ways to Get Outside & On Some Hikes in the Cold
- Make sure that you have the right gear. When you are well dressed for the weather, it really makes a difference. Your family will be more keen for hikes when they can stay warm, even in the chilly air.
- Stay active. When you keep moving, it helps keep the blood flowing, and your temperature up.
- Make it magical! If you haven’t ever run around your yard when it’s snowing, you definitely must. There is something refreshing about snowflakes swirling around you, and how it mutes all the sounds. Forget the cold, and embrace season.
- Go on a walk. Even if it is just around the block, doing this in the afternoon when the kids are getting squirrely is often a great reset.
- Check out the woods. The cold brings a new perspective to the landscape, and you and your kids might enjoy looking at sights they typically see covered in green. Make a scavenger hunt, and see what interesting things you can find.
- Look for tracks. A fresh blanket of snow can be a great way to see different animal tracks outside. Even toddlers can enjoy finding them and trying to guess what animal was there!
- Find a creek or a lake. The frozen water makes all kinds of beautiful patterns. My kids love to throw rocks and poke sticks at the ice! It’s also interesting to see how the water might be higher or lower at different times in the season.
- Hit the playground. It may not be your go-to spot in the cold, but try it! It’s usually quiet in the fall and winter, and your kids might enjoy exploring the equipment from a new perspective.
- Pick up (or at least try) a winter sport. There are a few great places to skate locally, some slopes aren’t too far away!
- Stock up on hot chocolate. There is nothing like coming in from the cold, and snuggling up with a warm mug!
What ways does your family find to get outside and enjoy the weather?
