Winter can be a great season time of the year and magical, with its crisp, cold air and snow-covered landscapes. While it may be tempting to stay inside and curl up by the fireplace, there are a lot of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed during the winter season.
Here are some outdoor activities that you can do during the winter to get outside and enjoy the cold weather:
1. Backpacking
Winter backpacking can be a challenging and rewarding experience. It requires careful planning and the right equipment and gear, but it can also offer a unique experience and opportunity to see the beauty of the winter landscape in a way that is not possible during the winter seasons. The snow-covered trees and frozen lakes can create a picturesque and serene environment.
Backpacking in the winter can be a great way to disconnect from the distractions and stresses of daily life and spend time in nature. The colder temperatures and potentially challenging conditions can also add an element of excitement and adventure to the trip!
Also, one of the best benefits of winter backpacking is fostering a sense of community and teamwork if you have participants around you. Backpacking trips often require working together on setting up camps, cooking meals, and navigating the terrain, which can help to build a strong bond between group members.
2. Sledding
This activity is most popular for kids since it’s very simple to do. Sledding is a classic winter activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s relatively easy to do and inexpensive, all you need to have is a sled, a hill, and of course, snow! Once you have all the requirements you’re good to go.
The key clothing for having a good time sledding is to dress warmly. Layering is important, as you’ll be outside in the cold for an extended period of time. Wear a base layer of thick fabric to keep you dry, a mid-layer for insulation, and a top layer that is wind-resistant and waterproof. Don't forget warm socks, gloves, and a hat to keep your extremities warm!
Always take precautions when sledding. Bring and wear your helmet and always pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid sledding near roads or hazardous areas, and be sure to be aware of other people on the hill!
Sledding can be a lot of fun, especially if you do it with your friends and family. Whether you are racing each other down the hill or just enjoying the ride, sledding will always be a classic to go outside and enjoy the winter weather.
3. Building a fort or a snowman
Cause why not? Building a snowman or a fort seems to be a simple activity, but it can be a lot of fun, especially if you do it with your friends or family!
4. Scavenger hunt
If you are looking for a fun and educational activity to enjoy the winter, consider a nature scavenger hunt!
You’ll be surprised at how much you can discover and learn just by looking more closely at the world around you.
The scavenger hunt is an activity for people of all ages, it is essentially a list of items that you try finding in nature, either on your own or with a group. One of the great things about the hunt is that there are no rules on doing it so it can be customized to suit different interests and abilities. For example, you could create a list of common winter flora and fauna, such as pine cones, icicles, and tracks left by animals in the snow. Or you could focus on natural features such as frozen pons, a flying eagle, etc.
This can also help your community to promote an appreciation for the natural world and encourage people to explore and observe their surroundings more closely.
5. Ice Skating
Ice skating is another classic seasonal activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You can find outdoor rinks in many cities, or even create your own in your backyard.
If you are a beginner, it can be helpful to take a few lessons to learn the basic techniques of ice skating. A lot of content about ice skating can be found on Google or Youtube, but it’s still better to contact an experienced teacher to give you lessons so you have a better understanding and experience of ice skating. Learning the proper form of balance can help your skating experience be more enjoyable in the long run.
6. Snowboarding and Skiing
The experience of snowboarding and skiing can be combined and attributed to backpacking and sledding. Through its physical and emotional benefits, being outside in the fresh air and natural beauty can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Also, the sense of accomplishment that comes long-term from mastering new skills or tackling more challenging terrain can also boost self-esteem and confidence.
Snowboarding and skiing can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends, for there are many ports that can be made for social gatherings.
7. Visit a botanical garden
While many people think of botanical gardens as places to visit only in the spring and summer seasons, visiting a botanical garden in the winter has a lot of benefits.
One of the most beautiful benefits of visiting the garden is seeing plants that are not typically blooming at the times of the year. Many botanical gardens have indoor greenhouses or conservatories that allow you to see a variety of plants and flowers, even in colder months. This can be enjoyable especially if you live in an area with a bunch of skyscrapers, as it allows you to see plants and flowers that may not be available locally.
Also, in addition, visiting the garden has aesthetic benefits and is educational at the same time. A lot of botanical gardens offer guided tours or educational programs that can help you learn more about the plants and flowers on display. These programs can be good, especially for gardeners who are interested in horticulture, as they can provide valuable insights into plant care and maintenance.
The Winter season can be harsh for a lot of reasons but offers many opportunities for outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. From backpacking to visiting a botanical garden, there are many ways to get outside and enjoy the cold weather.
So don’t let the cold weather snap keep you inside! Grab your coat, invite your loved ones and get outside to experience all that the winter has to offer.
