Outdoor winter activities in you’ll love!
Beat cabin fever with these ideas from Healthy HometownSMPowered by Wellmark. When the weather turns cold and snow begins to fall, your first instinct may be to curl up under a blanket in front of the fireplace with a good book. But, there are several ways to stay active in the winter — and have fun while doing it! Bundle up and get outdoors with these ideas for family-friendly winter activities.
1. Find a sledding hill. Embrace your inner child and grab a sled, snow tube, saucer or toboggan. Make sure the hill is set back from the road and doesn’t have any hazards immediately at the bottom, like a frozen-over creek, trees or rocks. Bonus: You’ll get a good workout from walking back up the hill after each run.
2. Strap on some cross-country skis. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is a great way to get your heart pumping — without the extra strain on your joints. This full-body workout uses your core and legs to balance and propel yourself forward with your skis in parallel tracks, improving your cardiovascular endurance and health and relieving stress. We have groomed trails at Pilot Knob State Park and Bear Creek Golf Course. Find a trail map and follow trail conditions at http://forestcityski.blogspot.com
3. Put on some snowshoes. If you love to go on walks or hike in the summer, snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. Fun fact: Snowshoes aren’t really shoes — they’re flat frames with lacing. They strap onto your existing footwear and work by distributing your weight over a larger area so you don’t sink completely into the snow.
4. Warm up next to a bonfire. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to be! Bundle up and build a bonfire to stay warm while you spend time outdoors. Don’t forget to put some hot chocolate in an insulated mug.
5. Build a snow fort. After a large snowfall, dig a hideaway out of a snow pile or use a mold to create snow bricks for an igloo. Even better: Build two forts and have an adults vs. kids snowball fight — just make sure the snow isn’t too icy.Stay safe in winter weather When spending time outdoors in cold weather, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Don’t dress too warmly; layer light, breathable fabrics like polyester and wool. (Avoid cotton, as it can trap sweat close to your body.) Protect your face and hands from frostbite with a hat and gloves or mittens. And, don’t forget to drink plenty of water even if you aren’t thirsty — colder temperatures can cause you to become dehydrated faster.
