Keeping The Family Active During the Winter

Winter is now in full swing and you may want to keep your family active with some cold weather sports. Even though it is cold outside, winter can still be a great time to be outside, burn off some energy, and find a new activity for the whole family.

Adults might want to check with their doctor to make sure they are physically fit enough to handle the slips, falls, and overall physical exertion associated with participating in winter sports.  

Below is some information on cold weather sports.

Downhill Skiing: This can be a fun sport for kids. Just make sure you take lessons so you know how to be safe. Lessons can help your child to learn different techniques and which slopes would be best for their ability. Make sure you and the kids where the appropriate safety gear, like a helmet.  

Cross-country skiing: This can be a great workout. It’s slower than downhill skiing so you can take time to enjoy the trip. It’s still important to wear your safety gear and take a lesson or two before you try it.

Snowboarding: This is a winter sport that kids really enjoy. It’s a lot harder to control a snowboard, so expect plenty of falls before you get the hang of it. Lessons should be taken and safety gear is essential.

Snowshoeing: Snowshoes allow you to walk on top of the deep snow. Don’t let the worde walk fool you. This is really a workout. It’s not a fast way to travel so the kids might get a little bored after only a short trip. You might want to try it, just to say you did it.

Ice skating: If you are in a medium sized town, there's probably a ice rink or two close by. Open skate is when rinks allow anyone off the street to come in, rent skates and get on the ice. Many rinks now offer devices to assist new skaters. They look like miniature walkers. You could also have the family take a lesson. The ice is hard so helmets and other safety gear should be worn.

It is easy for the family to sit in the house and watch TV all winter. As an alternative, try a winter sport, or just bundle up for a brisk family walk around the neighborhood.