Outdoor Activities In The Winter – Our collection of kids’ outdoor winter play activities – from snow sports and games to backyard winter science and STEAM ideas
Over the years I’ve shared a number of winter projects and activities, but while reviewing my posts last week I noticed a big hole in my collection – where were the outdoor winter play ideas?! I grew up in Ohio, where winters can be very snowy and cold, and most of our free time was spent playing outside – regardless of the temperature. When winter hit, my sister and I would jump at the chance to get together for just about any outdoor activity, whether it was shoveling the driveway with Dad or going for a walk to the sledding hill at the end of the block.
Outdoor Activities In The Winter
From fresh air and vitamin D to risk assessment and better sleep, the benefits of playing outside are undeniable. From my own experience, I can attest that the physical challenges of moving through snow re-awakens a certain set of muscles and a new sense of balance. And when I think back, some of my best winter play memories involve activities that also helped develop my social skills, creativity, empathy and self-confidence.
Winter Activities For Kids Ebook
So many seasonal game tips for our warmest winter readers. And even if you don’t think of your family as the outdoorsy types, consider trying some…you just might become a winter outdoor ruler!
When studying science concepts, I’ve always loved hands-on learning, and I can’t think of anything more fun than doing experiments outside! Here are some of my favorite winter STEAM tips
The winter season provides a unique seasonal natural experience for children. In addition to being a great time to slow down, observe and reflect, these observations foster a deep understanding of winter wildlife. And a good thing for those in warmer climates: none of those winter outdoor play ideas
Make the kids’ winter playtime fun with one of these play ideas, sure to keep your kids warm and mobile all winter long…
Healthy Outdoor Winter Activities For The Entire Family
For outdoor play in all seasons, visit our collection of spring garden activities for kids, find more summer backyard water play, or learn about Shinrin-Yoku and simple ways to start exercising with your kids .
With a passion for inspiring imagination, Amanda aims to help children and families discover their creative potential through art, play, adventure, activity, conservation and community. Amanda has a background in graphic design, environmental design and art therapy. When she is not playing with ideas and designs for barley and birch, she likes to work independently on design, art and photography.
Sign up for our 5-day “Adventures in Play” tour series – a deep sea game tour delivered right to your inbox… Winter in Calgary is the perfect time to bundle up and explore a outdoors. It may be cold and it may be hot, but there are so many things to see and do during the winter months. From skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding and hot springs, outdoor winter adventures are ready and waiting for you around Calgary.
You can ski and snowboard right in Calgary. WinSport, home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, offers lift tickets and a Winter Hill Pass for skiing and snowboarding all winter long. Or take a day trip to the Canadian Rockies and experience Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay Ski Resort, or Lake Louise Ski Resort, with world-class runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and skill levels. Castle Mountain Resort, south of Calgary in the Pincher Creek area, is another great place to find powder conditions just a short drive from Calgary. Ski lifts open as early as mid-November and operate until May.
Fun Things To Do In Winter With Friends And Family
The University of Calgary Outdoor Center offers ski and snowboard rentals for beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders.
The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a naturally fed hot spring and the only hot spring pool in Banff National Park. With water temperatures between 37°C and 40°C, winter is the perfect season to enjoy the refreshing waters of this natural wonder. The Banff Upper Hot Springs are open daily during the winter months and are only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. Beat the crowds by going early in the morning or on weekdays.
Spend a relaxing day at the spa at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, just 1 hour west of Calgary and near Canmore. A series of outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms will help you relax through a process called hydrotherapy as you cycle through all water temperatures and soak the day away.
Tubing is a family-friendly winter activity that everyone can enjoy. No experience is required to ride these inflatable soft tubes down special tubes with a magic carpet ready to take you back to the top of the hill. The WinSport Tube Park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and is easily accessible from the Frank King Day Lodge, with washrooms, food and other facilities available nearby. The Sunny Tube Park at Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay Ski Resort is a great way to experience the thrill of tubing in the Canadian Rockies.
Kids Winter Outdoor Games And Activities Cartoon Vector Image
Dog sledding in the Canadian Rockies is an experience you will never forget. Take a tour of this Canadian classic and enjoy the amazing views of the Rocky Mountains with groups like Snowy Owl Dog Tours and Howling Dog Tours. Meet the team of well-trained dogs, learn about their animal care practices, sit back and enjoy the ride or try to tame yourself. Tours can last anywhere from half an hour to a full day and are led by an experienced musher.
Winter around Calgary doesn’t mean you have to store your bike. One of the best winter activities in Calgary is fat biking on clone winter tires – a great way to enjoy cycling in the colder months. Bow Cycle and the University of Calgary Outdoor Center offer fat bike rentals for beginners and experienced riders. Calgary is home to the most extensive road and urban bike trail network in North America, with over 850 kilometers of trails and 95 kilometers of trails to explore on your fat bike.
Just 1 hour west of Calgary, Canmore Nordic Center Regional Park hosted the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and continues to offer world-class cross-country skiing trails to this day. beginners and experienced skiers. Get a trail pass for the day and explore over 65 kilometers of groomed trails. Cross-country ski rentals are available on site. The University of Calgary Outdoor Center also offers cross-country ski rentals for beginners and experienced skiers.
In Calgary, cross-country skiing is welcome in any park, along with a selection of groomed trails throughout the city that you can access for free like the East Village Nordic Loop. City of Calgary Parks like Shaganappi Point Golf Course, South Glenmore Park, and Bowness Park are trails and ready for your next ski trip.
Outdoor Winter Activities For Kids: Super Fun Ways To Learn & Play
One of the best winter activities in Calgary is outdoor ice skating. The City of Calgary floods and maintains 7 public outdoor ice rinks throughout the city. Bowness Park Lagoon and Olympic Plaza offer on-site skate rentals, along with helmets, scale support, and skate gear. The University of Calgary Outdoor Center also offers skate rentals for beginners and experienced skaters. You can even try ice biking at Bowness Park Lagoon, a new way to skate for any level.
Outdoor skating rinks in Calgary are usually open from mid to late December through February. Olympic Square is a cooling ice surface and is often available between mid-November and mid-March. Hockey sticks and nets are not permitted on outdoor rinks and helmets are strongly recommended for all participants.
Collect and explore Calgary attractions that take you to the great outdoors. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is open year-round and features indoor and outdoor exhibits. Wear layers and stay warm inside while visiting. Many animals prefer cold weather, so you may see these amazing creatures when they are most active.
The Inglewood Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary is open year-round and admission is free. With 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants, this natural outdoor attraction is a great way to explore nature in the city. Warming up in the Nature Centre, with interpretive displays and information about the local wildlife that call the sanctuary home.
Where To Go For Outdoor Winter Activities In Our Area
Snowshoeing is a great way to be active in the winter. It’s easy to learn and free to try for people of all ages and experience levels. Along with dedicated trails, snowshoeing is welcome in any Calgary park. Beyond Calgary, you can explore Mount Norquay’s snowshoe trails, take a scenic walk through Sunshine Meadows at Sunshine Village, or explore another side of Castle Mountain on a guided tour.
The University of Calgary Outdoor Center offers snowshoe rentals for beginners and experienced snowshoe enthusiasts. Bow Habitat Station hosts learn about snowshoe clinics that include everyone