Why Should We Actively Join in Outdoor Winter Activities?
Engaging in outdoor activities during winter can strengthen the body and improve mood. Here are the main benefits:
- Boost Immunity: In winter, the body needs a stronger immune system to resist the cold. Outdoor activities can promote blood circulation, boost immunity, and help prevent common winter colds and flu.
- Improve Mood: Appropriate sun exposure and outdoor activities can help relieve anxiety and depression. At the same time, exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, thereby enhancing feelings of well-being.
- Relieving Loneliness: Compared to staying alone at home, going hiking or playing games outdoors with friends and family can effectively alleviate loneliness and add warmth.
10 Surprising Outdoor Winter Activities for Families
1. Backyard Bonfire Party
What’s winter without a bonfire? A bonfire party is definitely the perfect outdoor activity for winter. Create a cozy outdoor seating area by setting up some outdoor chairs, sofas, or side tables around the fire pit. Sit around the crackling fire, sipping hot drinks, eating roasted marshmallows and hot dogs. Play simple games like riddles and cards with family. How blissful!
Shop comfortable fire pit chairs and side tables
2. Winter Hiking
3. Outdoor Ice Skating
As a winter tradition, ice skating is an essential winter outdoor activity. Imagine the thrill and joy of gliding to music and lights! Head over to the frozen pond or the nearby outdoor rink for a skate and enjoy a wonderful winter day with your family or friends.
4. Winter Photography
Taking photos is a great way to capture the beauty of winter. The snow on the treetops and the light reflected off the ice provide unique materials and inspiration for photography. Choose a beautiful location to freeze the stunning winter landscape in your lens, such as a snow-covered forest, a winter cityscape, or mountains at sunset.
5. Winter Patio Picnic
Too cold to camp or picnic in the garden this winter? Try a picnic on your outdoor patio instead! Move the dining table and chairs to the patio, and then place a heater or brazier on it to ensure the patio is warm enough. Prepare some comforting seasonal foods, such as hot soup in a thermos, toasted sandwiches, and freshly baked warm cookies. Enjoy your meal with family on the patio while admiring the winter scenery outside your window.
Shop Patio Dining Sets for Winter Picnic
6. Skiing
Put on your ski suit and skis and enjoy this annual sport. Take your kids to the ski resort for practice and exercise, and enjoy the thrill of gliding on the snow. Although skiing is expensive, you definitely won’t regret investing in it.
7. DIY Bird Feeder
I think making your own bird feeder is the most fun winter outdoor activity. Hanging it in the garden is both decorative and attracts birds. It’s also very easy to make. Just put nuts like pine cones and peanuts in a plastic bottle. You can hang it anywhere, by the window or in a corner of the garden.
8. Snow Games
What could be more fun in winter than playing in the snow? Building snowmen and throwing snowballs are children’s favorite winter games that should not be missed. Unleash your creativity and work with your family to collect snow from your backyard to build a unique snowman or snow castle.
9. Hot Springs
Enjoy a relaxing soak in an outdoor hot spring while admiring the beautiful snow-capped mountains. Enjoy drinks and conversation with your family in the hot spring pool, and savor the warmth together. Remember to prepare a bathrobe and towel in advance to better maintain your body temperature. It is recommended to limit each bath to 15-30 minutes, as longer baths may cause discomfort.
10. Backyard Games
Make the most of your backyard and transform it into a winter outdoor playground. Games like obstacle courses, ring toss, or sofa games can all get the whole family involved and having fun. These fun diy backyard game ideas allow you to enjoy the fun of outdoor winter activities without leaving your home.
Safety Tips for Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Winter
- Pay attention to the weather: Before you head out, check the weather forecast to ensure you understand the weather conditions for the day and avoid going out in bad weather.
- Appropriate dress: Use the three-layer dressing method: inner layer to wick away sweat, middle layer to keep you warm, and outer layer to protect you from wind and water; also choose waterproof and non-slip shoes to avoid slipping on snow or ice.
- Avoid prolonged time outdoors: Prolonged cold exposure might increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Regularly enter a warm place to regain body temperature.
- Stay hydrated: Maintain proper water intake throughout the dry winter weather to keep your skin hydrated and your body’s metabolism normal.
- Do warm-up exercises: Before exercising, be sure to do a proper warm-up to help your body acclimatize to the cold and avoid muscle strains.
- Environmental safety: In environments such as snow, ice or mountains, be especially careful of potential hazards, such as whether the ice is solid and the snow is level.
