Healthy Kids
Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for Families
09 February 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
Keeping the entire family active during winter is sometimes difficult. It's tough to get motivated when snow is falling, temperatures drop below freezing, and multiple layers are required before heading outdoors. However, daily physical activity is good for your health.
With Family Day and March Break approaching, here are some kid-friendly activities that will get the entire family outside and keep everyone active for the last few weeks of winter.
Most zoos including the Toronto Zoo are open during the winter. Visiting during the colder months is a great way to teach children about hibernation and different animal habitats.
Use leftover bubble mix from summer and head outside to see what happens to them when they hit the winter air.
If it's cold enough, you'll see ice crystals form on the surface and bubbles will freeze for a few seconds before popping.
Grab your GPS or smartphone and go on a scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood. Geocaching, a modern day version of treasure hunting, is a budget friendly way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. There are over 3,000 geocaches in the GTA and over 20,000 in Ontario.
Families can download coordinates and clues to find hidden treasures around their neighbourhood - usually toys or small souvenirs - from Geocaching.com. If you take an item from the geocache, you need to leave an item for the next treasure seeker.
Did you know Canada produces 85% of the world's maple syrup supply? As winter turns to spring, many farms will be celebrating the beginning of maple syrup season.
Take the kids to a maple syrup farm or festival and learn about syrup production, enjoy a pancake breakfast and if you're lucky taste maple taffy made on snow!
Make the most of the cold weather and spend quality family time at YMCA Camp Pine Crest in Muskoka.
YMCA Camp Pine Crest is open for Family Day weekend and families can enjoy a variety of activities including skating, skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. You can register for Pine Crest Family Camp February 12- 15, 2016 by phone, email or fax. Registration details and forms can be found under the Family Camp tab on the Camps & Outdoor Education registration page.
What are some of your family's favourite outdoor winter activities?
With Family Day and March Break approaching, here are some kid-friendly activities that will get the entire family outside and keep everyone active for the last few weeks of winter.
1. Visit the Zoo
Most zoos including the Toronto Zoo are open during the winter. Visiting during the colder months is a great way to teach children about hibernation and different animal habitats.
2. Play with Bubbles
Use leftover bubble mix from summer and head outside to see what happens to them when they hit the winter air.
If it's cold enough, you'll see ice crystals form on the surface and bubbles will freeze for a few seconds before popping.
3. Hunt for Treasure
Grab your GPS or smartphone and go on a scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood. Geocaching, a modern day version of treasure hunting, is a budget friendly way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. There are over 3,000 geocaches in the GTA and over 20,000 in Ontario.
Families can download coordinates and clues to find hidden treasures around their neighbourhood - usually toys or small souvenirs - from Geocaching.com. If you take an item from the geocache, you need to leave an item for the next treasure seeker.
4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Did you know Canada produces 85% of the world's maple syrup supply? As winter turns to spring, many farms will be celebrating the beginning of maple syrup season.
Take the kids to a maple syrup farm or festival and learn about syrup production, enjoy a pancake breakfast and if you're lucky taste maple taffy made on snow!
5. Learn New Skills
Make the most of the cold weather and spend quality family time at YMCA Camp Pine Crest in Muskoka.
YMCA Camp Pine Crest is open for Family Day weekend and families can enjoy a variety of activities including skating, skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. You can register for Pine Crest Family Camp February 12- 15, 2016 by phone, email or fax. Registration details and forms can be found under the Family Camp tab on the Camps & Outdoor Education registration page.
What are some of your family's favourite outdoor winter activities?
