Make the Most of Outdoor Family Fun this Winter

As the days get shorter and the temperatures continue to drop, there’s no doubt about it — winter in the Midwest is here. While it’s easy to get caught up reminiscing about baseball games, family bike rides in the neighborhood, and summer days spent by the pool, winter chill doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor family adventures! 

Shake off the winter blues with some of our favorite activities to make the most of the season — and create some special family memories along the way.

Get moving

The best way to combat chilly temperatures is to get the blood pumping. And every parent knows that kids need outdoor play time to burn off some energy, despite the cold. Fortunately, Wisconsin is a veritable playground for physical activities that are sure to keep the whole family moving this winter.

Here are a few of our favorites!

Take the family sledding

Nothing says ‘childhood classic’ quite like grabbing a sled and heading to the nearest hill. Zooming full speed downhill provides endless fun, while climbing back up is a good way to get in some exercise. If you’re looking to up the adrenaline factor, check out any number of snow tubing resorts or toboggan runs in the Midwest!

Try out snowshoeing

Winter sports can often require expensive gear or dangerous terrain that prohibit the whole family from participating. Snowshoeing is a popular recreational activity that is great for all ages.  Wisconsin is filled with scenic trails to explore! All you need is snowshoes (poles optional), warm clothing, and a sense of adventure.

Strap on some ice skates

The Midwest offers a variety of ice skating spots, whether you’re looking for a maintained outdoor rink or prefer to take advantage of frozen lakes and ponds. Regardless of your choice of scenery, ice skating is a fun winter tradition for adults and kids alike.

Make discoveries 

Every winter, blankets of snow and ice create a landscape that looks remarkably unlike any other season. Spending time outdoors in the cold months is a great opportunity for young minds to make new discoveries about the natural world. 

Here are a couple of suggestions to spark your imagination!

Go for a nature walk

Fresh snow provides an excellent canvas for all sorts of animal tracks. Take the kids to the woods, a local park, or even around the neighborhood and see what animals you can identify from the tracks they leave behind. Even though many animals are less active during the winter, with careful observation, you’ll find evidence of them everywhere!

Perform an experiment

Frigid temperatures make winter the perfect outdoor laboratory for budding scientists. Blow a bubble and watch it freeze, make a snow volcano (all you need is baking soda, vinegar, and a pile of snow), or engineer the ultimate snowball launcher.

Preparing for the cold

Spending time outside in winter is fun and rewarding, but it’s important to stay mindful of the hazards of the season. Extended time in the cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, while patches of ice are fall risks. Keep activities fun and safe with these suggestions:

• Dress in layers. The air pockets between items of clothing help trap heat!
• Say no to cotton. Look for fabrics that won’t absorb water.
• Add accessories. Hats, thick socks, scarves, and gloves are a must.
• Look for boots with traction on the sole.
• Take breaks inside. It’s never a bad idea to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate between snowy play sessions.

Our hometown agents have you covered

You shouldn’t have to worry about your family’s health and safety during the holiday season. Lindow Insurance offers a comprehensive and hassle-free experience, so you can make the most of time with loved ones.

Reach out to one of our agents to see how we can help with peace of mind.