Walking in a Winter Wonderland: Activities to Enjoy Outside During the Winter Months.
I don’t like the cold. I live in Texas. Snow and ice events are magical occurrences to be admired from far away. My preferred vacation spot is on a beach somewhere. Maybe it’s because I’m cold natured-I ALWAYS need a jacket (you should see the side-eye my husband gives me when I forget to bring a jacket to the movie theater) but I would much rather suffer in 100 degree temperatures than go outside when the high is in the 40’s. During the winter months (I use that term loosely because, as I mentioned, I live in Texas), I’d prefer to remain inside curled up on the couch with a good book but I’m homeschooling two VERY active boys so outdoor activity is a must. Every. Day. So, if I must put on my big-girl snowsuit and face a blistering day, I figure I might as well enjoy it. Here are few ways, we’ve managed to have fun outside when the weather was less than (my) ideal.
Track the Seasons
This makes a great long-term project! Find a nearby trail or open field to observe over the course of a year. Take pictures and write down your observations in a nature journal. Return to the spot every few weeks, taking pictures and making note of any changes that you observe. Print and display your pictures on a timeline along with your observations. When we first did this, we chose to track 10 different trees being sure to visit each location on the first day of each season. Talk about a lesson on deciduous versus evergreen trees!
Ice Ornaments
Have a few of those reusable aluminum baking pans left over from the holidays? You know the ones that are super flimsy and not at all reusable but you don’t want to chunk it into the recycling just yet? Take a few of those (the 8x8 size works great) and send your kiddos outside to line the bottom with leaves, twigs, acorns, etc. Then, pour about an inch of water into each pan. You’ll want enough water to cover the foliage, but not so much or it won’t (or takes days) to freeze over. Let the pans sit outside overnight (or for a few hours if you live someplace cold enough!) to freeze. When the ice has frozen, carefully bend the aluminum and pull it away from the block of ice. Use a drill to make a hole in ice about an inch from the edge and thread it with string or yarn and voilà-ice ornaments! Hang them in a tree , watch the sun shine through them and observe any animals that interact with the ornaments. Take a look at the weather forecast and make predictions about how long you think it will take each ornament to melt. I’ve also seen these done with birdseed, nuts and fruit slices. Just make sure to keep it natural so you don’t litter the ground with inorganic material!
Hiking
Hiking is one thing I actually love to do in the cold. I throw on some layers, make sure I have on warm socks, a hat and gloves and hit the trails. Even though it’s cold, when you’re hiking, you’re constantly moving so you don’t feel the temperature as much. Find a new place to explore near you by using the National Park Service’s park finder or the state park locater at https://www.stateparks.org.
So toughen up buttercup (a flower that typically blooms in May…when it’s warm, by the way!), put on those puffy jackets and get to exploring!