Fun Winter Activities to Stay Active this Winter in Akron

It’s easy to cozy up and hibernate in the winter but it’s more fun to stay active!  Staying active in the winter takes a little more planning than in summer months but it can be done! Here are a few ideas that will keep you and your kids moving and having fun!

1. Take your whole family on a walk or bike ride together. We have many trails in the area including the Hike & Bike Trail, CVNP, or Akron Metroparks that are open year-round for outdoor fun. We take our dogs for a walk nearly every day, it keeps all of us active and the dogs can burn some energy too.
   
   Dress in layers if it’s really cold!
   
2. Play video games: Some video games have active options, such as Just Dance or Nintendo Labo. They even have work-out modes that will ensure you are getting your heart-beat up. Parents, don’t be afraid to jump in with them on the fun – you may have to buy an extra controller but in the end, you’ll have fun with your kids and get a pretty good workout.
3. Don’t hide from the winter weather – embrace it! Try ice skating, we have more ice skating rinks in the area than you might know!
   
4. Try skiing at Brandywine Ski Resort or rent snowshoes in CVNP at Appalachian Outfitters for a fun day out in the snow.
5. We have many, many sledding hills in the Akron area, explore them all!
   
6. Indoor play: Set up an indoor obstacle course or play games like Simon says that encourage movement.
7. Create a scavenger hunt: Send the kids on a hunt around the house or neighborhood for items on a list you’ve created.
8. Dance party: Blast some music and have a dance party in the living room.
   
9. Visit Indoor playground: Indoor playgrounds are for all ages – some are for younger kids like Cafe O Play.
   
   Some are for kids, teens, and adults like Urban Air Adventure Park and SkyZone Trampoline Park. All will get your kids (and you!) moving and having fun!
   
10. Online classes: If you can’t go outside, try a free online exercise class for kids.
11. Sign your kids up for an after-school sport at school or your neighborhood club.

With a little planning, you can keep your kids active and having fun all winter long!  Pick one or two to try this week, and let us know in the comments below how it went! Share your ideas too!