Let’s face it – it can be hard to stay active in the winter. When the temps get colder and there is snow on the ground, some of our favorite outdoor activities are less fun.
Keep reading for some great ways kids and families can keep moving through the colder winter months.
Dress for Success and Go on a Winter Hike
The key to having a great hike in the winter is dressing for it. make sure you have all the right layers on that you need to be comfortable outside and enjoy some beautiful views.
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate to keep kids (and adults) toasty warm and motivated to keep moving!
Check out this blog with some great winter hike suggestions, including the Mill Creek trail in Fayette county, the Piney Creek trail in Raleigh county, and more.
Also take a look at our Trail Resources page for more ideas, including a list of stroller friendly trails.
Active SWV Resources for Indoor Activities
Sometimes you just want to stay inside, and that’s fine! There are plenty of ways to stay active even when there’s not a ton of room to run around. Try out some of the following activities as a family:
- Try this indoor scavenger hunt challenge
- Active Bingo with a whole bunch of different exercises
- a follow-along movement and mindfulness video from certified Pilates Instructor Angie Corwin of Activated Body Studio in Oak Hill, WV.
- Some breathing exercises and yoga poses to practice mindfulness
- Weekly workout cards designed by Community Captain Kate Miller, MEd in Health and Physical Education, ATC, B.S. Athletic Training/Health Promotion and Education.
- Alphabetical fitness challenge to switch it up and try something different
- An Ab challenge to target the stomach muscles and get strong for running or other sports
Sign up for an Active SWV race
Active SWV has some exciting Signature Events coming up that are great to participate in as a family. Sign up for a race to give you a reason to get out and train!
The Run the Summit on April 8th has a 5k that is a great option for families to get active together. The course is fairly flat and winds around on a combination of wide gravel roads and a boardwalk featuring some beautiful views. The Rim to Rim Race on May 6th is a 10k road race through the New River Gorge, a great challenge for an active family.
Both events are followed by a delicious catered brunch to satisfy hungry kids after a race
Find these races and sign up here.
Try out Disc Golf
Do you want to get outside for something more that a hike? Try out Disc Golf! Get the best of both worlds by walking around in the woods and keeping kids engaged with throwing discs at baskets.
Visit this page for more info on Disc Golf courses in the area. You can also look through Active SWV’s Disc Golf handbook on how to play and other information.
Daily family fitness challenge
Try out this Monday through Friday fitness challenge designed by Community Captain Kate Miller, MEd in Health and Physical Education, ATC, B.S. Athletic Training/Health Promotion and Education.
Great for kids and adults alike, these fitness challenge cards will get you moving every day.
Check Active SWV’s program calendar for family activities
Take a look at all the new programs we have going on for the month of January! Bundle up and go for a guided hike with the family, or try out another activity. Check back regularly, because out volunteer Community Captains add new program every month.
