It’s that time of year again – the temps are dropping and our afternoons are dark and gloomy. It’s hard to get motivated to move, especially outdoors.
The benefits of getting outside are enormous, and there are even benefits to getting kids outside when it’s cold. Even if indoor physical activity is an option, there is really nothing like getting out in nature for our physical and mental health. Exposure to sunlight gives us an important Vitamin D, and outdoor fresh air can get us away from germs and stagnant air inside. Being outdoors lowers stress in kids ad adults alike, which is a huge plus!
Active SWV is here to help you make a plan and get moving in the great outdoors! We embrace the idea that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. So get out your hats, jackets, gloves, and warm pants, and check out these 6 ways to get active outside as a family this winter:
First, get your kids (and yourself) a free membership!
Signing up for a free membership is your gateway to a variety of free activity offered throughout the week. Kids under age 18 can get their own Active SWV membership (just check ‘yes’ for the minor question on the second page of the application) and participate in programs too. However, all kids under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all Community Captain led programs.
Join a Community Captain led hike!
Community Captains led hikes are the perfect way to get out and explore with a group. Time socializing with others and meeting new people who are also excited to get outside in the cold is a great wintertime activity. For hikes in the New River Gorge National Park, many times interpretative rangers from the park come along to provide information about the flora, fauna, and history of the area. This added learning opportunity is a plus for kids and adults alike!
Youth Climbing at the Boulder Barn
We do have to include one indoor option, especially since it’s such a cool one. When the sun goes down, it can be great to take advantage of an indoor activity to keep kids moving a little bit longer. Head to WVU Tech’s Boulder Barn for a Community Captain led program (check the calendar for dates) where kids can learn the basics of bouldering safely. This is a great program to attend before joining an outdoor climbing program in the warmer months.
Dabble in Disc Golf
Disc Golf is a fun sport to feed your competitive side. It’s hiking in the woods, but with a twist! Disc Golf is a beginner friendly sport that’s fun for the whole family to try out. Check Active SWV’s Disc Golf resources page for a list of nearby courses and information here.
Try a New Trail
There are a ton of upsides to hiking in the winter. With no leaves on the trees, you can see the whole landscape in a new light. If there is snow on the ground, the beauty of being out in the woods is unmatched. And lastly, the trails are usually less crowded, so you have it all to yourself to enjoy. There are so many trails to explore in West Virginia, there is always something new to try out! Check out Active SWV’s trail resources page for more information and locations of trails in southern WV. If you are hiking in the New River Gorge itself, the National Parks Service also has some great information on their website with trail locations and descriptions to help you plan your day.
Visit a Playground
Playgrounds are a tried and true way to get kids moving around and having fun outdoors. Brave the cold and visit one of our region’s many playgrounds to get some activity. Some are even at parks with trails or other things to do, so the playground can be just one stop. See Active SWV’s list of playgrounds in our area here.
KIDS RUN CLUB CHAMPIONS
Email Active SWV’s Development Director, Kate, at [email protected] to find out how to become the next Kids Run Club Champion!
