Family-friendly outdoor winter activities

When those warm days finally hit, here’s how you and all your loved ones can enjoy them together

The winter months are here, and it means that you and your family get the chance to do a few different recreational activities outside. Today, we are going to talk about some different recreational activities you and your family can partake in both in and out of Regina. Whether you want an afternoon activity or a full-day activity, there are options.

Are you just looking for a classic, easy way to spend your afternoon with some family and friends? Why not hit up an outdoor rink – or, as some people call it, an ‘ODR.’ Regina has plenty of outdoor rinks throughout the city, and they can often be found near schools or bigger parks. The outdoor rinks work on a first-come-first-served-basis, and the city asks that you use your own judgement to gauge when to hop on the ice if the rink is looking busy and full. You can check out a full list of outdoor and ice-skating rinks on the City of Regina website.

Is skating not so much your thing? Don’t worry, I am sure you are not the only one. Plus, skating can take some serious practice and skill. Do you know what does not take near as much skill? Tobogganing!

This is a classic activity that everyone can enjoy because it is as simple as walking up a hill and sliding down it. There are plenty of toboggan hills in and around Regina. Some are big, and some are tiny. A few that might jog a memory of yours and encourage you to head out this weekend are Ruth Buck Park hill, Mount Pleasant Sports Park, and Goosehill Park.

Now that we’ve covered some of the classic outdoor recreation activities that you typically may look into, let’s look into an activity that helps you step out of your comfort zone and into a new pair of shoes. Why not snowshoes or cross-country skis? Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two wonderful activities that you can do for a long time or a short time, it is really up to you and the route you take.

When I was looking for trails, plenty came up, but one in particular caught my eye. It is called the Devonian Pathway and it looks like a great stretch. This specific trail starts all the way up in the northwest end and reaches all the way to Wascana park. It can take four and a half hours to finish, and it extends for 19.4 kilometres.

Sound too long for you? That is okay, there are plenty of parking lots around the city that can let you practice in smaller amounts and, who knows, maybe you’ll do a couple of kilometres each weekend and wind up reaching the full Devonian Pathway amount. Want more details or more trails to try out? Check out alltrails.com to look for trails at all different levels and of all different lengths.

Echo Valley is another great option, and has changed its look this winter season from your typical campground into a winter wonderland. They have places for you to go ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and geo-cashing for lots of family fun.

Saskatchewan winter is here for a long time, and it’s not always a great time. Take this article as your sign to go out and try some new activities on the warmer days and make some great memories. All these activities can be done by yourself, with a partner, a dog, friends, family, or really anyone you can convince to come along!