Winter in central Ohio and much of the United States usually brings frigid temperatures, snowy landscapes, and slushy sidewalks. These conditions often deter people from spending time outside. At A Grade Ahead, however, we know it is important to stay active and get outside all year round. Join us as we explore fun ways to get outside and enjoy the fresh air during the chilliest months in Columbus.
Gear Up!
The first step to enjoying wintertime outdoors is simple: bundle up! Investing in winter gear for the whole family is essential for any fresh air activity. When creating winter wardrobes, be sure to include coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, thermal socks, and undergarments. These items often start to go on sale around January and February, so now is the perfect time to shop. If you are wondering where to start, check out this list of popular winter clothing brands.
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Sledding
One of the first activities that comes to mind for a snowy day is sledding. Central Ohio has several gentle hills that are perfect for spots for this classic winter pastime. Check out this list by the Columbus Navigator: The Best Sledding Hills In Columbus. Sleds come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Many stores sell simple plastic sleds for as low as $13. Snow tubes are another popular option. If you are thinking of investing in top quality equipment, see this list of the best sleds.
Hiking and Cross-country Skiing
Hiking is one of my personal favorite outdoor activities that I enjoy all year round, even in the chilly season. When it comes to great trails and paths, Central Ohio Metro Parks cannot be beat. In addition to hiking trails, our metro parks offer wonderful trails for cross-country skiing when conditions permit it. On the coldest days, it is a good idea to stick to shorter trails, especially if you have younger members in your group. As always, be sure to bundle up with proper winter gear.
Are you new to Central Ohio? Check out this article to learn about some of our favorite metro parks: A Grade Ahead Finds Fun Field Trips: Central Ohio Metro Parks.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Families who are up for a real adventure will love hitting the slopes at Ohio’s premier ski resorts: Mad River near Bellefontaine and Snow Trails in Mansfield. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, these resorts offer fun for everyone. If you are new, consider taking lessons offered for all skill levels. Skiing does require a significant financial investment as there is a lot of equipment to either rent or buy. It also involves a learning curve for most people. For those who love a challenge, skiing and snowboarding are great ways for families to connect and have fun together.
Ice Skating
Another popular winter pastime is ice skating. While Columbus has several year-round indoor skating venues, it also has several outdoor options. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Skating Rink is a 3,200 square-foot-rink located right by Bridge Park Dublin. Open through mid-March, visitors can enjoy the ice on Fridays from 5:00–10:00 p.m., Saturdays noon–10:00 p.m., and Sundays: noon–8:00 p.m. Coffman Park is another great outdoor rink that opens when temperatures drop below freezing. The best thing about these ice parks is that they are located just minutes from A Grade Ahead in Powell!
What do you think? Does your family enjoy any of these wintertime activities? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Author: Amanda Hutson, Curriculum Assistant at A Grade Ahead
