9 Family Activities to Do Outside this Fall/Winter!

Here we are in November and with everything changing daily around us because of COVID restrictions, it is time to get back to some family activities we can do outside! We had so much fun in the spring/early quarantine time playing outside – of course we want to keep up the fun through the fall and winter. Below you will find 9 activities that you can do as a family outside to stay active and away from the screens…

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1 – Nature Art

To do this, everyone will need a piece of cardboard to use as their canvas. We found that cutting up some of our Amazon boxes worked great! Then take a walk around your neighborhood, in your backyard or along a trail to start your collecting. Take home some rocks, leaves, sticks, etc and begin your designing! Make it interesting and get creative. Depending on your level of comfort, add paints, markers, stickers along with your natural elements and present your final creations to your family members.

2 – Obstacle Course

One of our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors is to create an obstacle course! On a snow-free day, use chalk to line the sidewalk with instructions (run, jump, go around, go under…) and challenge your neighbors to run through the course too. Better yet, combine with multiple homes to create a long obstacle course along your front sidewalks!

Snow outside? No problem! Your obstacle course can include jumping over snow hills, making a snow angel, throwing snowballs at a target, etc. Bundle up and use the creativity of each family member to make the perfect course!

3 – Go Sledding

Instead of staying inside the next time it snows, why not take a sledding trip?! Did you know we have a map showing great sledding hills in the area?

If you know of a great sledding spot, share it in the comments below and we’ll add to the map! (This is not limited to Colorado, feel free to share your hometown favorites no matter where they are!)

4 – Visit a Playground (snow or shine!)

Have you ever slid down a slide into a pile of snow? It’s so much fun! Playgrounds across the country can be fun for the whole family no matter the time of year. If you’re looking for a new place to go, check out our playground map for the best one close to you!

5 – Teach a Game

What was your favorite outside game growing up? Did you play tag, hopscotch, sardines? Recently my dad taught us the rules of “Kick the Can” (did you know it is more than just kicking a can around??) and it got me thinking that there are many games we played growing up that our kids haven’t! Take some time to learn your child’s favorite game and then teach them yours.

6 – THiNK OUTSiDE

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do this month, all year or a great Christmas present for the kids in your life, this is the perfect family gift! THiNK OUTSiDE is a monthly subscription box full of outdoor gear and resources that will get your kids away from a screen and outside exploring nature!

7 – Neighborhood Snow Village

One of our favorite outcomes of 2020 is the closeness we now have with our neighbors. Whether you have that already or want it, this idea is perfect! After the next snowfall, challenge your neighbors to create a snow village. Each family builds a snow fort, igloo, snowman family, whatever they want and then you all can enjoy a snow village walk when everyone is done. I have no doubt that families will get extremely creative and you’ll hear laughter up and down your street.

Live in an apartment or place not conducive for family building? Gather your neighbors at the local park and create your masterpieces there!

8 – Random Acts of Kindness

November is National Gratitude Month so let’s bring others joy! What we will be doing this month is making “I’m thankful for you because…” notes for our neighbors and friends. Stay active by hand delivering while on a family walk!

9 – “Get to Know You” Walk

One of our favorite things to do at dinner is a question and answer game. One person will ask a question, like “what is your favorite breakfast food?” or “where would you want to go on our next family vacation”, and you go around the table answering. Let’s make it more active though and take that game on a walk! Set a goal of asking three questions each and you’ll be amazed at what you can learn about the people you live with every day.

Thanks for joining us at Slides & Sunshine! Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!

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