Winter offers a variety of fun activities to do outdoors. The key to enjoying the outdoors during winter is to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the cold (layers people!) and that you have the appropriate gear for the chosen activity. Embracing the snow and cold does not hurt either.
Fat Tire Winter Biking
Fat tire biking is all the rage. If you are curious and want to try it out before you make an investment, you can rent a bike from a number of places (usually located near a trail).
The Department of Natural Resources list of trails
Hiking and Snowshoeing
Hiking can happen anytime of the year – and it is often free. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider snowshoeing. Snowshoes are relatively inexpensive and a great way to have fun in the snow. Some parks also offer other planned winter activities for a modest fee. Places to check out this winter season include:
Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor
Lower River Rouge Recreation Trail
Ice Skating
Whatever your ability, lacing up skates and taking to the ice is essential wintertime fun. You can find places for ice skating fun in Metro Parent’s complete list of indoor and outdoor rinks in southeast Michigan.
Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Alpine Valley in White Lake is a great place to learn the ropes- snow is guaranteed.
Of course, if skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, you can always test your nerve on one of the many sledding hills in southeast Michigan.
Winter Festivals and Festivities
Plymouth Ice Festival, February 11-13, 2022
Quicken Loans Winter Blast in Detroit
Rochester Fire and Ice Festival, January 2022
Winter Snow Spree, December 2021 at the Canton Public Library
Visit the Zoo
You can visit the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak during the winter. In fact, many animals are more active during winter. Check their website for special winter events like Wild Lights.
CPL Resources to Enhance Your Experience
Basic Illustrated Snowshoeing by Eli Burakian
Ice Skating Basics by Aaron Foeste/photographed by Bruce Curtis
The Kids' Winter Fun Book: Homespun Adventures for Family Fun by Claire Gillman & Sam Martin
Snow Play: How to Make Forts & Slides and Winter Campfires Plus the Coolest Loch Ness Monster and 23 Other Brilliant Projects in the Snow by Birgitta Ralston
Snowboarding Skills: the Back to Basics Essentials for All Ages by Cindy Kleh
Winter Hiking and Camping by Molly Absolon
