Winter Fun Without the White Stuff

Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine some of the fun outdoor activities associated with winter. Chances are you are picturing something like skiing, tobogganing, building snow sculptures, or some other activity that is dependent on snow. Unfortunately, the cruel reality here in Southern Alberta is that snow is but a fleeting occurrence, often disappearing as quickly as it arrives thanks to our warm Chinook winds.

Here are some suggestions for outdoor winter activities that don’t depend on having snow on the ground:

Fly a Kite – Winter is one of the windiest times in Southern Alberta but while those pesky chinook winds might rob us of the powdery play stuff, they provide ample opportunity to fly a kite! Get out to a park and give it a try! Be aware that most kites are limited to a maximum wind speed of 40 km/h. Beyond this the kite can become hard to control, and you run the risk of the string snapping and your kite sailing away to Saskatchewan.
Ice Bocce – This works best on a frozen river or pond but you can do it on any large flat icy surface. Find an assortment of rocks, sticks, or even other chunks of ice. One person throws an object out on the ice and everyone else takes turns sliding their object along the ice trying to get as close as possible to the first item. If you are playing on a pond or river, don’t try to retrieve your objects by walking on the ice; falling through thin ice can quickly create a dangerous situation.
Naked Nature Walk – No, not like that! Please wear clothes for this walk. On warm winter days it is nature itself that is naked. Go for a walk and notice the little things that are revealed when there is no snow or leaves to cover the plants and ground. Look for tunnels in the grass used by small mammals, old bird nests that were well hidden in spring, or even a porcupine snoozing at the top of a tree! Imagine you are a small insect or spider! Where would be a safe place to hide for the winter?
Have a Campfire – The fire pits in city parks are open year-round and are often less busy in winter. Sharing s’mores, songs, and stories around a campfire is a great way to stay cozy while still getting outside. Be sure to check the City of Lethbridge website for any fire bans before you go.
Stargazing – One benefit of long winter nights is that you don’t have to stay up past your bedtime to see some amazing night skies. Check out the Lethbridge Astronomy Society for their schedule of free public viewing nights at the Observatory or head out on your own to one of the parks on the outskirts of town. The Gemenids and the Leonids are two of the biggest meteor showers of the year and are most active in November and December while the Quarantids experience their peak in early January. Check amsmeteors.org to find the exact peak dates for the Northern Hemisphere.

Do you have any ideas for fun winter activities that don’t require snow? Let us know!

Sources:

https://www.amsmeteors.org

https://www.lethbridgeastronomysociety.ca/