It’s become the norm that when someone asks how you’re doing or how you’ve been the honest answer is always “busy.” These days, it seems as though you’re expected to be in five places at once and juggle the weight of the world – and there just simply aren’t enough hours in a day.
As 2016 is a leap year, I challenge you all: take advantage of the extra day! Try something you’ve never done before as a family and enjoy your time together by embracing the great Canadian Winter with these exciting activities:
Go snowshoeing: Chances are, you’re not too far from a national park or scenic trail that is optimal for snowshoeing. Snowshoes have come a long way from the tennis racket-esque versions you’re probably expecting and are often available to rent from national parks or adventure stores. It’s a great way to take in the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery – not to mention it’s great exercise and your kids will love the novelty of floating on top of the snow!
Build a snow cave: It’s also likely that there are ample amounts of snow not too far away – or even in your own backyard. Building a snow cave is a simple cold-day activity. Make sure you have enough shovels for the whole family – it’s a team effort. Once the structure is complete, let it harden for a few hours and then create an entrance way and hollow it out. If it’s big enough, you can even carve out snow benches inside! Grab your snow pants and chill out – literally – with a cup of hot chocolate to add warmth.
Visit somewhere new: Canada is chalk-full of amazing winter destinations featuring everything from scenic ski resorts to lively festivals. Whether it’s teaching the kids to skate on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal or visiting the Northwest Territories to take in the northern lights, find something your family will enjoy and will remember for years to come. My family recently crossed skating through a forest off of our bucket list! There’s still plenty of time to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park this winter! You can go for a winter hike, skiing, tubing or skate a loop right through the trees!
Trying to keep up with your kids isn’t always easy – and is often tougher the next day when those aches and pains set in. Topical pain relievers like RUB·A535™ Extra Strength Heating Cream have you covered. It starts to work on contact and provides fast acting pain relief of muscle and joint pain. My husband and I were a little stiff and sore for a couple days after a jam packed weekend of winter fun, the kids had unlimited energy and never complained once! lol
Disclosure: this post was brought to you in partnership with Church and Dwight
It’s amazing that kids can have so much energy and soak up bumps and bruises so easily. It can’t just be they’re having too much fun to feel the pain but it’s shake a leg and off they go again. My grandson (5) got on skis for the first time this last weekend – he soared down hills like a profi, kids know no fear which helps too I guess.
the no fear definitely helps! My son would love to try snow boarding
Forgot it was a leap year lol now need to figure out something different to do that day!
Fun ideas! Hubby will be working so we won’t be doing anything special for the leap day.
We’ll be in Holguin on February 29th! 😀
Oh the memories of building snow caves and forts, boy we were lucky they never caved in on us, but being kids we never had a care in the world, me and my friends would be out all day playing in the snow, and now I can’t stand it lol!!
I remember those snow forts and caves too, it’s surprising how warm you stay in those
We will be helping the Brother-in-law celebrate his birthday that day since he only gets to celebrate every 4
I love this idea of a bonus day to do the things that are important!! I think we well play outside with the kids and build a snowman 🙂
Wish I didn’t have to work…
I’m getting dental work done that day not fun lol
My husband was supposed to be born on February 29 – but came two days early!
Great ideas for winter activities!