Winters in Michigan can be unpredictable. When there’s snow on the ground, there are still lots of options to get you outside. If you want to get out of the house and brave the winter weather, here are some ways for you and your family to stay active and enjoy the snow!
1. Sledding and Tobogganing. You can enjoy the snow outside in the many parks around the tri-city area. Whiting Overlook Park in Midland or Tittabawassee Township Park in Freeland are a couple of local spots to find the perfect sledding hill. The Midland City Forest has a toboggan run where you can rent toboggans with you family. (An added bonus is being able to sip on some hot chocolate at their Warming House when they’re open!)
2. Cross-Country Skiing. If you like the leisure of cross-country skiing, the Midland City Forest also offers a variety of trails for you to explore at your own pace. When there’s snow on the ground, you can find people skiing and hiking throughout these trails.
3. Ice Skating and Hockey. The Bay County Civic Center, Saginaw-Bay Ice Arena, or the Midland Civic Center all offer year-round skating for you and your family to enjoy. Check out their websites to see open skate times and hockey game schedules.
4. Snowshoeing. Though it may not be common, snowshoeing can be a great way to explore the winter landscape. The Chippewa Nature Center holds snowshoe hikes and allows you to rent equipment as well!
5. Winter Hiking. Explore some of the gardens and parks that the Great Lakes Bay region has to offer. The Canopy Walk at Whiting Forest or Dow Gardens in Midland have sights to see when you wander their grounds.
6. Ice Fishing. If you have the equipment, there are so many lakes around for you to catch some fresh fish. Some of the most common types to find in Michigan are bluegill, sunfish, perch, and crappie. Some larger fish you can catch are pike, walleye, and trout.
7. Museums and Art Galleries. If you don’t feel like braving the cold weather, there are also some indoor options for you to explore throughout the region. Exhibits at the Marshall M. Fredricks Sculpture Museum or the Saginaw Art Museum can offer entertainment in the form of art. The Midland Center for the Arts also offers interactive exhibits, performances, and plays for you to view.
Though summers in Michigan are nice, staying active in the winter may be easier than you think. Just make sure you bundle up in your winter gear when you go out!
If you find yourself avoiding any of these activities due to back pain or knee and hip pain, click here for our free back pain report or hip and knee pain report to get some tips to help you get outside and stay active this winter!