If you tend to hibernate during the winter months, avoiding the cold at all costs, now is the perfect time to shake things up and embrace the outdoors. Think of it as a way to encourage your kids to be active and enjoy one of the most beautiful winter months—February! Getting outside, even in the cold, has great benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. If you’re curious about the importance of outdoor play for kids, check out this insightful article from CBC on Why kids should play outside.
If you’re concerned about the cold, ice or harsh winter weather, dressing properly is key. With the right gear, you’ll find your outdoor experience much more enjoyable. Check out these helpful tips for how to dress well in winter and also how should you dress your kids in winter.
Some parents worry that winter is not safe for their kids
Many parents worry that winter isn’t safe for outdoor play, but I say, give it a try! Kids generally love playing in the snow, and you might find yourself enjoying it too. For your first big family winter outing, pick a sunny day to make it even more enjoyable. Just make sure everyone is dressed appropriately—cold and wet clothing can quickly ruin the fun. As with most activities, there are some safety guidelines. Here are some tips to help you get set to safely enjoy the best this season has to offer: Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids.
If you’re new to winter activities, start small. Take a trip to a local park, play in the snow, or try sledding. The Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy and the Domaine de maizerets are great spots to introduce your family to winter fun. Both locations are perfect for a simple walk or snow play, and if you want to try something more adventurous, they offer affordable rentals for snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more! For additional ideas, check out Naître et grandir’s list of 26 ways to enjoy winter.
And, of course, no conversation about winter activities would be complete without mentioning Québec City’s famous Carnaval de Québec. It’s an incredible way to embrace the winter season and experience the vibrant energy of our city during the cold months.
Long or short winter?
February 2 is Groundhog Day. On this day, groundhogs (also known as woodchucks or marmots), the furry critters you see above, are awakened from their winter hibernation. During an official ceremony, they are observed as they emerge from their burrows to predict the weather for the coming weeks. Several US and Canadian communities celebrate this day, drawing tourists and media attention.
If you are not familiar with this tradition, legend has it that if it’s a sunny day and the groundhog sees its shadow, it returns to sleep for six more weeks of winter. If it’s cloudy and the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, it stays outside, which signals that spring is on its way sooner. How accurate the varmint’s predictions are is debatable, but they sure are a lot of fun to share with our kiddos. Read more about it on CBC Kids or National Geographic Kids.
Wishing you all the best this February, early spring or not!
Jessica