There are many kid-friendly winter sports for both the athletic and non-athletically inclined.
There is something magical about playing in the snow, watching the beautiful white flakes falling all around you. Rosy cheeks, hot chocolate, and fun!
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing for Kids
Two healthy, fun, low-cost winter sports for kids are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There tend to be few crowds too, so they are great times for solitude or spending time with family or friends.
The bonus of snowshoeing is that it doesn’t require a trail or as much space as skiing.
For some tips on gear, taking your first snowshoe trip, and how to select kids’ snowshoes, see our article Snowshoeing For Kids.
TIP: Check out your local used items ads (some cities have used sports stores too). There are always kids outgrowing their skis and snowshoes.
Tobogganing with kids
We loved this winter sport as kids. It’s hard to compare the thrill of a good slide!
Go to a public hill or community park, or build your own tobogganing hill in your backyard.
Tobogganing or sledding is great fun, but more care for safety is needed. They can go pretty fast! Be careful of bumps, and always check where the bottom of the hill leads.
TIP: Many cities and towns have listings of toboggan hills – such as this map from the City of Saskatoon. Often there are also local recommendations for the safest hills – do some research and talk to other parents!
Look out for streams or obstacles like walls or trees. Never make slides that end on the road! Always assume you will go further than you think.
Be wary of where the big kids are at a more public hill with other people around. Always watch to ensure no one is speeding down the hill behind you, and once you get to the bottom, move out of the way as fast as possible and keep watching for others heading down in your direction.
Tip: sledding carpets are basically a plastic sheet between you and the ground…you feel EVERY bump.
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The Lil Sis