Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean we all have to hibernate. In fact, kids (and us parents) will benefit from activity and spending time outdoors, even more so during the dark winter months. Whether your child has extra energy to burn or extra pounds to shed, physical activity is what he needs! And getting outside brings us all closer to nature and farther away from screens.

1. Winter Hiking

Hiking is one of my favorite family activities. Spring, summer and fall boast beautiful hiking weather, but winter is wonderful too! Just bundle your family up in hats, mittens, snow pants and boots. Typically if there’s snow on the ground, it will be harder to walk so you should shorten your hiking time accordingly.

Some of my favorite family hiking spots here on Long Island are: Sands Point Preserve, Cold Spring Harbor State Park, and the Bailey Arboretum.

2. Go Swimming!

There are plenty of indoor pools around. Join one for the season, or just find out the hours they are open for general swim and go for the day. While it may be an effort to dig up the swimsuits and goggles, the kids will love the idea of swimming in the winter. While I do recommend all kids take swimming lessons, in this post I am recommending you take them swimming just for fun. It’s good exercise and a great family activity.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is great exercise. There are both indoor and outdoor rinks. Some outdoor rinks have night skating under the lights, which is fun. Just remember that ice skating is hard for beginners, so manage your expectations! No shame in promising hot cocoa to kids who “try their best”!

4. Take an Urban Hike

Did I mention I love hiking? When we go to Manhattan for the day, instead of ubering around, I make my family walk. Then it’s called an urban hike! Plan out your day with an activity (museum, show, tourist attraction) and a meal. Make sure the distance between the two is walkable for your youngest family member. While walking, point out landmarks and interesting things you come across. Most important, set the expectation in advance. That is, while planning the day with your family, make sure to include your “urban hike” as one of the fun events for the day. This will hopefully minimize the “are we there yet?” complaints…

5. Winter Snow Sports

This is one of those activities that requires some advance planning and probably some travel. However, skiing, snowboarding and tubing are great ways to spend family time outdoors.

6. Walk, Bike or Scoot the Long Beach Boardwalk

The Long Beach Boardwalk is 2.2 miles long from end to end. You can park and enter at multiple locations. You can even rent bikes on the boardwalk. There are people walking, running, scooting, skating and biking 24/7/365. Join them! Just bundle up because it will be windy. But you can’t beat the view.