Fun Snow Activities

Findlay got its first taste of snow which stayed on the ground, trees, and buildings this morning. We got to enjoy thick flakes coming down at a pretty good rate. With that in mind, here are some fun activities you can try while out in the snow- and most of them involve a good footing.

1. Try the classics. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating all require you to use your feet and ankles, not to mention your balance. Try this twist on skating: try to make a small, personal sail to propel yourself on an outdoor pond or lake.

2. Play Bigfoot. Cut large footprints out of plywood and strap them to your feet. Leave a trail for friends to follow. Try carefully walking over patches of ice (or a whole pond) or backtracking to make your trail more difficult to follow.

3. Participate in a tug-of-war, but build a wall of snow between the two teams. this will motivate the two teams to avoid losing. A good footing will go a long way in winter tug-of-war contests.

4. Play broom hockey. Not everyone has skates and hockey equipment, but most people have brooms. Use a tennis ball or other ball for your puck, and designate an area for the goal. Have fun, and remember not to high stick.

5. Try sledding or making a snow slide. Sleds with runners are best for thicker snow, and toboggans, inner tubes, plastic sleds and even trash can lids or cardboard work well on packed down snow. Keep your sledding area clear of debris such as tree branches to ensure safe sledding.

6. Go golfing in the snow. Use old clubs and a tennis ball to play in the snow. Designate a target (like a specific tree or other landmark) as your hole and try to get your ball to touch it in the fewest strokes.

7. Play your favorite sport in the snow. Football is a favorite of mine when it is snowy out. Slipping and sliding adds an element to the game, and tackles are cushioned by snow. Baseball is great exercise when you have to run through a layer of snow on the ground, and sliding is twice as fun. You may need to play with a tennis ball to see it though. you may also want to shorten the length between your soccer goals as well.

All of these activities (and many more) are great winter-time fun. Just because the weather is cold doesn't mean you can't enjoy all your favorite activities. Just remember to dress appropriately. And keep in mind that slips and falls happen during the winter season. If you think you have a serious problem with your feet or ankles, make an appointment to come in and see the podiatrist.