Six Ways to Enjoy the Winter Outdoors in Dayton
I'm sure by now, most of us have a serious case of cabin fever and would like nothing more than for Spring to arrive. But why wait for Spring to get outside? There's plenty of things to do around Dayton despite the weather! Here's a few ideas that will get you out of the house and enjoying some of that fresh air!
Six Ways to Enjoy the Winter Outdoors in Dayton
I'm sure by now, most of us have a serious case of cabin fever and would like nothing more than for Spring to arrive. But why wait for Spring to get outside? There's plenty of things to do around Dayton despite the weather! Here's a few ideas that will get you out of the house and enjoying some of that fresh air!
1. Five Rivers Metroparks
They are open year round and all of them have plenty of trails to hike. You can bundle up and find any length of hike that you're looking for. Germantown MetroPark and Twin Creek MetroPark (left) offer overnight camping at designated campsites. Some of the perks of hiking in the winter are the sights for sure. With no leaves on the trees, you see plenty of amazing views, tons of wildlife such as deer and many different species of birds you wouldn't normally see through all the trees any other time. Plus you'll have the trails almost all to yourself!
2. Riverscape Ice Rink
An absolutely beautiful outdoor ice-rink in downtown right above the river. The rink will be open until February 28th and you can skate daily. Monday through Thursday there's no admission fee! Don't have skates? Not a problem since Riverscape has skate rentals for just $5 per pair.
3. Snow on the ground? Take advantage and go sled riding!
There's plenty of decent hills around that offer plenty of fun. Some of the most popular are Hills and Dales golf course and the hill next to Rosewood Art Center in Kettering, as well as Germantown MetroPark where there's a great wide hill that can feed your need for some down hill speed. Please comment at the end of this article with your favorite place to sled!
4. Paddle a River - Got a kayak or canoe?
Why wait to go do some paddling. If you have a little experience, no reason it shouldn't be a safe and dry trip. There are so many perks to paddling down rivers in the winter time. The water is usually higher so less hitting bottom in shallow spots, its absolutely beautiful, and tons of wildlife to see. I just went recently and my friend and I ended up seeing several deer and over 10 different species of birds and a few we've never even seen before! Little Miami River, Great Miami, and Mad River just to name a few that are in the Dayton area.
5. Dog Park
Your dogs get bored being inside all the time during winter too. Take them out for some exercise by visiting one of Dayton's man dog parks! The Bark Park in north Dayton is a great one. Also check out Oak Grove Dog park in Centerville. They'll have a blast having all that space to run around in and socialize with other dogs.
Pictured (right) is Bailey, a yellow lab/pit mix rescue I got from Humane Society 4 years ago - out enjoying a hike with us at Twin Creek MetroPark.
6. Photography
Winter makes for some great photo taking! Tons of nature, bird watching, and just about everything looks beautiful when covered in ice. Never tried photography? Perfect time to test out your artistic side!
