Illustration by Aron Rook.
Shorter and colder days bring on a kind of hibernation for people as well as animals, but getting outdoors is important for families’ winter wellbeing.
Local parks and playgrounds provide one tool to combat the challenge of cold weather malaise.
“The seasonal changes are felt when you don’t have as much daylight,” said Savanna Berry, environmental educator at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. “So, getting out when you have time in the daylight is just so necessary for your mental health and getting your body moving.”
Located behind HACC’s campus, Wildwood Park is part wetland, with hiking trails and an education center. There’s plenty to see in the less-green winter landscape; in fact, fewer leaves mean better animal sighting opportunities.
“It’s actually a great time to view the water and especially waterfowl, even from the building, with the leaves off the trees,” Berry said.
With less foliage, visitors can also catch a glimpse of muskrat lodges, small mounds of plant material on the lake. You may even get lucky and see one of these small, beaver-like creatures with a long slim tail, since they are active in the winter.
Should it snow, things get even more interesting.
“There’s always something changing, so you’ll find the [animal] tracks in the snow, you’ll see holes in the snow,” Berry said. “You can even find feather marks on the ground where a bird had flapped. You could be the only person who got to see that track before it melted away.”
Another antidote to the cold is going into Wildwood’s Olewine Nature Center after some time outside. Families can watch the birds at the many feeders at the indoor viewing area, and participate in a community science project, “where we record what birds come to our feeders,” Berry said.
Families can also participate in other winter programming like “Discover Rocks and Minerals” and “Discover Groundhogs,” grouping some time outside with some indoor fun.
Year-Round Fun
Getting that close to nature might not be what all parents are looking for, but they can still get their kiddos moving and outside.
“All of our parks and all of our playgrounds are open all winter long,” said Doug Knauss, Susquehanna Township’s parks and recreation director.
At parks like Crown Point Park, parents can walk the loop surrounding the playground and still keep an eye on the kids. Veterans Park also has an internal walking loop of crushed stone.
“So, you can go out for a nice short walk…get out, gets you moving a bit and gets you outside,” Knauss said.
Lower Paxton Township has 16 parks, with large community parks and smaller neighborhood “pocket parks,” which are open to the public.
Renovated in November, Meadow Brook Park might be a nice visit. Older kids, looking for something other than a walk or equipment, can enjoy geocaching in Lower Paxton Township parks.
“It’s free to do as long as you go on geocaching.com and make your account,” said Michelle Thompson, the township’s community engagement and media manager. “You can hunt and find the 12 caches.”
Both Knauss and Thompson said that folks continue to enjoy the parks in the colder months.
“People love the playground year-round,” Thompson said. “They just wear their hats and mittens.”
Move Your Body
Kids still like to swing on swings, slide down slides, climb the equipment and ride bikes even in the winter. Parents might be a little reluctant—it’s cold.
There’s a solution for that.
“The best way to enjoy the cold is by staying warm,” said Jessica Miller, owner of Earth Artisan & Outfitter in Carlisle. “Get dressed, stay active, move your body.”
The key to keeping warm, according to Miller, is to dress in layers, including a soft moisture-wicking base and a waterproof outer layer.
“I cannot stress enough—dress in layers,” Miller said. “You can always take something off if it’s not needed.”
Don’t forget hats, mittens and a scarf or balaclava (not baklava the dessert, but a tube-shaped piece of fabric that you pull over your head to cover your neck, and face, if needed). Socks and footwear are important to staying warm too. Wear appropriate socks and insulated shoes or boots, even if you’re just headed to the playground.
Miller says that parents lead through example, and if they spend time outside, their kids will too.
“Everyone can benefit from a brain break, put down the phones and devices. Unplug and tune into life around you. This also builds relationships, interactions and communication,” Miller said.
There are a few things to consider when heading outdoors this winter.
Many parks do not have open bathroom facilities during the winter months. Olewine Nature Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday and does have facilities. Also, clearing roads takes precedence over clearing parking lots, so some may not be plowed soon after a winter storm.
Whether it’s hiking on a nature trail or heading down to the local park, time spent outside benefits everyone.
“Connecting to nature even when it’s cold helps build relationships, with the land, with life, the planet we all call home and with each other,” Miller said.
To learn more about Wildwood Park and Olewine Nature Center, visit www.explorewildwoodpark.org.
For more information about Susquehanna Township Parks, visit www.susquehannatwp.com/parks-recreation/pages/come-see-our-parks.
Find out more about Lower Paxton Township Parks at www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov/165/ParksFacilities.
For more information about Earth Artisan and Outfitter, visit www.earthartout.com.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
