Seasonal Fun in Sherwood Park

Family walking along path in autumnOnce again the days are getting shorter, the temperature is coming down, and autumn has definitely hit Sherwood Park. It’s time to pack away summer clothes, bring out our cozy sweaters, and get ready for the coming winter.

But don’t let those “winter blues” get you down! We are lucky to live in a place like Sherwood Park with such a wide range of recreational facilities, activities, and fabulous seasonal events that make winter a ton of fun for your family. There’s so much to do in Sherwood Park over the winter months that you’d have to try really hard to get bored!

It’s easy when winter comes to go into “hibernation-­mode” and seal ourselves in our homes until spring comes. But if you want to beat the winter blues, it’s important to stay active and stay involved in your community. If you meet winter with the same enthusiasm as we always greet the summer months, you may even find you get excited for winter! And remember, the more fun you have when the snow flies, the shorter the cold months feel. The best way to make spring come faster is to enjoy yourself all winter long.

Outdoor Winter Activities

There are so many great activities you can only enjoy in the winter months! As soon as the snow flies, it will be time to bundle-­up and jump back into your favourite winter sport. Or just take to your backyard with the family on a weekend and build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or try to construct the best snow fort on the block! Afterwards, there’s a lot to love about bundling under a blanket with your kids and a cup of cocoa or hot cider.

Tobagganing

There are some fantastic places to take the family sledding in Sherwood Park. Check out the Strathcona County Toboggan Hill list for a hill near you!

Cross-Country Skiing

All those great trail systems that run through Sherwood Park and Strathcona County are just as awesome in the winter as they are in the summer: They make fantastic cross-­country ski trails! If you’re into outdoor jogging and want to try something different – but just as good for your body – definitely give cross country skiing a try! Did you know you can sign up for cross­country skiing lessons at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre? Learn more about cross-­country skiing in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.

Skating

First steps on the rinkMost of us probably have a set of skates, but how often have we strapped them on? There are great outdoor skating rinks scattered throughout Sherwood Park: There’s probably one within walking distance of your home! Learning to ice skate is something every Albertan does when we’re young, and maybe it’s your child’s first time skating! Pack a big thermos full of hot chocolate or warm soup, and take it with you for break times. Skating on outdoor rinks is a great, almost zero-­cost activity for your family in the winter. Find out which rink is closes to your house.

And if you’d rather skate indoors, check out both Millennium Place and the Glen Allan Rec Centre: Both facilities have great skating rinks, including leisure rinks perfect for the family on a weekend afternoon. Or, if you’re more of a spectator than a skater, you can always cheer on the Sherwood Park Crusaders at the Sherwood Park Arena and Sports Centre near Broadmoor Lake!

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Sunridge Ski Area is only a few minutes drive from Sherwood Park, making it a popular skiing and snowboarding location for local families. You can get day passes, or seasons passes for the hardcore members of your family, and there are lessons available for people interested in upping skiing or snowboarding skills. Learn more about Sunridge Ski Area.

Indoor Winter Activities

If going outside in the cold isn’t your thing (and, let’s face it, we live in Alberta and sometimes its WAY too cold to go outside for any reason) then don’t despair! There are great indoor recreation opportunities in Sherwood Park to keep you active during the winter months.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of my Hot Yoga class, and I think I love it even more in the winter, when the tropical temperatures are a welcome change from the cold outside. Sherwood Park is home to some first­-class recreational facilities, and there are many activities, classes, and clubs to choose from, including some great after school activities for your kids. (Check out my kids favourites in a previous blog post, and scroll down to see the huge list of possible after-­school programs located right here in the city!)

Millennium Place

Millennium Place is located up on Premier Way, close to the Broadmoor Boulevard and Lakeland Drive intersection. This brand new facility includes a wave pool, lap pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, water playground, multi-­sport gymnasium, indoor sport fields, two arenas and a leisure rink, and a fully­-equipped wellness centre and gym. Wow! There’s always something great going on at Millennium Place, and their drop-­in programming is excellent. Learn more about Millennium Place or check out their Drop­-In activities.

Glen Allan Recreation Complex

The Glen Allan Rec Centre is home to the Sherwood Park Curling Club, and if you’ve considered trying out curling before make this winter your year to give it a try! This facility is also home to racquet sports including squash, racquetball, handball and wallyball; a stocked wellness centre and gym; and an indoor recreational skating rink for those extra nippy days when you still want to pull on the skates. Learn more about the Glen Allan Rec Centre.

Strathcona Wilderness Centre

This great outdoor facility provides access to kilometres of well­-groomed winter trails, perfect for winter walking, snowshoeing, or cross-­country skiing. You can rent inexpensive equipment for the whole family here, and if you’re really keen a season’s pass is worth looking into. Learn more about the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.