Living in Ontario during the winter months means you can count on cold, snowy and/or slushy weather! To many, the conditions may not seem as idealistic as a warm spring or summer day, however, there are still benefits to spending time outdoors!

Creating a snow fort using snow bricks!

With a little planning, the benefits of outdoor play can include receiving a healthy amount of sunshine (which helps with the production of vitamin D), physical activity, and an appreciation for nature.

Enjoying winter outdoor play at PLASP.

PLASP incorporates outdoor play into daily curriculum. Children who attend the PLASP Before and After School program spend at least 30 minutes outside. Children in our full day Early Learning and Child Care Centres are playing outdoors for two hours a day. Both programs take into consideration extreme weather circumstances and alter this time accordingly. The safety of children and staff remains top priority and PLASP has a written policy for adverse weather conditions which can be found in the Parent Handbook here.

Snow volcano success!

Looking for outdoor activities to try this winter as a family? Here are some options to check out:

1. Ice skating. Fun for the whole family, ice skating takes place in every city, town and village, on indoor and outdoor rinks. Here are lists of skating rinks in Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto.
2. Parks. Visit your favourite park, or, check out a park you haven’t before. You might be surprised by what a new location has to offer! Amenities can vary; click the links to see a full list of parks by city and the amenities offered at each location: Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto.
3. Outdoor STEM: Try a fun, outdoor STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activity such as a snow volcano (instructions can be found here), building a snow fort, or this cool (get it?) frozen bubble trick as seen on The Weather Network!

Check out this list of fun things to do on Family Day in Ontario approaching on February 19^th (there are even some indoor options for when you need a break from the cold!).