Winter? Go Outdoors!

Published : 09/06/2011 | Author: HOMEMAKERS | Verity Reynolds

Well it’s official, Durbanites still seem to be lapping up the warm summer rays, while the rest of us, who live in the real world, spend night after night cocooned under three duvets, embracing two hot water bottles all while trying to balance a giant mug of hot chocolate in our mitten covered hands.

But come on, winter can’t rule your social life, and just because for the next four months we need an additional three layers of clothing on, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun doing it.

Winter doesn’t mean staying indoors all the time, and especially if you live in Joburg, we are often blessed with perfectly blue skies and sunny days, making being outdoors a bit more bearable.
Try some of these ideas during the chilly months so that turning into a hermit is scrapped from your to do list this year.

Botanical gardens

This is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day out with family and friends. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Many Botanical Gardens like Kirstenbosch, The Walter Sisulu and Durban Gardens offer walks, animal sightseeing and live jazz and music concerts.

Craft class

Meet up with friends, or make new ones by taking a craft class. This will keep your creative juices flowing and your mind stimulated. There are so many options to choose from and most craft shops offer craft classes too, so just pop into one in your area. From glass blowing to scrapbooking to ceramics to knitting...your imagination is your only limit.

Go ice skating

Living in South Africa we don’t get the option to go down to the frozen over lake, put on a pair of skates and have the full benefit of enjoying ice and snow. Make your way down to a local indoor ice rink and enjoy a couple hours of fun gliding (or most of the time falling) around the ice. Make it fun by dressing for the occasion in your woollies, right down to scarf, hat and mittens. This is just as good as the real thing!

Indoor climbing wall

Whether a beginner climber or seasoned veteran, many indoor climbing walls have the perfect wall to suit you. If it’s a nice day why not try the real thing outdoors and venture up a mountain.

Go on a train trip

Looking to do something different? How about a day trip out seeing the countryside by steam train, how exciting! Try the following links for schedules, dates and times.
www.friendsoftherail.com
www.atlanticrail.co.za/
www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za/

Visit the aquarium

No matter the temperature outside, the fish will always be out to play. This makes a great outing even if the weather outside is not so great. If you go to an aquarium that includes outdoor dolphin or seal shows, just check the weather beforehand.

For those days and nights when going out really isn’t an option, why not dedicate this winter to learning another language or organising that pile of family photographs that are in desperate need of an album.