A Gentle Guide to Enjoying the Winter Outdoors

The winters in Washington can be long, wet and really cold, so appreciating the dark months of early winter can be a real challenge. Fortunately, February brings us more daylight and opportunities to enjoy winter activities of a more gentle nature. Whether you take a leisurely day trip that includes a bit of ushered action, or plan a semi-indoor adventure, it’s best to bring joy into the season by breaking out of old patterns. Whatever the weather, enjoy one or more of these healthy, gentle but invigorating ways to get out of the house to replenish fresh air and adventures.

Eagle Watching Up Close and Personal. Visit the Stillaguamish Eagle Festival, the weekend of February 1st and 2nd in Arlington, WA. Enjoy guided tours, art and photography shows, speakers, demonstrations, live music, wagon rides, and other fun activities. If you are looking for a senior-friendly Eagle Expedition, Skagit River Tours are offered by North Cascades River Expeditions. These are non-white water and gentler river trips where you can view the eagles up close and in person.

Snowy Horse-Drawn Sleigh ride. Join Ross at Redtail Canyon Farm, just 2 miles outside Leavenworth. For just $20 and a tank of gas you can let go of the stress of everyday life on a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Experience the natural winter wonderland with friends around the fire after with a hot cup of chocolate. Meet Ross and his horses here. Reservations required.

Sign Up for Seattle Lifelong Recreation Field Trips. Our very own Seattle Parks and Recreation has a 55+ Lifelong Recreation program that includes day trips from Snow shoeing at Snoqualmie, local theater shows, restaurants, museums along with beautiful walks and hikes designed for the aging physique. Let someone else drive for a change and join the fun

Cats and Coffee Bring a friend for a cup of coffee and Purring Lounge. Seattle offers three different places where you can grab a beverage while you cuddle and play with cats. The Meowtropolitan off 45th Street in North Seattle and Neko Cat Café on Capital Hill charge less than $15 per person which includes an hour of meows and a hot drink. If you fall in love with a feline, they work with cat rescues and shelters to place cats into nurturing homes. Reservations are required and can be made through their websites.

Bundle up for a Walk-On Ferry ride. One of the highlights year round in the Northwest is taking a ferry ride. Even in winter, you can park downtown Edmonds and walk on the ferry. After a 30 minute ride across Puget Sound and a few blocks of walking, you can enjoy several restaurant options in Kingston as well as a quaint park next to the Marina. If you have been there and have done that, try one of these seven other ferry options in the Seattle area. 

Spend a Day at the Spa. Olympus Spa in Lynnwood, has a long history and excellent reputation for relaxation and health conscious pampering for women. Spoil yourself with hydrotherapy pools, infrared energy rooms, steam rooms and much more. Prices vary. 

Suzy’s Slip and Slide Snowmobile Ride with Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours at Mountain Springs Lodge. After a beautiful drove over Highway 2 Mountain Pass, and just 14 miles north of Leavenworth, you can enjoy the sparkling snow and gorgeous mountain views with a seasoned guide. Great for beginners and all ages. Prices start at $84 (plus a tip for your driver) depending how long you want to be out in the snow.

Playing outside, especially during the winter months, can bring new joys and adventures. It also improves health by helping to combat weight gain, lower blood pressure, improve memory and fight depression. So grab a neighbor or friend, renew your spirit by trying something you’ve never done before.

CRISTA Senior Living is connecting & celebrating generations through grace, compassion & inspiration, you can find out more at www.cristaseniorliving.org