The winter blues are all too real. Daylight is scarce after 5 p.m., and being outdoors now requires a lot of layers and even more motivation. It’s easier to just stay inside and binge watch the newest Netflix series, but we’re not about that life! Here are some fun things to do that get us off the couch and out of our PJs.
For Those Who Want to Get Outside
From January to April, Play Roanoke encourages you to move 100 miles in 100 days. You can get those
miles by walking, biking, swimming, or any other form of exercise. There are group outings if you’re the social type, or you can log miles solo. We provide you with an exercise log and offer weekly prizes and motivation throughout the program. Click here to learn more or join today.
Run up and down parking garages, through the transportation museum, and to the top of the Wells Fargo Tower! This race is great for those looking for a fun challenge or looking to keep in shape for the approaching spring race season (hello, Blue Ridge Marathon). Register here.
The bonus of hiking during the winter—fewer people! Additionally, the bare trees allow views and vistas not available in the spring and summer. Check out winter hikes here.
Take the hassle out of winter travel. Shuttles to Snowshoe Mountain are available throughout the winter season and make it easy to get out of the house and on the slopes. Just bring your gear (or rent it when you get there) and enjoy the ride. See the schedule here.
Leave No Trace Master Educator Course
Play Roanoke and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are teaming up to offer this five-day course outlining the seven Leave No Trace principles. This course is geared toward educators and outdoor professionals, but anyone with an interest can join us. Learn more here.
For Those Who Like the Indoors
Don’t worry; there won’t be an overzealous gym teacher yelling at you. This annual tournament is always a crowd-pleaser offering participants the chance to hang with friends, dress in silly costumes, and play a little dodgeball. Sign up here.
Do you fancy yourself to be a bit of a sleuth? Play Roanoke is hosting a murder mystery dinner at the Fishburn Mansion. This historic venue offers a fun, mysterious ambiance for a night of yummy food and detective work. Space is limited, so grab your spot now!
Plan a date night with Galantines Yoga (trust us; it’s going to be fun) or attend a weekly yoga class. If you want something a little more active, look into Walk15, line dancing, or even adult tap dance. If some mindfulness is more your style, check out our awesome ReCREATE You wellness retreat.
For the Kids
Get Artsy
All of the fun with none of the clean-up! Attend the Valentine’s Day Paint Party Jr. with the kiddos or create leather jewelry in this class. Either activity gets you and the little ones out of the house and the creative juices flowing!
Sign-ups for this spring sport are opening soon, and practices will begin in March. Gear up for the season by getting outside and tossing the ball around. Get more information here.
This winter, leave hibernation to the bears; join Play Roanoke inside and out for a variety of fun events and programs. And as always, if you have an idea for something you’d like parks and recreation to offer, we’d love to hear it! Let us know at 540-853-2236 or playroanoke@roanokeva.gov. And remember to sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about all of our programs and activities.
