During the cold, winter months, getting outside to enjoy your large acreage can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be.
From sledding to foraging, we’ve gathered the ultimate list of winter-themed activities to help you embrace the cold and make the most of your land.
Go for a Winter Hunt
Living on a large acreage offers year-round hunting opportunities, especially in the winter.
This time of year, it is ideal for hunting wild animals like rabbits, squirrels, foxes and deer.
However, before you head out, be sure to check with your local wildlife agency or game warden for hunting regulations and any special considerations in your area.
Enjoy a Sleigh Ride
“Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you!”
Why not enjoy a scenic ride across an open snowy field? Many farmers and tour companies offer sleigh rides with horses for a fee. Or, if you have your own, saddle up and ride across the snow yourself.
And don’t forget your sleigh bells!
Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter with an outdoor scavenger hunt. Give each person a list of items to find and gather from around the property.
For some friendly competition, award prizes or bragging rights to whoever finds and brings back the most items.
Here are some ideas for winter-themed items to include:
Make a Snow Maze
Making a snow maze is a unique and creative outdoor activity that everyone can enjoy.
Here’s how:
Light Up Your Acreage With Swedish Snow Lanterns (aka Snolykta)
In Swedish culture, it’s tradition to line your property with snow lanterns, also known as snolykta, to usher in winter. These hollow cones are made of tightly packed snowballs and lit with tea lights from within. Offering a cozy glistening feature across your acreage.
How to light up your property with Swedish snow lanterns:
Enjoy the glow!
Go Ice Fishing
Fishing isn’t just for the warm months. In fact, ice fishing is a popular sport when the outside temps drop below freezing.
If you have a body of water on your acreage – a stocked pond, river or lake – and you enjoy fishing, then this might be something you should add to your winter bucket list.
To do so, drill or cut a hole, about 6 to 12 inches in diameter through the ice to access the water. Set a fishing pole and wait for the fish to “bite.”
Walleye, trout and perch are popular winter fish species for ice fishing.
Go Sledding or Snowshoeing
Sledding and snowshoeing on a large acreage are adventurous and fun activities to explore and enjoy the snow. Connect with nature by trekking across the land or sledding into a pile of snow.
Sledding
Spend some time walking around the acreage to identify a good slope or sledding hill. Bundle everyone up and head out for a day of sledding, squeals and fun.
Tip: Repurpose items hanging around the property into snow sleds. For example, old kayaks, car hoods, tires and other large rideable items work well.
Snowshoeing
Create custom trails for snowshoeing through scenic spots across your property; include wooded areas, open fields, hill climbs and more.
Tip: For beginners, trek across flat terrain, working your way up to hills and other advanced trails.
Winter Wildlife Watching
Set up feeding stations around your acreage to attract birds and deer for observation. Get the whole family involved by looking for tracks the animals leave behind in the snow — it’s a fun and educational way to explore nature together.
Build an Outdoor Fire Pit or Bonfire
Gather with friends and family around the warmth of an outdoor fire pit or bonfire to make lasting winter memories. Share stories, roast marshmallows and sip from a thermos of hot chocolate or spiced cider. Cozy up with warm blankets and enjoy an evening together.
Winter Foraging
When the temperature drops below 30 degrees outside, bundle up and head out for a seasonal foraging adventure. Depending on where you live, wild winter edibles will vary.
Be on the lookout for:
Note: Before and during foraging, it’s important to do your research and exercise caution. Carrying a forager’s guide can help you identify safe and non-toxic plants.
Acreage Life is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.