Ways to Play During Winter

Winter offers a unique set of activities that can be enjoyed despite the cold weather. Here are some ways to play during the winter.

• Winter Sports

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Head to a nearby ski resort for some downhill fun.

• Ice Skating: Find a local outdoor or indoor rink for ice skating.

• Snowshoeing: Explore snowy landscapes with snowshoes on your feet.

• Build a Snowman or Snow Sculptures:

• Get creative with the snow by building a classic snowman or more elaborate snow sculptures.

• Sledding:

• Find a hill and go sledding with friends or family. It's a simple and thrilling winter activity.

• Winter Hiking:

• Bundle up and take a winter hike through a snow-covered trail or forest.

• Ice Fishing:

• If you enjoy fishing, try ice fishing on a frozen lake or pond.

• Winter Festivals:

• Attend local winter festivals, where you can enjoy activities, food, and entertainment.

• Indoor Activities:

• Embrace indoor sports like rock climbing, indoor trampolining, or join a winter sports league.

• Winter Photography:

• Capture the beauty of winter landscapes with photography. Snow-covered landscapes and frosty trees make for great shots.

• Winter Camping:

• For the more adventurous, consider winter camping. Just make sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing.

• Hot Springs or Sauna:

• Relax and warm up in hot springs or saunas after a day in the cold.

• Winter Barbecue:

• Grill up some winter-themed foods and have a barbecue with friends. Just make sure to dress warmly!

• Visit Museums or Indoor Attractions:

• Explore museums, art galleries, or indoor attractions to escape the cold while still having an enjoyable time.

• Winter Bonfire:

• Build a safe winter bonfire in your backyard or a designated area. Roast marshmallows and enjoy the warmth.

• Winter Movie Night:

• Cozy up indoors with some hot cocoa and have a winter-themed movie night with friends or family.

• Holiday Lights Tour:

• Take a drive or walk around neighborhoods to enjoy the festive holiday lights and decorations.

Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and stay safe while enjoying winter activities. Whether you prefer the thrill of outdoor sports or the warmth of indoor gatherings, there are plenty of ways to have fun during the winter months.

Benefits of Winter Play

Engaging in play during the winter months can offer a variety of physical, mental, and social benefits. Here are some advantages:

• Physical Exercise:

• Winter play often involves physical activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. These activities help maintain fitness levels and improve cardiovascular health.

• Vitamin D Intake:

• Despite the cold, exposure to natural sunlight during the winter is essential for getting Vitamin D. Outdoor winter play allows for exposure to sunlight, which helps the body produce this vital vitamin.

• Mood Enhancement:

• Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are known as "feel-good" hormones. Playing in the winter can contribute to improved mood and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Improved Sleep:

• Regular physical activity, especially during the colder months, can contribute to better sleep quality. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall well-being and immune system function.

• Boosted Immune System:

• Exposure to cold weather and engaging in outdoor activities can stimulate the immune system. As long as precautions are taken to stay warm, being in the cold can potentially strengthen the body's ability to fight off illnesses.

• Enhanced Creativity:

• Building snowmen, creating snow sculptures, or even participating in winter sports can stimulate creativity. Engaging in imaginative play fosters cognitive development and problem-solving skills.

• Social Interaction:

• Winter play often involves group activities, providing opportunities for social interaction. Whether it's a game of ice hockey, a snowball fight, or skiing with friends, these activities promote social bonds and a sense of community.

• Stress Reduction:

• Outdoor play in a winter wonderland can be a serene and calming experience. The peacefulness of snowy landscapes and the beauty of winter scenery can contribute to stress reduction and mental relaxation.

• Adaptability and Resilience:

• Facing the challenges of winter weather, such as navigating snowy terrain or learning new winter sports, helps build adaptability and resilience. Overcoming obstacles in a winter setting can translate to increased confidence in other areas of life.

• Appreciation for Nature:

• Winter play allows individuals to connect with and appreciate the beauty of nature in its winter form. This connection fosters a sense of environmental awareness and stewardship.

• Family Bonding:

• Winter activities often provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Whether it's building a snowman or enjoying a winter hike, these shared experiences contribute to stronger family bonds.

• Enjoyment of Seasonal Traditions:

• Winter play often aligns with seasonal traditions and holidays. Participating in these activities can contribute to a sense of joy, nostalgia, and connection to cultural or family traditions.

Remember to prioritize safety when engaging in winter play by dressing appropriately for the weather, staying hydrated, and being aware of potential risks associated with cold temperatures.

Pittsburgh Debuts Its First Accessible Tennis Court

Pittsburgh has debuted its first re-fitted accessible tennis court in Highland Park. The redesigned, high-visibility court is part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s plans to make the city accessible for all residents.

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The refitted tennis court will benefit those with vision impairments who may require higher contrast lining in order to play tennis.

“Recreation is sometimes an area that’s not considered when thinking of ensuring inclusive spaces in cities,” Gainey said. “When I sought out to increase accessibility across all services, I knew we had to double-down on our efforts to make this city a place where everyone has the accommodations and tools they need to thrive.”

The Department of Public Works is looking to expand accessible recreation options for city residents in the future.

The tennis court is reserveable for programming. Those interested in reserving the space should email CitiParks at citiparkstennis@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412-255-2349.

Harvard University Podcast Focuses on Building Resilience Through Play

Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child recently hosted a podcast on the importance of resilience and how play can help to build it.

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According to the Center on the Developing Child, play helps to create sturdy brain architecture and contributes to the foundations of lifelong health. It is also an important building block for resilience.

In the podcast, Dr. Jack Shonkoff explains the role of play in supporting resilience and five experts discuss ideas and personal stories. The discussion revolves around applying the science of play in homes, communities, and crisis environments around the world.

Panelists include professors, directors, and researchers from the University of California Irvine’s School of Education, Institute for Museum and Library Services, Harvard Graduate School of Education, BRAC Institute of Educational Development, and Harvard Medical School’s Cambridge Hospital.

The podcast is coupled with a variety of resources - including those focused on play in humanitarian settings and information on how to prevent childhood toxic stress. Both the podcast and its transcript are available on the Center on the Developing Child’s website.

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Offers Sensory-Friendly “Nutcracker”

The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will offer a sensory-friendly performance of the beloved holiday classic “The Nutcracker” in December.

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The performance will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Benedum Center. Tickets are now available.

The theater’s sensory-friendly performances are open to all. During the performances, theater staff and patrons celebrate the myriad ways that audience members can experience a live performance.

Accommodations include lower sound levels, elimination of some special effects, and house lighting at about 20%. The performances also offer quiet areas and activities in the lobby before and during the show. Additional staff will be on hand to help create a safe and welcoming theater experience.

Schenley Park Skating Rink Reopens Following Equipment Upgrade

Schenley Park Skating Rink reopened for the 2024-25 season this week following an upgrade to its chilling equipment.

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The city planned to celebrate the opening of the outdoor rink with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 19. The city’s Department of Public Works encountered some issues during the upgrade of the equipment that prevented the 2023-24 season from taking place.

The department completed the replacement of the aging chiller system, which was having difficulty keeping the ice viable. The total cost of the project was $3.5 million. Allegheny Regional Asset District contributed $2 million to the new chiller system.

“The installation of the new chillers will ensure outdoor skating continues at Schenley Park for years to come,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas, who added that the upcoming season marks 50 years of the rink.

More Information

Schenley Park Skating Rink operates seven days a week and offers a variety of public skating sessions as well as several special skating events.

Upcoming special events include:

• Skate with Santa - 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15

• Mascot Skate - 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (online tickets only) on Saturday, Jan. 25

• Disco Night - 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (adults only) on Saturday, Feb. 1

• Valentine’s On Ice - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (online tickets only) on Friday, Feb. 14 

• Family Skate - 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (one child skates free with a paying adult) on Thursdays

Admission to the skating rink is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and veterans (with ID), and $3 for youth (17 years and younger). Skate rentals are available for $3 per skater.

For more information, visit the skating rink’s website.

Registration Open for First Event at Pittsburgh Esports Arena

Registration is open for the first event that will take place at the Pittsburgh E-Arena, a new esports forum.

The CitiParks Office of Special Events will host a tournament featuring Rocket League area youths on Saturdays Dec. 14 and 21. Registration is now open and limited to the first 32 individuals.

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The tournament will be a double-elimination event that is open to youths between the ages of 13 and 18. It will kick off with online-only gameplay on the first day of competition. This will be followed by in-person matches on the second Saturday, during which young gamers will have the opportunity to compete for the title of “Best in the City.”

Participants will form teams to compete in doubles mode in preliminary rounds to determine the final teams for the in-person event, which will be held at CCAC Allegheny. All participants are invited to attend the final round and will receive a commemorative T-shirt, complimentary food, and access to activities sponsored by Tech 25, a local workforce development nonprofit that will also provide the use of Legion Gaming PCs for finalists.

The esports forum will hold year-round community program offerings. It is designed to unite local gamers in competitive environments and provides a platform for youth to showcase their gaming talent while exploring educational opportunities in tech and digital careers.

For more details on tournament regulations and requirements or to register for the event, visit the CitiParks Office of Special Events’ E-Arena website.