Start the Year Fresh in the Great Outdoors
/As a kid, my favorite thing to say in the New Year was, "I haven't done this all year!" At the start of the year, I still feel a new enthusiasm, motivated to get out and do things "we haven't done all year." Avoid getting hung up on resolutions and instead focus on quality time with your family in the great outdoors. Here are a few of my family's favorite winter outdoor activities nearby.
Snow Tubing at the Summit
Picture this: no hauling a sled up the hill, smooth slopes, easy parking, and tons of fun. Where do you find this magic? The Summit at Snoqualmie. Before you go, you must pay for your session pass for a select date and time. This pass gets you 1.75 hours of snow tubing. As part of the tubing, there is an awesome covered surface lift (like an escalator) to the top, so you don't have to trudge your kids' and your tubes up the hill every time. Also, there are 7+ tubing lanes at the top and loads of tubes available for you to use. It's worth the price with all the amenities and fun!
Read More: Here is my past blog post all about Snow Tubing at the Summit!
Prairie Line Trail Urban Hike
Sometimes, getting to a trail is tough with kids and the weather. The solution: an urban hike! As luck would have it, the Prairie Line Trail is a perfect Tacoma urban hike. The Prairie Line Trail is about a mile-long stretch through downtown along the retired, historic Prairie Line railroad corridor.
You can start the hike near the Children's Museum of Tacoma. You will see the old train tracks to follow through your urban hike. Walking (or scootering...because kids), you'll pass some cool art structures like the "Shipment to China," a bronze, antique train truck sculpture.
You will continue up toward the Tacoma Art Museum. My family tends to stray off course, cross over to the other side of Zeek's Pizza, and walk along the tracks through the University of Washington campus.
There are more sculptures along the way. We enjoy the Terminus, which is granite that references travelers' suitcases. Inspiration is from this being the end of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Cross over the Chihuly Bridge of Glasss to the Foss Waterway Marina area to extend the urban hike. Otherwise, head to the Brewery District and grab lunch or a snack at Camp Colvos or 7 Seas Brewing.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
We are so lucky to have the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in our town. It makes for a great way to spend time outside. Those of us with little ones can motivate them to keep moving to see the next animal. They are also safe to run around and be free. You can head to the aquarium for indoor time when you get cold. There are a few other things to consider: the carousel, the goats, and the playground. It's an enjoyable outing for the whole family. Check out their hours before going since they have less time open during the winter season.
