GAYLORD, MI -- Young children and their parents are invited to get on their snowsuits and mukluks and have some winter fun at Winter Outdoor Fun Day on February 12th at the Nature Cabin and Environmental Learning Site behind Gaylord Middle School. Parking is in the Middle School lot. There is no charge. Families can come any time from 10 to 1:00 and stay as long as they wish.
The event is geared toward young children birth to eight, but older siblings will be welcome. All activities will be outdoors, for young children and their parents to do together, such as old fashioned winter games like Fox and Geese, making snow angels, making snow people, snow houses/forts, throwing snowballs at a target, and more. There will be a nature hike and scavenger hunt. Parents will guide, carry, or pull their own children in a sled. Path distances and activities will be child-scale, and families may do all or part of it depending on their interest.
Jay’s Sporting Goods and Redfeather Snowshoes will have snowshoes for adults and children to try. Families are also welcome to bring their own sleds and snowshoes.
Organizers remind participants to dress for the weather. The Environmental Learning cabin will be open for people to get indoors as needed, and hot beverages and snacks will be provided. If conditions are extreme the activities will be adapted.
This day is being organized by “Kids Outdoors Otsego,” local outdoor enthusiasts Nancie Kersey and Sam Cornelius, and others. Cornelius works in early childhood programs at Cheboygan Otsego Presque Isle Educational Service District, and Kersey works with Early Head Start in Otsego County. Both are enthusiastic outdoors persons. Supporters include Jay’s Sporting Goods, Redfeather Snowshoes, Glen’s Market, Meijer’s, Wal-Mart, Gaylord Community Schools and Middle School, Otsego County Great Start Parent Coalition, and others are welcome. For more information, contact Nancie at 989-732-5728 or Sam at 231 238-9394 ext 216.
