Cochrane winter activities for the whole family

In Cochrane, there are plenty of outdoor winter activities to keep your family exploring from dawn till dusk. Don’t let the snow keep you on the couch—layer up, grab your hat and mitts, and get outside for fun things to do in Cochrane in the winter for all ages. We’ve made cold days easy with these 5 winter ideas to keep everyone jolly.

5 outdoor winter activities for your entire household

1. Head to the hill

Start your day tobogganing in the crisp air and sparkling snow at the Bow Ridge field. This area is a local favourite, so bring your fastest Crazy Carpet after a fresh snowfall to experience one of the most delightful winter activities for kids. Don’t be surprised if your family wants to spend hours zooming down the hill, making snow angels, or crafting the town’s finest snow people.

2. Visit an outdoor skating rink

Lace up! Whether you’re training to be the next Wayne Gretzky or simply enjoy a leisurely glide around the ice, stop by the Tim Bannister Memorial Outdoor Rink in the East End, or Mitford Pond on the north bank of the Bow River. The rinks are accessible for everyone, with hockey at one end and skating at the other, so there’s plenty of room for all skill levels to enjoy their time on the ice. Be sure to check the Town of Cochrane website for opening dates. In the new year, visit the Central Park rink, just off Highway 1A, for your outdoor winter activities.

3. Pick out a real Christmas tree

Rock around the Christmas tree, without the hassle. If you’re planning to trek out of town to cut your own tree, don’t forget to apply for a permit and only cut in designated Provincial Park areas.

Anything Grows – Cochrane’s Garden Store has got you covered. They’ll help you find your perfect tree, do a fresh cut for you, and even help you tie it to the roof of your car. You just need to decorate it and they have you covered there as well! You will also find fresh bows, poinsettias, and more.
Once you’ve lit up your own tree, one of the best things to do in Cochrane in the winter is to take your family for a walk or drive to marvel at the incredible Christmas lights around town.

4. Enjoy a hot beverage

When your cheeks get rosy, it’s time to get cozy! After a long day of outdoor winter activities, head to Good Earth Coffeehouse for a kids’ candy cane hot chocolate or gingerbread caffe latte. Reminisce about the best parts of your day with a cup of cheer as the sun goes down, and get a treat to go for the next activity.

5. Stay toasty indoors

The most wonderful time of the year isn’t without its share of cold weather. If the frigid temperatures have you looking for indoor winter activities for kids, check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre’s registered winter programs, including climbing and various sports for all ages.

For quiet time, keep the kids snug as a bug with indoor programs from the Cochrane Public Library, and don’t forget to check out their free take-home activity rentals.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Keep the kids busy while they’re home for the holidays. Cochrane’s winter wonderland is just waiting to be explored with fun for the whole family, no matter the weather. Tis the season to be jolly, so plan your list of outdoor winter activities with us today.