Winter has arrived in full in Flint & Genesee, making it the perfect time to get outside. Enjoy the snow and ice, work on those New Year’s resolutions to get more exercise, and have fun while you do it. Pair your outdoor activities with a warm meal and a cold drink at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area, and you will have the makings of a great day.
ICE SKATING
Hit the ice! If you cannot find a pond or lake thick enough to skate safely, you can head to one of the local facilities or parks that offer skating.
810 Sports Complex has an ice rink for hockey or ice skating. With space for spectators, it’s a great spot to practice your routine or hone your skills.
Crystal Field House Ice Arena is another skating option for those learning to skate or who can easily spin around the ice and for those interested in learning the ins and outs of playing hockey.
Add local rinks like the Youth Ice Rink in Linden at Eagle’s Wooden Park and Flushing, and you will have a lot of opportunities to hit the ice.
SKIING
Cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to exercise and take in the beauty of winter.
Richfield County Park offers acres of park for exercise and fun. When there is a three-inch accumulation of snow, you can hit their trails. Check with their facilities to make sure those trails are open.
Linden County Park also offers cross-country skiing, though trails are ungroomed. Once more, you’ll need to check with them to be sure you can hit the snow.
Flushing County Park is another local park where you can cross-country ski, and it has the same rules as the other parks.
HIKING
Genesee County Parks offers amazing hiking opportunities year-round. Pick any of the county parks and you can hike the established trails and enjoy nature.
SNOWSHOEING
If you are interested in snowshoeing, then head to For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, where you can check out snowshoes for free and hit their trails for some great cardio exercise.
HOCKEY
Hockey is a popular pastime in Michigan, and the county's abundant lakes and ponds make finding space to skate can be easy. If you don’t have access to one of the many local waterways, though, there are still options.
Fenton’s The Barn is a wonderful place for friends to get together for bar-league hockey. Afterward, everyone can have a bite to eat and a drink.
Crystal Field House Ice Arena’s facility features adult hockey leagues, youth hockey, stick and puck practice, public skates, and other opportunities to learn the sport.
810 Sports Complex also offers space for games, tournaments, leagues, practice, and more.
SLEDDING
Sledding can be done almost anywhere that has a large enough hill and is open to the public. Whether you want to toboggan or sled, there are opportunities for you. Be sure to follow any rules and guidelines for each hill, as well as using the hills only during hours of operation.
Toboggan Hill in Davison is Genesee County’s most significant and challenging sled and toboggan hill and is only for those who are up for a challenge.
Flint Southwestern Academy High School has long boasted one of the most popular sledding hills in the area, and its steep hills have earned it that affection.
Grand Blanc’s Creasey Bicentennial Park has hills perfect for sledding and Flushing also has a large hill that draws the crowds once the snow flies.
CURLING
Finally, if you want to try curling or are an old pro at it, The Barn has what you’re looking for! Grab some friends and rent a lane and curl a few games in a covered and heated space.
Winter in Flint & Genesee is full of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and get moving during the colder months. Perhaps the best part is that no matter where you go, or what you do, you’re not far from a hot chocolate or another warm drink.
