What To Do In Winter When It’s Too Cold To Do Anything

Fairbanks is known for its cold winters with temperatures that can drop down to a nippy fifty below zero or colder. This winter we have all been pleasantly surprised with our balmy, mild winter – up until New Years Day, that is. Like a switch had been flipped, the new year brought in those below zero temperatures we had all known were coming.

I figured now was the best time to post this, seeing as how we’re smack in the middle of it. This morning it was -30° F according to my truck. As I write this it has warmed up to a blustery -26° F. As cold as it is, though, no one likes to be cooped up inside. So what are we to do on these cold winter days? Check out the list below for some ideas when your restless self just doesn’t want to stay home.

• Go Ice Skating. Both the Big Dipper ice area and the Patty Center up at the University offer indoor ice skating with skate rentals. You’ll still feel winter-ish, but in a much warmer environment. Check their websites for public skate times.
• Go Swimming. We have several indoor pools in Fairbanks and North Pole that offer open swim times that will help you and/or the kids burn off energy and rid yourself of the cabin fever that tries to creep in when the temperatures drop. Click here for a link to our local swimming pools.
• Hit the gym. The freezing cold can make us all want to hide inside, curled up on the couch under a warm blanket. But think of it as a great excuse to hit the gym and get in a workout. We have a number of gyms and facilities in town, and The Alaska Club even offers child care and has activities for older kids to enjoy while mom and dad get in some much needed exercise.
• Go to the Library. Check out what the Noel Wien Public Library has to offer, check out a book for some winter reading or take the kids to one of the many activities offered in the Berry Room.
• Warm up by the fire at Barnes & Noble. Along the same lines as the library, at Barnes and Noble you can grab a coffee or tea (or a tasty treat), and read a book in one of the overstuffed chairs nestled around the circular fireplace that is burning from open to close (9 am-11pm).
• Go see a movie. Catch a new release at Regal Cinemas 16 on Airport Way. Or head out to The Blue Loon at 2999 Parks Highway for dinner and a movie at the theater/club situated just a few short miles from town. Regal Cinemas 16 showtimes can be found on Fandango. Go to The Blue Loon’s website here for their movies and showtimes.
• Go out to Chena Hot Springs. This requires a little more time and planning, but if you have an afternoon to kill it’s definitely not a bad idea. Chena Hot Springs is especially more exciting when the temperatures are negative – the sky is more clear, the stars are brighter and the water feels much warmer. It’s a great way to relax while still enjoying the frigid Alaska winter.

 Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you have to stay home and hibernate. It might be too cold to spend extended periods of time outside but there are lots of things you can do around town to keep your spirits up.

What do you like to do when the temperatures drop?