We’ve compiled a list of 28 outdoor activities that you can do on a visit to the Park.
Maybe you live next door and want to challenge yourself to do a daily activity throughout February, or maybe you’re looking for something to do on a weekend visit. Regardless, the goal is to get outside and get moving (at your own pace, even just for a little while), for your physical and mental well-being!
1) Take a walk around Downsview Park’s 2.7 km Circuit Path. How many laps can you do?
2) Visit Boake’s Grove forest and look for clues of the past. Can you find the foundation from the Boake family home? What other clues can you find around the Park?
3) Take a self-guided natural history walk (LINK COMING SOON) through Downsview Park.
4) Looking for a cardio challenge? Climb the mounds (hills) in Downsview Park!
5) Take a nature walk! Wander through the forested pathways in our urban forest.
6) Visit Dogsview Park with your pup!
7) Take your favourite workout outdoors! Layer up to stay warm.
8) Visit the three bodies of water in Downsview Park.
9) Go for a brisk walk on the trails around William Baker.
10) Vole spotting! Take a walk around Downsview Park and look for tiny holes and pathways in the snow. How many vole tunnels can you spot?
11) Find a snowy patch and play some soccer!
12) Animal tracks give us clues about the animals that call Downsview Park home. Search for animal prints in the snow and mud. How many can you identify? Follow the tracks and see where they lead.
13) Winter is a great time for spotting owls, hawks and other birds of prey. Visit Downsview Park and see if you can find owl pellets underneath trees.
14) Winter picnic! Dress warm. Pack your favourite soups, hot chocolate and other warm foods for a cozy (and romantic!) winter picnic.
15) Dress warm, pick your favourite meditation and come do some winter meditation in the Park.
16) Go for a jog around the Park.
17) Go for a walk when snow is falling and try and catch some flakes on your tongue.
18) Grab some binoculars and go birding! Winter is a fantastic time to spot birds. Good luck!
19) Build a person, sculpture, or fort in the snow. So many fun things to do with snow at all ages!
20) Spring is a month away! Take a walk and look for signs of spring.
21) How many animal habitats can you find? Look high and low and see where animals, insects and more have been hiding for the winter.
22) Snowshoe! Come explore the meadow or south end of the Park with your snowshoes.
23) Create a bird-friendly feeder and come find the perfect spot to hang it in the Park!
24) Get up early and come watch the sunrise! For those who prefer extra sleep, come and watch the sunset.
25) Take a photographic walk around the Park. Take some pictures and don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts.
26) Have you walked the Sesqui trail? Take a walk through the trail and learn more about the history of Downsview Park.
27) Take up plogging! Plogging is a Swedish term that combines the words for litter pick-up and jogging.
28) Visit Downsview Park after dark and look up. How many stars and constellations can you spot?
Additional activities:
Fly a kite.
Head to the basketball court and practice your shooting skills.
COVID-19:
Please follow all public health rules and recommendations if you do head outdoors. Maintain your distance from others when visiting Downsview Park, and only visit if you are feeling well.
