How to stay active in North Carolina during winter

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

According to Forbes.com, the most common New Year’s resolution is to get in shape. Finding the motivation to stay active when it’s cold outside—and when darkness sets in so early in the day—can be a challenge. But as natives will tell you, if you don’t like the weather in North Carolina, wait a minute or two. 

From the mountains to the coast, a state as glorious and diverse as ours—with such frequent contrasts in weather—offers winter activities for everyone in the family, with plenty of chances to stay active and in shape. Here are destinations offering indoor and outdoor activities to get your kids off the sofa and into adventure.

Winter Fun in the Triangle

American Tobacco Trail 
Wake, Chatham and Durham Counties
triangletrails.org 
This 22.6-mile-long trail runs alongside an abandoned railroad bed originally constructed in the early 1900s. The trail is 10 feet wide, allowing plenty of space for cyclists, runners and walkers. The majority of the trek runs through the city of Durham, but portions wind through Cary and Apex as well. 

Big Air Trampoline Park
6421 Hilburn Drive, Raleigh
bigairusa.com 
Are your kids bouncing off the walls this winter? Head to Big Air for high‑flying fun for the whole family! With trampolines, rock walls, bull‑riding, adventure courses and basketball, Big Air is the perfect place to go with kids of all ages.

Buffaloe Lanes
Raleigh, Garner and Cary
buffaloelanes.com 
If you like to strike out, then bowling is right up your alley! Locals have been knocking down pins at Buffaloe Lanes since 1978. And with an arcade room and snack shack, it’s an ideal way to spend a winter day. 

Drive Shack
6901 Play Golf Way, Raleigh
driveshack.com 
Swing on over to Drive Shack, where golf aficionados and novices alike can enjoy private bays, TVs and food. Drive Shack blends an upscale sports bar atmosphere with a family-friendly putting competition. 

Ice Skating
Lace up for the perfect winter pastime. Skate the Square at Fenton in Cary through February 5 to experience authentic Hallmark movie vibes, complete with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. The Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater offers a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown Raleigh through January 15. Drink hot cocoa under the stars surrounded by stunning skyline views.
The Triangle also offers several indoor ice skating facilities. Polar Ice has locations in Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Wake Forest. Orange County SportsPlex offers ice skating in Hillsborough. 

Marbles Kids Museum
201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh
marbleskidsmuseum.org 
Turn on your imagination through discovery and play. Climb aboard a three-story pirate ship, race a boat down a 65-foot-long water table, become a vet for the day or don your banker’s cap in “Moneypalooza.” 

Rock Solid Warrior
Fuquay-Varina and Apex
rocksolidwarrior.com 
Channel your inner American Ninja traversing obstacle courses, swinging from rafters and climbing rock walls. 

Rush Hour Karting
Garner and Morrisville
rushhourkarting.com 
Start your engines at one of the Triangle’s only indoor go-karting facilities. Try the Garner location for traditional racing with gas engines, or head to the Morrisville location to experience high-speed electric carts and a golf simulator room. Both locations feature axe-throwing and full-service restaurants. 

Tar River Life
3240 Sledge Road, Bunn
tarriverlife.com 
Rent a kayak and explore Robertson Millpond Preserve. This 85-acre kayaking gem in eastern Wake County attracts nature lovers with a unique destination set amongst the only bald cypress habitat in the Raleigh area.