Sure, the days are shorter and the temperature is lower this time of year, but that’s no excuse to hibernate at home. Parents can get just as stir-crazy as their kids when temperatures take a dive. You do your best to keep children engaged and entertained when it’s cold outside, so why not do the same for yourself? Commit to do something that ignites your sense of fun and makes you feel like a kid again. Try something new or rediscover a past passion—just get out of the house and get refreshed, recharged, and reconnected. Let this list spark an idea for you:
BE A TEAM PLAYER
If high school is the last time you played a team sport, then it’s time to get back in the game. Recruit some friends and register your team for one of Rapid City’s recreational volleyball leagues. Choose from co-ed, all-women, or over-40s divisions.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR ART
The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City offers a new line-up of adult art classes every month. A few courses are free, and members get a discount.
FIND YOUR HAPPY FEET
Ever felt wistful watching your wee ballerina glide across the dance floor? It’s never too late to lace up your dancing shoes. Several Rapid City dance academies offer classes to adults who are new to dance or need a refresher. Enroll in an 8-week ballet or ballroom session or a Sunday evening tap class.
JOIN A BOOK CLUB
Read more than your Facebook feed. Visit the online Black Hills Knowledge Network for a listing of area book clubs. Or, start your own.
RUN A 5K
Find motivation to keep running all winter long with “It’s a Great Day … for a 5K!” This Northern Hills running series features six Saturday 5K races over six months on six different courses in and around Spearfish. Register for the whole series and save yourself a bundle.
MAKE MUSIC
Dust off that instrument you haven’t played since college and give it a go. Local music shops offer in-store instruction or can recommend a teacher.
PLAY IN THE SNOW
Looking for a total body makeover this winter? Ditch the treadmill and try cross country skiing. It burns more calories than nearly every other sport, and the scenery is better than anything you’ll see at the gym. Don’t know how? The Black Hills Nordic Ski Club hosts how-to clinics throughout the winter.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Community Education of the Black Hills holds evening and weekend classes in a dozen Black Hills communities. Courses cover everything from self-defense to cooking.
GO SECONDHAND SHOPPING
Your wardrobe may need a makeover, but a shopping spree may not be in the budget. So, check out the area’s growing number of thrift and consignment stores for some frugal, yet fashionable, finds.
JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
Sometimes women just need to talk to other women in the same season of life. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) connects moms with other moms through regular meetings that feature engaging speakers, creative activities, refreshments and—equally refreshing —uninterrupted conversation (because childcare is provided). Find local MOPS groups on Facebook.