5 things to do outside this winter that aren't sledding

Sledding is fun and all, but living in the flattest swath of the country means a lot of dragging kids around, and, well, our legs get tired fast. So try these non-sledding ideas for a romp in the snow.

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Dog sledding

Beat the slush with a mush! You're not going to be running the Iditarod anytime soon, but the rush you'll get flying across the snow beats a trip down what passes for a Midwestern "hill" any day. Sit back for a ride or learn to drive a team of dogs yourself (kids are allowed to learn at most places, too) and set off on your own course. For a taste of Alaska right here in Chicago, swing by Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island, on Jan. 23 and Feb. 23.

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