Christmas is just around the corner and that means it’s time to pick out a tree. We suggest instead of merely picking out a tree, you cut it down too.
Why?
Heading out to the woods to chop (or saw) your own tree is not only a fun, family-friendly holiday activity, it also helps keep off those unwanted holiday pounds by burning up to 600 calories for every hour spent cutting and chopping away!
OK, so maybe chopping your own tree still doesn’t sound that appealing, but there are plenty of other fun things to do at tree farms, like taking pictures and drinking hot chocolate. (Do it for Instagram.)
Family Friendly Cincinnati, one of our favorite local blogs, came up with a list of local tree farms to visit this holiday season. There’s sure to be one near you:
- Big Tree Plantation – Located in Morrow, Ohio, Big Tree Plantation offers pre-cut trees as well as options to cut down your own. Admission is free for parents, and $6 a child (includes meeting Santa, visiting farm animals, and decorating a cookie) with varying prices on trees.
- Berninger Christmas Trees & Wreaths – Hot chocolate and popcorn are free at this Lebanon tree farm. You can either cut down your own tree or buy one pre-cut.
- Bartel’s Farm – Cut down your own tree, see live animals, and drink some hot chocolate at this tree farm located in between Trenton and Oxford.
- Dirr Nurseries Christmas Tree Farms – Cut down your own tree for $49 and enjoy a petting zoo, carriage ride, and nativity scene in Goshen, Ohio.
- Kock Christmas Trees – At this tree farm in Okeanna, Ohio, you can drink some free hot chocolate and get help shaking, baling, and loading your Christmas tree. Trust us, you’ll need it.
- John T. Nieman Nursery – Cut down your own tree and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the bard at this Hamilton tree farm.
- Wertz Christmas Tree Farm – Located in Franklin, you can cut down your own tree or buy one pre-cut. Just be sure to bring cash or a credit card (no checks will be accepted).
However you get your tree this year, it’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, and real, fake, large or small, decorating a Christmas tree burns about 170 calories an hour.
