If you're looking for some fun winter activity ideas to work off some of that holiday cheer, Toronto's public parks and skating arenas are offering affordable and fun activities that can help drive us out of hibernation.

SKATING:

One of the most hassle-free activities of the winter season has to be skating. Don't own a pair of skates? No problem. Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall and the Harbourfront's lakeside Natrel Kinder Rink provides skate rentals, but prices vary between the two popular downtown locations.

City Skate Rental at Nathan Phillips Square provides two-hour skate rentals for $10 for adults; $5 for kids. Skate sharpening and helmet rentals are also offered. They are open between10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Habourfront is offering a cheaper rate at $7 for adults; $6 for kids. This is a full-day rental fee. Their hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Mon-Thurs); 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Fri- Sun). Both rinks are offering discounts for groups of 10 people or more.

Habourfront rink guard Ty Trollope advises skaters to layer up before they lace up.

"It's very windy around the lake so it's best to dress warm," Trollope told CTV.ca.

Trollope also suggests beginners join their Learn to Skate program that is offered to adults, teens and kids. More information can be found here.

Several public city rinks are also offering skating lessons throughout the season. Click here for more information. And here is a list of skating rinks in the city. 

SNOWSHOEING/ CROSS COUNTRY SKIING:

High Park is another TTC accessible city space that provides a scenic trail for snowshoeing. If you are a beginner, there are several local companies that provide guided tours like Toronto Adventures, which charges $50 per person for a two-hour tour that includes instruction.

For cross country skiing enthusiasts, there is Earl Bales Park. It's at 4169 Bathurst St. (near Sheppard Ave) and offers a 3 km trail. The urban green space also has a ski and snowboard school where rentals are available.

Just 10 minutes north of Toronto is Kortright Centre Trail in Woodbridge. Snowshoeing along the 15 km trail will give you access to the tree-lined landscape that stretches 325 hectares. Kortright operates as an educational site for demonstrations on renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste water treatment and sustainable building design.

For more trail listings, check this website.

TOBOGGANING:

Dust off that wooden sleigh and get the magic carpet rolling down the city hills.

Christie Pitts has been a long-time favourite for Torontonians. The grand park with deep slopes makes for a thrilling slide through the snow.

Riverdale Park, near Broadview Ave. and Gerrard St., is another popular hill. The park is massive and has a great view of the city's skyline. In the summer, it's known for its two baseball diamonds, playing fields, tennis courts and pool.

Bickford Park in the Annex and Trinity Bellwoods are also great options for urban dwellers. Here are some of the best slopes to check out in the GTA.

URBAN WALKS:

The Bruce Trail Club, Toronto Chapter leads several urban hikes in the Toronto area including the Don Valley. All the hikes are rated as easy. If you are interested in these events, go to their website.

Downsview Park is glittering with 400,000 LED light displays for their Trail of Lights event that runs until Jan. 2. Over half of the displays are animated and themed. The trail weaves through the park and the Canada Forest. Wednesday is their only pedestrian day, and Thursday through Sunday are meant for drive-thrus which last approximately 20 minutes. Family vehicles of seven passengers or less is $25; "Walk-Through Wednesdays" is $8 for adults; $4 for children; kids under three enter for free.

For 35 years, the Toronto Zoo has been hosting the Annual Christmas Treats Walk on Dec. 26. Strolling carolers can be seen and free hot chocolate will be provided. Half price admission for everyone. The event starts at 10 a.m. and visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

Get off at Rosedale Station and make your way to Cedarvale Park, walking your way through to mid-town Davisville. Cedarvale is an urban slice of backcountry in the heart of the city.

It may be slightly chilly, but a nice ferry ride to Centre Island could be a good break. Walk along the waterfront and take in the crisp winter air.