It’s Day Two of an ‘extreme’ cold snap and my children have not been outside in days. I’m thinking this is pretty bad since I’m a strong believer that fresh air can cure all. Keeping kids active during winter is a challenge. And since I hate being cold, I’m not good at sucking it up to go sledding or out to build a snowman. I know I should, but have I mentioned I hate being cold? However, hibernating for the entire winter is not an option (it’s not, right?) so here are a few ideas I’ve found to keep my kids active during winter.
1. Sign them up for an after school activity. During the winter I enroll my kids for more than one after school activity (which I don’t normally do at other times of the year). Since they can’t go to the park or on a bike ride after school, I “strongly encourage” them partake in any program that involves running around.
2. As much as I dislike it, building a snow man or going sledding are great ways to embrace the cold and maybe even…enjoy it? With the promise of hot chocolate afterwards I can sometimes be persuaded to join in. Or, I can drink hot chocolate while watching my kids play in the backyard. Either or.
3. Try skiing. Yes this is an expensive sport, but through the City of Toronto kids (and parents!) can learn to ski and rent equipment at an affordable price. It is a really fun activity for families to do together, while embracing winter.
4. Indoor play centres and places like Ontario Science Centre and Museums are great places to take kids which allow them to run around and let off some steam. If you’ve all got cabin fever, sign the kids up for an indoor play center. They might not be outside, but at least they can trash someone else’s property!
5. Generally, I’m not a fan of video games, but Wii or Kinect games like Dance Dance Revolution and other “sporty games,” get the kids jumping and their hearts pumping. Plus, some of them are pretty fun to play as a family (I begrudgingly have to admit). I’m thinking about breaking out some of my newly acquired Wii Dance moves on the dance floor next time I’m out with the girls. I’m pretty sure after a few more days trapped inside, Mummy is going to need a night out!
