Showing posts with label Winter Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Fun. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Stay Warm

Obviously in cold weather we tend to spend more time inside where we are comfortable and warm but adults and children need to continue getting fresh air, exercise, and connected to nature even through the winter months.
If you bundle up with plenty of layers you can have some fun times outside in the snow before you have to go inside and warm up. My kids love running around the house in summer dresses and bare feet all winter long but they know that when we go outside it takes layers of clothing to have a good time. Here are some suggestions on necessities for keeping little ones warm:

Good Base Layers. Depending on the temperature you can go from just pants and a long sleeve to long underwear, pants, and long sleeve shirt plus an additional sweatshirt. The key is to know how cold it is outside but remember it is always easy to take a layer off but much more difficult to add a layer once you've left the house.



Water Proof Jacket and Snow Pants. If you are out in snow the kids are going to be in it. They will be covered in snow and need to stay dry. Water resistant pants may work but for wet snow or prolonged times in snow it is necessary to have water proof clothing such as Gore-Tex.




Warm Hat and Gloves. Yep. Just like mom used to say, "You lose heat from your head". It is important to keep the little ones ears warm as they tend to be one of the first things to really get cold. Water proof gloves are very important too. Cotton or wool gloves may work on a warmer day but water proof is a necessity if the kids are going to play in snow. Nothing will make them want to go inside quicker than cold fingers.


Warm Socks and Boots. We've got to keep those toes warm. A good wool sock will keep toes warm and dry much longer that a cotton sock and obviously a waterproof boot will keep your kids feet dry and warm.


If you take the time and spend the money on quality outdoor gear you and your kids will have a lot more fun and will be able to spend more time playing in nature.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Winter Fun

A massive winter storm has blanketed the country with deep snow and freezing temperatures. Many people have settled inside with the television or a book to sit by the fire. But what about those wild kids and their high energy. Children need to burn energy whether it is warm or cold outside. It doesn't take a lot of time to get some fresh air and burn some energy. You probably wouldn't want to spend all day outside but if you bundle up with hats and gloves you can make a stroll around the block enjoyable. The promise of hot cocoa usually keeps my kids walking.


The truth is there is some much to do in the winter. Just playing in a back yard leads to snow angels, snowball fights, icicle eating, snow fort building and so much more. My kids even like helping shovel the driveway which is always a big help.


Don't forget sledding, skiing, and ice skating for winter sports too. Once you get started everyone will have so much fun that they won't want to stop.


I took my 6 year old daught ice skating at a local outdoor mall a few weeks ago and we skated for 3 hours. She didn't want to stop. She just wanted to go around and around. It was special time for her and her dad to do something together.

So think outside the house and get your family outside this weekend.

Things to try:
  1. Make snow angels
  2. Follow animal tracks in the snow
  3. Make a snow fort
  4. Have a snowball fight
  5. Make a snow man
  6. Go ice skating
  7. Go snowshoeing
  8. Go sledding
  9. Take a winter walk in your neighborhood
  10. Put food coloring and water in a spray bottle and make designs in the snow

Feel free to add any other winter outdoor activities in the comments.