We’re buying lotion and chapstick by the vat, my nine year old has proposed we get a whole house humidifier and we have one more built in snow day left before the district resorts to an undetermined plan B.
It is winter in Indiana, and it’s been a cold couple of weeks. Not only are we all dehydrated from the cold, dry air, we fluctuate from being in catatonic nap state to stir crazy.
How do you keep school age kids active during the winter months? Fast food play places don’t cut it any more, it’s too cold for most parks, and they’ve outgrown the little trampoline I bought during the Polar Vortex.
I understand now why basketball is a winter sport. Not only do the kids get to run around, it’s a reason for parents to get out and socialize. Every Thursday and Saturday, we bundle up and head to the basketball league. Some blustery weekends, it’s the only time we leave the house. It’s great exercise for the kids, and it’s a great time to catch up with friends on the sidelines.
Swimming is his other regular outlet this winter. Tuesday night is Swim Force practice at Goldfish Swim School, and the whole team keeps moving the entire hour. He comes out warm and tired and ready for a sound sound sleep. Also, everyone goes home wearing their pajamas, and it’s the cutest thing.
Other active things we try to get to during the winter:
Nerf Gun Events! The local community center hosts a Friday night nerf party where kids can run around and play with each other.
Unlimited Laser Tag! A couple of places have specials where it’s all you can play laser tag for one low price. It’s completely worth the price of admission.
The Wii! We have an original Wii, and a couple editions of Just Dance. When we are snowed in and restless, we start the music and take turns shaking our tail feathers. It’s always fun, and heart rates are always raised!
Open Swim! Goldfish has weekday open swims (handy for the random day off) and Friday night family swims. We also visit other pools, and since the kids are confident swimmers (thanks to Goldfish), they always have a great time.
I know winter doesn’t last forever, it only feels like it. Until it’s over, look for me at the pool or on the basketball court -I’ll probably be there!
Disclosure: Thanks to Goldfish Swim School for partnering with us to build my school-age swimmers’ confidence in exchange for my honest review of their programs!
