The following is a post from contributing writer Tabitha.
You know those days when the kids are climbing the walls? No, I mean literally? There are days when the kids need to stay inside because of extreme low temperatures (please don’t laugh at me, Alaska homeschoolers).
Kids can get lethargic, doing nothing more than watching TV, reading, or sitting at the computer, or playing a video game. While a nice snowy day is perfect for reading or even the occasional movie, this can’t be how we spend our entire winter.
Oldest son in a snow fort.
Here are three things that help us get through the winter months and still keep up our physical activity level.
Play outside!
There are so many things to do, snow or no snow. While this isn’t always the best option, depending on health, weather conditions, and location, it still is an option. My kids are dying to go outside right now even though we have 10 degree temperatures because there is that magical white stuff on the ground.
Build forts, shovel, have snowball fights, sled, ice skate, etc. It’s a good time to learn about winter sports (as well as cold weather safety!) and there’s always something to do.
Shoveling snow can be great exercise as well!
Go somewhere!
In some places we’ve lived there have been playgroups, indoor mall walkers, indoor tracks, church ball leagues, even an indoor soccer stadium. This helps us get out and do something physical even if the weather isn’t quiet optimal for outdoor activities.
It doesn’t always have to cost something, but you could sign up for gymnastic or dance classes, or a basketball team. Go to a gym. Another fun option in the winter is an indoor pool.
Stay home!
Going somewhere or playing outside isn’t always an option, and those are usually the worst days to be stuck inside. You may be on your last nerve. This is when creativity comes into play. Even in a small apartment or house, here are ways to get your children moving:
- Build a blanket fort
- Race up the stairs
- Exercise videos
- Indoor trampoline
- Games like Hullabaloo or Twister
- Jump rope and bikes in the garage (this only works with tricycles or that size with an empty garage!)
- Stretching
- Nerf (or similar) ball games
- Calisthenics (most can be done indoors with a small space!)
- Play the lava game
Little girl experiencing snow for the first time.
And there are many more! Bad weather doesn’t mean sitting and letting our bodies stiffen in one position over a gaming device, computer, TV, or even a book. We can keep our families physically active even during times of extreme cold. The above ideas are great for extremely hot weather, too!
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Lacey says
Thank you so much . these were so helpful . I take my kids to sled every day they love being oit side . and now there is so many more fun ideas for the them to do . thank you .