Chris Sherwood

Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and have fun with your kids. Okay, I can almost hear some of you groan. Brrr, it’s too cold! Well it doesn’t have to be if you dress properly (kind of like the way we dress our children). Besides, trying to keep up with your kids will probably keep you plenty warm. So here are a few ideas for you all to enjoy.

Skating: Outdoor rinks are in full swing many with two sides, one for hockey and one for casual skating. Don’t forget helmets for the young ones even if they are not playing hockey.

Sledding (or tobogganing): Wherever there is a hill, big or small, you will find kids of all ages out on their sleds, toboggans, Crazy Carpets, even on garbage bags or pieces of cardboard. If it slides, then woohoo! Bet some of you parents haven’t been sliding down a hill in many years. So jump on with your kids and have fun.

Snow Forts: Cut chunks of hard packed snow and build a snow fort. Better yet, build two a short distance away from each other then have a snowball fight.

Go on a Hike: A winter hike on a trail can be great fun. Bring along some snacls and a Thermos of hot chocolate. Look for tracks in the snow and have the kids guess what animal made the tracks. Bring a tracks guids or look them up when you get home and see how many they got right.

Winters Fairs: Many cities have winter fairs or carnivals. See if yours or one near you is hosting one.

Ice fishing: This one takes more planning but can be great for kids who enjoy fishing. If you don’t have the equipment, check with your local tackle shops and see if anyone provides ice fishing lessons or rents out equipment. Remember to check the weather forecast and dress well. Bring extra mitts and socks and pick up some mitt and boot warmer inserts just in case. Also bring along food and drinks. You will be spending a lot of time out on the ice, so the better prepared you are the more fun you will all have. As for ages, well my youngest is started when he was five and he enjoyed it but I kept it short for his sake. Older kids can spend more time.

Ice Sculptures: No I’m not suggesting you go out and carve some ice (though if you can, all the power to you), but many cities hold ice carving competitions or simply decorate parts of the city with carvings. Go and see them. They are a touch of winter magic that everyone will enjoy.

So get outside and have fun this winter!