Another perk of less snow is the fact that it makes it possible to do "out-of-season" outdoor activities all winter long. It is so easy to get caught in the mindset that summer is the time for playing in water, biking, and using the slides when really sometimes it is even more fun in the winter (and yes, with snow too!)
Here are a few of our favorite non-winter winter ideas:
*please note that the temperatures were not above 20 degrees F in any of these photos*
1. Sidewalk Chalk.
We made a diagram on the driveway and drew shapes in the squares. It was great fun for J to have me call out a shape for him to jump on. Later we made a series of circles in a "chain" that was another opportunity for lots of jumping!
2. Balls (soccer, basketball, throwing for the dogs, etc.)
J and his friend spent a good hour kicking their soccer balls down the hill and then running after them. Their cheeks were rosy and warranted hot chocolate afterwards.
Bubbles are REALLY fun when it is extremely cold out. Growing up in Alaska, we often blew them in sub-zero temperatures just to watch them shatter!
4. Slides
I am always shocked when the playground is empty in the winter. Bundling up definitely poses some issues (like getting a good grip on ladders or swings) but the slides are FAST and the swings are just as thrilling.
5. Bikes
We ride them all winter long. Some hats definitely work better for under helmets (more on that coming later) but even balance bikes are fun in the snow! With an infant + a toddler, the Chariot CTS is our best friend (we love how it provides protection from cold temperatures and wind!)
This list is just the start of non-winter winter fun. What do you like to do as a family? We'd love to hear your ideas!
Hiking (but that's a given), other than that we're happy we didn't get our son's sandbox and stuff put away this fall (we were busy hiking - lol, then we had early snow). He's been busy playing in it most of the winter (occasionally I've had to brush a few inches of snow off so he could get at it but mostly it's been dry).
ReplyDeleteLove the bubbles idea - I know what I'm doing with my son this afternoon!
We use the sandbox too! Totally forgot about that one! And I would love to hear how the bubbles went!
DeleteSidwalk chalk is a favorite around here as well....and of course the bikes as well. To me, being outside all year long is the greatest perk of all....and it's why our Family has relocated from Canada. I know you can do thing outside all year no matter where you live, but I am just not the type that enjoys it when cold and snowy.
ReplyDeleteKeep up with the outdoor fun times.
Darryl
Darryl - we agree (though we LOVE snow here! :)) Getting outside all year long is a MUST!
DeleteI just wish the mudd would dry up a bit so we can get out into the woods! I'm so wanting to go hiking but this mudd here just makes it impossible. :-(
ReplyDeleteHmmm...somehow I have totally forgotten about mud! Yes, definitely makes things WAY messier, but the kids here have fun anyway, even if your hikes are really short and REALLY messy! :)
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