If you’ve got kids, chances are they’re home from school today. The vast majority of Treasure Valley schools have called for a snow day, much to the delight of kids everywhere. But as a parent, that can be a challenge. Roads are dicey, so it’s best to stay home. But how do you keep kids entertained without resorting to CouchFest 2013? If your kids are home today, here are some ways you can all be active, indoors and out.
If you want to be outside, be sure everyone is dressed properly. Layers are the way to go. For your first layer, wear a synthetic fiber which will wick away moisture from your skin, like an Under Armour style shirt. Next, pull on some fleece, and then be sure to wear a waterproof coat, and snow pants. Good boots, a cap, scarf, and gloves are also necessary.
Get active outside with these activities:
Shovel that walk. Well, this one’s obvious, and most kids think it’s kind of fun. Plus it needs to get done at some point. Be sure whoever is shoveling bends their knees and “lifts with their legs,” to avoid back injuries. If your neighbors are elderly, have very young children, or are at work, why not do the nice thing and shovel their walk or driveway, too?
Snow tag. Does anything really compare with the joy of running through freshly fallen snow, giggling as the powder flies until you can hardly catch your breath? It’s like instantly reverting to childhood, right? Get out there with your kids and do this. Everything else can wait.
Make snow angels. When you can’t run any more, drop down and flap your arms and legs. Just be sure you’re on the grass, not the sidewalk, rocks, or other sharp surface.
Go sledding. You know you’ve got some type of sled, saucer, boogie board, or other useful snow-gliding device in that garage or shed. Dig it out and go have some fun. Be careful to avoid sliding into the street, and post someone at corners to watch for cars.
Start building Frosty. Rolling snow into a ball and pushing it across the yard is a pretty good workout, when you think about it. Plus, it keeps the kids busy for a while. They can even explore their creative side by rounding up household items to give him, or her, a little more pizzazz.
When it’s time to go inside, here’s a list of ideas to keep you off the couch:
Dance Dance Dance. Crank up your favorite CDs and boogie oogie oogie. Don’t worry about how you look. It’s a snow day. Things are supposed to get silly. Just remember that you’re making memories with your kids, and that’s what counts. Plus, you can burn a few calories while you’re at it.
Have PE class. Just because they’re out of school, doesn’t mean they have to loaf around. Go old school with pushups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and jogging in place. It’s only fun if everyone supports each other. In fact, this is a great opportunity for team building and encouragement. No picking on slower siblings. Or parents.
Play charades. Give everyone five index cards and have them write a phrase on each. These can be movies, songs, books, TV shows, general sayings, or whatever you can think of—the sillier the better. Just be sure to agree on categories before everyone starts. Then get up and act them out.
Set up an obstacle course. Your imagination is the limit here. What do you have that can be turned into an indoor obstacle course? Even in a small space, you can pull this off. If you don’t want kids jumping and climbing on furniture, have them run to one end of the room and stack books, then walk backwards, then juggle oranges, and then build something out of Legos before running back to the other side of the room. Keep the floor clear of unnecessary debris so no one trips.
Make something. Got a craft project everyone can do? Now’s the perfect time. Or just pull out an art set and let everyone go to town. Cut out snowflakes, make a collage, or paint a picture. Use this time to organize your craft supplies and see what new creations you can make with odds and ends.
When you’re done, warm up with a healthier pumpkin spice latte, which can be made with or without coffee, so everyone can enjoy it. Click on this link for that recipe.
For more ideas, check out this article, 10 healthy rainy day activities for kids.
Talk it up:
How are you staying active on this snow day?
To receive all of the Boise Healthy Living Examiner’s articles, click on subscribe or the RSS feed button. Each week, you’ll get informative articles on Need to Know, and Good for You Food of the Week, plus seasonal features like Spotlight Sport, Healthier Holiday, Broncos Challenge, and more.
Comments