subject: Take The Family Outside - The Benefits Of Outdoor Activities In The Winter [print this page] When the first week of winter weather approaches many parents groan with the thought of their kids being stuck in the house. Life changes with each season change but there are activities that can be done outside during the winter months. Not only does getting outside during the cold months give everyone a change of scenery, it's also very important to be able to continue staying active. In addition, it will instill lifelong values into your children about the importance of enjoying nature during all of the seasons earth provides us with.
Getting outside during winter is important to keep the family active. Children work well on routines so it is almost not fair to have children busy through fall picking pumpkins, running through apple orchards, and jumping in leaf piles to all of a sudden shut the door to the outside world. They will appreciate continuing outdoor activities and experiencing nature in a different setting. Make sure to be prepared for winter and have clothes that fit children that will keep them warm such as a winter coat, snow boots, warm thick socks, hats that cover little ears, scarves, and gloves.
Children will also benefit doing outdoor activities in the winter by having quality family time. When it is cold outside, it's easy for parents to get involved in a book, a football game on TV, or be content taking a nap. These types of indoor activities do not involve the children and family time can get lost. When the family gets out as a unit they can focus on each other without distractions from the TV and such. It allows for children to also feel as though this is their time and once they return home they will have exerted enough energy to be tired or at least be more content doing something by themselves.
Some great outdoor activities for winter are rollerblading, walking a family dog, taking a family walk on a nature trail and riding bikes. If you live close enough to a ski resort for a day trip, skiing is a great way to exercise during the cold months. If snow is present, sleigh riding, building snowmen, or snowball fights will be a perfect way to spend a few hours of a day. There are also sometimes winter festivals, tree-lightings, outdoor nativity scenes, and grand illuminations that take place around the holidays that can be enjoyed by the whole family. As your children grow older, they will continue to want to do these activities and even pass them along to their children. Don't forget to have a nice warm treat to conclude the day, such as hot chocolate.
