Our family lives in Wisconsin and the cold, dark days of Winter are here to stay for awhile. We all know the feeling. It’s the middle of Winter and long, enjoyable, active days out in the sunshine seem like they may never come again. Cabin fever can really get the better of our healthy lifestyle, moods and motivation. Children, especially, need an outlet for their energy. Their health, growth and development is dependent upon gross motor activity. Not only is active play fun, but it is essential for muscle, cognitive and social/emotional development.
Why Active Play?
It’s no secret that exercise oxygenates the blood and stimulates the heart and other internal organs. It also releases endorphins and adrenaline, making us feel good and providing energy. I know I feel better and am more able to focus if I get even a 10 minute walk in during the day. Children experience these same benefits. By providing the children in our lives with the opportunity to be active we are promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging their self confidence and supporting their rapidly growing little bodies. Sounds good, right? So, how do we encourage this kind of beneficial activity during the long, cold, dreary Winter months?
A “Stay-cation”
If you offered me a round trip vacation right now to some tropical islands where my family and I could spend our days splashing in the waves and making sandcastles, I wouldn’t think twice. But, I don’t think that’s in the cards for us. And it may not be for you either.
So, if you have the means to do a little “stay-cation” get away to a local indoor resort/waterpark, that can be a good way to fight the Winter doldrums. Breaking up the monotony and enjoying 80 degree water slides, pools and splash pads provides you with some quality family bonding time and the opportunity to keep your little ones active. During your “stay-cation” you can also take a trip to a bowling alley, indoor mini-golf facility or laser tag arena.
Local Activities
If your schedule or budget don't allow for a “stay-cation,” local activities like the ones just mentioned can really add some activity and excitement to a cold Winter day. Taking children to play indoor active games also helps them work on the social and emotional skills required to cooperate and follow rules and directions. It’s also encouraging for their self esteem as they learn the skills to play games and become better with practice.
In-home Fun
Going out to fun activities or taking a mini “vacay” are great occasional solutions for Winter blues. But there is plenty that can be done everyday right at home to keep those little bodies healthy and on the move. These indoor activities require little to no preparation, are budget-friendly and lots of fun:
- Have an indoor scavenger hunt. Set up household items to find, leaving clues and going from room to room.
- Climb around. Set out couch pillows and throw pillows for climbing, jumping and stepping over.
- Try some yoga. There are some kid-friendly DVD’s and illustrated pose instruction cards that really make yoga simple and fun for kids; introducing the breathing and stretching that is crucial for good mental and physical health.
- Exercise games. Make cards with different exercises (jumping jacks, hop on one foot, giant elephant steps). Draw the cards, doing the exercises in a different order each time. This one is also great for following directions and sequencing skills.
- Bounce around. There are some great toys you may already have on hand like a ride-on, mini-trampoline, bowling pin set, or hop-on ball. These kinds of materials that require lots of movement can burn off lots of steam in just a few minutes.
However you choose to combat cabin fever in the long winter months, you and your family are sure to see the benefits of staying active. A few minutes everyday can help prevent tantrums, promote better sleep, encourage a healthy lifestyle and it’s fun family bonding time. I hope these activities encourage you to get moving and come up with some ideas of your own.
Now, go play!
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