It’s cold outside but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have some winter fun outdoors!
In order to have a healthy, active winter all you need to do is know the right outdoor activities for daytime and nighttime. It’s important to make fitness part of your child’s life and just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we need to stay indoors!
The number one reason for childhood obesity is physical inactivity and spending way too much time in front of TV or computer games. If your kids see that you are active, then they will model your behavior. Here are some things to know before playing outside in the winter and a few ideas to get out outside and moving!
Before you go outdoors:
- Be sure to wear gloves, coats and warm socks, along with weather-appropriate footwear.
- Do you know the signs of frostbite in kids? If your child complains of aching pain or numbness, most often to their extremities (hands, feet or ears) or their skin feels hard/waxy with a white color, come inside immediately and follow these instructions.
- Contrary to what you’ve heard, playing outside won’t make them sick. Now, if someone has been exposed to the cold virus, then being in the cold weather can make the cold come on faster.
- Stay hydrated. Just like any other time of the year, it’s important that you and your kids drink enough.
Did anyone say bubbles?
In the winter time, bubbles take on a whole new (and fun!) dimension. Blowing bubbles on freezing days and watching them turn into ice bubbles is amazing!
Treasure Hunting
The mere mention of the word ‘treasure’ is guaranteed to light up kids’ eyes. So, why not take them on a real-life treasure hunt with geocaching? People use global positioning devices and the internet to seek out items hidden by others. Want to try it? Check out Geocaching.com for help.
Tag – You’re It!
Love the game of tag? Flashlight tag is like the fun classic game, except players tag each other with beams of light, instead of hands.
Give it a Whirl
Ice skating can be a ton of fun for kids of all ages. In the Houston area, you have a choice of ice skating indoors and outdoors at Discovery Green. Many ice rinks even have special contraptions to help little kids stay standing while learning to skate.
Hidden Trails
Hiking isn’t just for warm weather – even in a large metropolitan area like Houston there are many hidden trails just waiting for you to discover them! Winter hiking can be just as much fun as warm weather hiking!
Source: SheKnows.com
Follow Us: Facebook – Foursquare – Twitter – YouTube – LinkedIn