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For the first decade of my life, I lived in Hawaii. As magical as living on a tropical island sounds, there are several negatives as well. One downside can be: weather. Same weather, every day. All year long. Forever… You can imagine my excitement, that first winter, when I first saw SNOW at age 10 in Japan! Since then, I have grown to enjoy all four of the seasons and appreciate not feeling stuck in one climate all year long.
Now, I live in the south-central part of Pennsylvania. This winter we have been getting hit with bands of serious winter weather. Check out my top activities that we enjoy away from home. Playing in the snow-covered yard or being cooped-up in the house gets old really quick. How do you avoid Cabin Fever? Movies? Bowling? Roller Skating? I would love to read your comments and ideas.
Have you ever been snow tubing? We live about 45-60 minutes away from three mini ski resorts. They make great day trips, and run my 11-year old ragged. Our kiddos often feel more antsy indoors before we do! So, grab some layers and find a slope near you. You can watch from the warm lodge, or challenge your friends and family to a race down the hill. We always have a blast. Here is an example of information in our area:
Dates: 12/25 – 2/15
Time: approximately 8am – 10pm (varies by day)
Misc:
– All tubing participants need to sign a release
– Tubers under 18 require parental signature
Pricing:
– Boot rentals: $5
– One Hour: $20 (non-peak time)
– One Hour: $27 (peak time)
– Two Hour: $25 (non-peak time)
– Two Hour: $32 (peak time)
– Kiddie (age 2-4): $9 unlimited
Click here for an example of a local mini ski resort trail map
Over the last few years, I have noticed indoor trampoline parks in our area. They are wonderful places for parties, or just to grab a friend and bounce around. You can pick to bounce alone, play basketball or even join a game of dodge-ball.
Here is information in our area:
Hours range from: 4pm – 8pm, 10am – 11pm
Different times and pricing for different ages or classes may be available. For example:
My daughter can usually only last a single 60-minute session! I am still recovering from knee and back issues, but as soon as I am able – I will be joining her here!!
I was very surprised to find a local premier indoor rock climbing facility. We found people of all ages and skill all throughout the building. It was very impressive. The pricing was not too bad, and safety was taken very seriously. Google ‘indoor rock climbing’ in your area and see what you find.
Rate: $14 day pass, in addition to shoes, lessons or anything else you need.
Not all your activities need to be physical. What about a COOKING COMPETITION? Depending on the age range or skill in your household, you may just want to do a decorating or cooking competition:
- Buy or bake cookies, cupcakes, etc. and decorate with any kind of candy of choice
- Watch a ‘how-to’ video and see if you all can re-create it together or separately.
- Determine different parts of an entire menu. Pass out meal assignments (salad, side, etc). Run to the store with a list. Run home and start cooking.
Make sure to create a formal ‘Judging Session’ at the end to determine prizes like: ‘BEST USE OF GREEN’ or anything you can thing of. Be creative and have fun.
ALSO, check out your local libraries! Often they have all kinds of programs for all ages, especially during winter.