Parents are always looking for inexpensive family fun. Timely, with autumn here and winter around the corner, there’s no need to look further than the backyard or the local park. Getting outdoors during the colder winter months can build memories, strengthen relationships, and just be an all-out fun bonding experience for families. Playoutdoors.com offers these great ideas and the gear to go with it.
1. Birdwatching
Get to know your local birds. The fall migration of birds is a wonderful time to teach kids about birds. Help kids identify the birds at your feeder by borrowing a birding field guide from your library or using one of the many fantastic online resources for bird identification. Binoculars are also a great way to see birds upclose and personal. There are many brands of kids binoculars available that are both lightweight and small enough for little hands and eyes.
2. Snowshoeing
A less expensive sport for people in snowy areas, the nice part about snowshoeing is that almost anyone who can walk can do it. From preschoolers to teen sizes, snowshoes attach easily to boots and provide hours of family fun, fresh air, and exercise.
3. Go on a picnic
There’s nothing better than sharing quality time and a family meal in the crisp, outdoor air in the middle of the day. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the local park or farther away these are the moments children will remember sharing when they grow up. Picnic baskets today have evolved from charming baskets we used as kids. Today there are a variety of easy to carry soft coolers that keep food organized and cold at the same time…and also work year-round.
4. Snow Painting
All kids need is a few water bottles with a squirt top, some water, food coloring, and some snow. Fill each bottle with water and some food coloring and then head outside. A little imagination and some creativity will result in some great works of art. Playoutdoors.com recommends bottles that are BPA free and that can be easily cleaned.
5. Build a snowman, ice castle…
Oh, remember those days building snow people with the first snow fall. t Playing in the snow and packing snow should be fun for kids, not miserable, cold and wet. When introducing little ones to snow play, it’s important they have the right gear: coats and mittens, scarves, hats, and snow boots. Waterproof is the key to staying warm and dry. Waterproof and insulated mittens work best on children to age 7. Gloves are recommended for older kids and teens.
Hi Sue -
Great post. I especially love the idea of snow painting – I never would have thought of that!
Carol
A.K.A. Finger Lakes Travel Maven