Keeping Kids Active During the Winter Months

It's always a challenge for parents to keep kids busy so that they're not sitting in front of the t.v. and video games. The winter months are generally the toughest. So, I complied a list some of the best ideas for keeping kids busy during inclement weather.

One of the best and cheapest resources is your local YWCA or YMCA . The kids' favorite is the swimming pool. You can sign them up for swimming lessons or just pick up the pool schedule and bring the kids over for open swim. Some of the Y's offer other activities like : arts and crafts, movie night, bowling trips and much more.

How about rock climbing? It' s no longer just outdoors. There are indoor rock climbing facilities popping up everywhere. Kids get exercise and don't even realize it because they're having too much fun.

Skating rinks are everywhere . It's easy, inexpensive and kids love to hang out and listen to music. If you're not into wheels then chock out the ice skating rinks. Some are indoors and others are outdoors and most rinks let you rent skates if you don't have any.Bundle up, grab some friends and have some fun.

Bowling leagues are becoming more and more popular. They usually meet one or two days a week and the cost is affordable. Check it out with your child. Most bowling alleys are also offer bowling time when then turn down the lights, put on the disco ball and crank up the music.

Sign your child for ballroom dance classes. The studios have group classes and package deals that aren't too pricey. Ballroom dance popularity is rapidly growing and who knows your child could become a star.

Signing your child up for gymnastics can be expensive, especially when they're taking tree or more classes a week. There are other options though. Gyms have times during the week when you can pay a small fee and let your child "drop in" , safe , supervised fun. The other option for teens is that they help teach classes and get free or reduced lessons for themselves.

Go to your library . They have many resources and activities available , some which are based around reading others which are not. We like to reserve passes from our library for free or discounted admission to museums and aquariums. These are perfect for rainy days, too.

Don't forget to utilize those great snowy days for some awesome outdoor recreation. Sledding, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, building snow forts and snowmen and make sure you have at least one memorable snow ball fight. Have fun , keep active and stay healthy.