Keeping Kids Active During Winter in the 'burgh

Why is it when we turn our clocks back every Fall we literally cut our days in half? There's nothing more dreadful than driving home from work at dinner time and it's dark out, especially if when you left for work that morning it was also dark out! Pittsburgh's Winter Season makes it a bit of a challenge to do family outings and keep your children active. We as parents have to make the time to get involved with our children, get them moving and get them motivated! Once you make that commitment and schedule it you will stick to it and it gives the little ones something to look forward to all week. I've found the following activities to be "kid-approved" and even listed the price points for your convenience.

Skating: Bladerunners in Warrendale offers public skating times on Mon, Fri and Sat evenings @ 7:30pm and also Sundays at 1pm. Admission is as follows- 12yrs and up $6, 4-12yrs old $5 and 4 yrs old and under is $3. Skate rental is available for $3.

Newman Gym at North Allegheny High School: The facility is open year round with memberships that include use of the indoor track and the 3,500 sq ft fitness center. Here again, maximize that membership fee by taking a younger child to walk the indoor track (even in a stroller) while the older ones utilize the fitness center. Cost is $275 for the family membership for one year.

RAW- "Realize the Athlete Within": This training company is located in Wexford, offering sessions for preschoolers and up called the Fitkids Program, and a teenage Youth Strengthening Program as well. It's refreshing to see affordable fitness training for children like RAW offers, most gyms in the area come up short for classes or only offer personal training for teens that can be very costly. Fees for the courses are generally around $10 each, more detailed information is available on their website. www.raw-training.com

Gymboree: Located in the Wexford flats, has Family classes for Play, Music, Art as well as sport classes for your little ones. Ages for these are between 3-5 years old. Go on-line for a free coupon to try a class for free. www.gymboree.com (prices are based on a 10 week schedule at one class per week)

Baierl Family YMCA Center: This is a nice option for families with children of various ages. Enjoy indoor swimming with your little ones while your older ones can enjoy a karate class or the climbing wall. Only one parent to one child ratio programs such as trailblazers and Indian princess courses are also available. Rates are $94 per month for a family membership with an additional registration fee due at signing.

Climb North: The facility is located just outside of North Park on Wildwood Rd. and features various climbing walls with 30+ routes to the top! This is a great way to get your child moving and teach them independent thinking at the same time. It takes a little courage for some little ones but the reward is priceless once they make it to the top! Climb North is open weeknights from 5-9pm and Saturdays from 12-8pm with fees at $8/hr to climb and $4 for equipment rental.

Get outdoors as well- skiing, sled riding, snow boarding and hiking are enjoyable for the whole family. Making the effort to dive into even one of these activities per week will shorten those long winter months, while also exposing your children to new sports they may even excel in!