Seven Wintertime Uses for Summertime Things

The landscape is dotted with snowmen. Sandboxes, playgrounds and beaches are a distant memory. But even though the bicycles might be enjoying a winter's rest, don't rush to pack away all of the kids' summer toys just yet. Some of those classic summer playthings (and safety things) can come out for cold-weather fun. Here are seven summer items that can also be used for wintertime play:

1. Pails and Shovels
Who says sand castles have to be made out of sand? Send the kids out in the snow armed with these classic beach toys. Kids can shovel and pack the white stuff in the pails and turn them upside down to make all sorts of snow sculptures, forts, castles, and houses.

Another great use for the summertime pail and shovel is strictly for the birds. Fill the pails with birdseed and use the shovel to sprinkle it around the yard in the winter. Kids can create pictures and designs that the birds and squirrels will readily enjoy when food is hard to find.

2. Hula Hoops
Kids love to throw snowballs; moms hate to worry about injuries. Instead of throwing snowballs at each other, encourage kids to do some target practice. Suspend a hula hoop from a low branch of a tree or half bury one in the snow. Keep score as the kids throw their snowballs through the hoop.

3. Beach Clothes
How about a tropical themed snowman? Dress your snowperson in a bathing suit, sun glasses or goggles, snorkel equipment, and hat for a truly unique creation.

4. Bubbles
Have you ever blown bubbles in sub-zero weather? See if they freeze!

5. Pool Toys
Play a game of snow soccer with a beach ball and snow-made goals. Or perhaps you can find summer's pool noodles to use as hockey sticks. The possibilities are as vast as your child's imagination. One word of caution: although an inflatable inner tube might be tempting to use as a sled, remember that sleds should be steerable for maximum safety.

6. Bike Helmets
Speaking of safety, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children wear a helmet while sledding, ice skating, skiing, or snowboarding. Don't forget this lifesaving piece of equipment in the winter.

7. Sunscreen
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't get skin-damaging sunburn. In fact, the sun's rays can be even more intense when reflecting off of the snow. Be sure to cover any exposed parts of your child's face with sun block.

Let your summer toys come out and play this winter! Have fun and be safe.