Dash Winter Doldrums With These Child-Friendly Activities February 7, 2024 Cold weather and rain do not need to prompt inactivity in your children or grandchildren. This winter, get them out of the house and moving with some child-friendly activities. Start with a positive attitude and the right clothing, said Trevor Peterson, PA-C, of Main Street Family Medicine. “If you have a good attitude about being outside in rainy or snowy weather, children will also. And if everyone’s wearing the right clothes for the conditions, it can be fun to splash through puddles, squish through mud or catch snowflakes on your tongue,” said Peterson. Activities to Get Outside Take a Hike (or Walk) The Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast are full of beautiful trails close to home, with mountain trails not that far away. Trails can range in level of difficulty, so refer to your local Parks and Recreation website, the National Park Service website, or a mobile app like AllTrails to help you determine the best location for the children in your group. When it comes to clothing, it may help to remember the old saying, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” Be sure to dress for the conditions in layers of clothing that can be added to or removed as needed, with warm outer layers, hat and gloves. Don’t forget waterproof jacket, boots and hat, and possibly snow pants. “Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water for each person in your group. Hiking can really build up a thirst and appetite,” said Peterson. “It’s a good idea to have a hearty meal before you head out as well.” Pack a Winter Picnic Sure, a summer picnic is a must-do. But a winter picnic? The idea could be just quirky enough to be a fun surprise for the kids. This can be done anywhere – haul it with you on the trail, grab a picnic table at your local park or create a spread in your backyard. While you can fill your picnic basket with the usual summer fare, it might make it more special to bring winter belly-warmers like thermoses filled with hot chocolate, soup or warm mac and cheese. If you’re in a place where you can have a fire, roast hot dogs and marshmallows on sharpened sticks. If bringing sandwiches or other finger foods, don’t forget fingerless gloves. Be sure to pack a waterproof blanket or tarp for sitting on, as well as an extra blanket or two for wrapping up in. Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt A scavenger hunt is a good way to help children notice details of the natural world and experience the differences between seasons. Start by creating an age-appropriate list of things they can look for on their walk around the park or neighborhood. It can be anything – a bird’s nest, a thorny branch, a park bench, a spider web, something brown or green, even paw prints. “Each find in a scavenger hunt could be an opportunity for you to talk with the kids about winter habitats of wildlife and how they differ from other seasons. It’s a good way to feed a child’s curiosity and sense of wonder,” Peterson noted. A Google search of “Nature Scavenger Hunt” will turn up free, printable sheets and other ideas you can use for this project. When Outdoor Play Isn’t an Option “Some winter weather conditions aren’t appropriate for all children, especially on bitter cold days. It’s good to have a few inside options in your back pocket to keep the kids active,” said Peterson. Go for a Swim Many communities have indoor public pools with hours open to the general public, especially on weekends and school holidays. These are usually staffed by trained lifeguards. “Be sure and talk with your child about pool safety before entering the pool,” said Peterson. “Make sure your inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets at all times and join them in the pool so you can watch them closely and help them feel comfortable in the water,” Peterson said. “Remind older children especially to always jump into the pool feet first, don’t play breath-holding games, don’t run on the deck, stay away from pool drains, and stay close to other swimmers and not go off on your own.” Jump or Bounce Indoor parks with trampolines or inflatable bounce toys can be a good way for kids to burn off extra energy from being cooped up inside on dreary days. Choose a place with a good reputation for safety and staff on-hand to supervise proper use of equipment. “There can be a risk for serious injury like broken bones or concussion, especially with trampolines, so make sure you watch children closely and ensure they are jumping appropriately – not too high, one person at a time and no flips,” Peterson said. Inflatable toys are usually a bit squishier often with soft sides, which can make them a bit safer and more protective of younger children than trampolines. Create In-Home Opportunities If staying home is the best option, you may need to get more creative with your ideas to get the kids moving. Consider setting up an inside obstacle course with stools to step up and over, pillows to hop over, a 2×4” board to walk on requiring balance, chairs to crawl under or over, and more. Or, if you or the kids have favorite music, turn it on and have a dance party. Building a fort using blankets or sheets draped across chairs and tables is always fun. Hide and Seek is also a kid-pleaser, especially if the adults play along. “Children need to have physical activity each day. Moving their bodies not only improves the fitness of the cardiorespiratory system, but also builds bones and muscles, helps the brain develop, stabilizes weight, and can help shift anxiety or depression and improve mood,” said Peterson. “Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, helping kids find a regular healthy physical outlet for their energy is a good way to model healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime.” Trevor Peterson, PA-C, sees patients at Main Street Family Medicine. He can be reached by calling 541-451-7940.
