After months of cold weather, try these fun activities with the kids! Whatever you decide to do, the kids will appreciate the change of pace and scenery after the winter hibernation.
After months of cold weather, try these fun activities with the kids!
As the weather starts to get warmer, kids will be kicking down the door to get out of the house. While you can’t bust out the swimsuits and sunscreen just yet, enjoying a sunny day in the city is a great way to spend time with the kiddos. Whatever you decide to do, the kids will appreciate the change of pace and scenery after the winter hibernation.
1. Go to the Park
One of the best ways to shake out the stir-crazies is to let the kids run them out at your local playground! If the weather allows, make a day out of it and pack a picnic. Kids will love making their own PB&J’s and snacks. If it’s too chilly to eat outdoors, clear some space on the living room floor and have the picnic indoors. Chicago friends, if you haven’t checked out Maggie Daley Park yet, make sure you do.
2. Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt?! Get together with a few mom friends and create a list of items that the little ones will be able to identify and find on their own. They can be items as simple as a penny, a leaf or a handful wood chips from the playground. You could also get creative and have the kids stop in at the grocery store and ask for a sticker or napkin. To make it even easier on yourself, download this printable scavenger hunt list of items that the kids can just check off as they spot them.
3. Visit a Museum
Check out your local museum! Explore the depths of the seas, outer space or the Jurassic period and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. Whatever your child’s interests, there is usually a museum to match them. Visit the museum’s website ahead of time to see if there are any children’s activities or shows available. Plus, certain museums have discount days or offer reduced ticket prices for in-state visitors.
4. Go for a Nature Walk
If there’s a trail nearby, take your kids for an afternoon stroll. The staff there will likely have some sort of activity or resource for kids to learn more about the types of plants and wildlife that live there. If you don’t have access to a trail, make a nature walk of your own! For my Chicago peeps, check out Northerly Island or take a walk along the 606.
5. Go for a Bike Ride
Enjoy the fresh air by going for a family bike ride. This is a great way to get active and burn off some of that pent-up energy. Invite a mom friend and her kids to join in and make a day out of it. If you live in Chicago, renting one of the four-person covered bikes to ride along the lake is always sure to please!
6. Enter a Road Race
It’s not everyone’s first choice (exercise, right?), but the kiddos will love the excitement and camaraderie that comes with running a race. Charities and nonprofits usually host road races as a fundraiser, so find a cause you’re passionate about and see if there is a race in your area. Invite the family to come and cheer your team on! Kids will beam with pride when they see their loved ones on the sidelines rooting for them.
7. Visit the Zoo
Lions, tigers and bears––oh my! Kids never tire of watching their favorite animals play. Honestly, even sleeping animals are entertaining! The zoo is a perfect day-long activity, and the warmer weather makes roaming around outdoors much more enjoyable. Again, check online ahead of time for discount days or special children’s events.
