Baby It’s Cold OutsideKids will find fun and fitness when they venture into the snow for winter play.
By Beth D’Addono
Outdoor fun doesn’t have to end when the temperatures dip below freezing. Besides the obvious choices of skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of alternatives that won’t break your budget. “It’s important that you talk to your child and find out what is purposeful and meaningful to him,” says David Gallahue, dean of Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Individual activities, like hiking, snowshoeing, boarding and cross-country skiing, may hold more appeal than team sports.
First Things First
To ensure safety and comfort, send kids into the great outdoors with appropriate gear.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” says Mike Logsdon, executive director of the Adventuresports Institute, a school affiliated with Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland. It may sound obvious, but your kids won’t enjoy being outside if their noses and fingers are numb.
For suiting up, David Gallahue, dean of Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, recommends two layers of clothing made of moisture-wicking polypropylene followed by a third layer of fleece and finally, a waterproof outer layer. “Add a hat—also made of wicking fabric—and mittens, which are better than gloves for keeping little fingers warm.” He cautions against dressing in cotton, because it retains moisture and actually draws heat out of the body.
Young downhill riders should wear a helmet, goggles and wind-resistant outwear. Also, Sunscreen is a must even during dreary winter days.
Lastly, have some warm beverages handy for any outdoor activity. These keep the body hydrated and help it maintain temperature.
Create and Explore
Once your child is dressed appropriately, there are plenty of activities that can transform a seemingly barren landscape into an outdoor playground. Gallahue’s approach to capturing a child’s imagination is simple: give it a name—make it a game.
“A visit to the park can become an adventure when you’re hunting for fossils or animal tracks or even identifying birds,” he says. You can also keep an eye out for the biggest trees and have your child measure the circumference of the trunks with her arms.
Bike riding, in-line skating and skateboarding are safe options when there’s no snow or ice on the ground. After a snowfall, the playing field changes. Building sculptures, angels and forts, having snowball fights and creating a mound of the white stuff and then climbing to the top are activities that can keep children entertained almost indefinitely.
Kinetic Energy
It’s important that your kids stay moving when the mercury drops below freezing. Snowshoeing is a great activity for all skill levels, because if you can walk, you already have the know-how. Cross-country skiing takes a little more practice. Andy Miller, director of kids programs at the Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington, teaches snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice-skating. “I let them choose an adventure and work at their own level,” he says. And since not all kids have the same skill set or level of coordination, make sure you bolster their confidence as they learn. “Encouragement is more than just praise,” says Gallahue. It entails saying something positive, but also incorporating an instructional comment and ending on another positive note.
For downhill skiing and snowboarding, beginners should start by taking a lesson with an instructor. Don’t be surprised if kids literally “hit the slopes” during the first day or two. Let them know that tumbles and falls are normal. With time, skill and confidence will develop.
Whenever a young person is learning a new activity, it’s vital that an adult remain nearby to supervise. “She may be equipment savvy, but it will take experience for her to build proper judgment,” says Logsdon. “I don’t assume that a youngster has the mental capability to weigh all of the relevant factors.” For older kids, who might be interested in sports such as ice-climbing or ice hockey, this is especially important.
Regardless of the season, you’ll find that when your child spends time outdoors, it has a positive effect on his physical well-being. It also adds to his emotional growth and development. But bear in mind that if you want your child to get moving, you’ve got to lead by example. “If you’re a couch potato, chances are your kids will be too,” says Gallahue. On the other hand, “If you show them that being active is a fun part of everyday life, it’s a lesson they’ll carry with them forever.”
At What Age?
Experts agree that starting your children young is the best way for them to become hooked on outdoor activities. Here are some wintertime suggestions for different age levels.
Four and up
Outdoor exploring and hiking
Snowshoeing
Ice-skating
Downhill skiing
Cross-country skiing
Five and up
Ice hockey
Snowboarding
Eight and up
Ice climbing (Kids should have experience in rock climbing before they try the same thing with ice. They’ll also need to be able to use ice-climbing tools, which require hand-eye coordination.)
According to a 2006 study of ski resorts, the proportion of patrons who were under the age of 18 rose to 15.5% in 2005/06, up from 12.9% in 2004/05.
Source: 2006 National Ski Areas Association
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