Ah, Summertime. Shorts and sandals are appropriate attire wherever you are. The entire family can load-and-go in a matter of minutes, ready for whatever adventures lie ahead. Having outdoor fun in Winter requires a little more thought, but don't let that deter you. A proper introduction to snow sports can be life altering. With a bit of planning, your whole family will love the season as much as you do.
Before You Head Out
Checking a few simple boxes will set a positive tone for your family's winter outlook.
• Eat, drink, and be merry Everyone should start the day with a hearty breakfast. Pack snacks and a picnic lunch. Drink extra fluids, especially water, before you go, and bring plenty to drink while you are out and about. Hot drinks warm from the inside and sweeten the ambiance. Take a bathroom break before you leave and plan breaks throughout the day. Remember that kids forget...
• Pack the right accessories Make sure you’re geared up with the right snow accessories to keep you safe and dry while walking around on icy surfaces or in deep snow.
• Layer up so you can peel down Start with moisture wicking base layers, including socks and glove liners. Add insulating layers as the weather dictates. Keep in mind that children's metabolisms are like little furnaces. They burn their energy quickly. Kids can overheat, if they are overdressed, or suffer hypothermia before you realize it, if they are underdressed. A good rule of thumb is to put one more layer on the kids than you would put on yourself. The outer layer should consist of waterproof pants, coat, boots, and gloves. Mittens work better for tiny hands.
• Shun the sun, keep the fun Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Sun reflecting off snow will amplify sunburn, especially at higher altitudes. Everyone, including infants, should wear some kind of eye protection. Babies eyes should be well shaded with a wide brimmed hat or tenting. Kids should be taught to wear their sunglasses from an early age.
• Know when it's time to go Try to estimate your family's endurance (realistically) ahead of time, and plan your activities around it. If little ones miss their nap at 1:00, don't expect them to be energetic or happy at 2:00. Prepare to be flexible if conditions change, for better or worse. If things are going well, let the good times roll. If any health or safety issues arise, make sure everyone in the group can be contacted and collected quickly.
Age Appropriate Snow Toys
Kids of all ages enjoy playing in the snow, but play means different things to kids of different ages. Always make sure the activities and the kids are geared up appropriately with the right snow toys for maximum enjoyment.
Very young children have short attention spans, and often require colorful stimulation to hold their interest. Snowshoes that make animal tracks or funny footprints are an amusing way to keep them occupied and easy to follow. Molds for making snow blocks help them develop motor skills and nurture their inner architect. Colorful kid sized snow shovels let them create new pathways, build strength, and help dig out the driveway.
Older kids can't resist a snowball fight. Snowball molds will let them build an ample stock of ammo. The ever age-appropriate snow shovel is an amazing tool for fort building (and driveway clearing). A variety of snow- tossers, launchers, guns, or cannons provides an arsenal guaranteed to win the war for both sides.
No kid is too young or too old for sledding and snow tubing. With a huge variety of sleds and snow tubes available, the right one can be found for everyone. Inflatable snow tubes are a great option for family fun. Snow tubes are inexpensive, compact, and easy to store and tote. Paired with a battery operated air compressor, you can transport as many as you need for the entire family, to be inflated on site. Inflatable snow tubes are made from heavy duty materials that can take a day on the slopes with the kids - big and small. At the end of the day, they become un-inflatable snow tubes and roll neatly back into their totes.
To be clear, YOU roll them neatly back into their totes. Self storing sleds are not invented yet. Or the self-shoveling driveway. Maybe mention that to the kids... make it a contest...