IT’S GREAT OUTDOORS
It’s worth suiting up your child and heading to these destinations to make the most of the winter months, whether or not there’s snow on the ground.
It’s easy to use the weather as an excuse not to spend time outside as soon as temperatures start dipping, but this Norweigan saying might inspire you to think otherwise: “There is no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothes.”
Basically, it’s all about dressing appropriately so that any type of weather can encourage instead of deter adventures to be had outdoors. Aside from layering, things like wool socks, insulated waterproof boots, mittens instead of gloves and a hat that stays on can mean the difference between your child lasting an hour outdoors vs. just a few minutes before he wants to head back inside.
As parents, sometimes we’re so focused on gathering everything to properly outfit our children that we tend to forget about ourselves.
Time spent outdoors playing with or supervising children can also be more enjoyable for adults if they make an effort to throw on a pair of long underwear or leggings under pants, as well as wear a hat and gloves.
Just grabbing a coat and heading outdoors isn’t going to leave you feeling that you want to last as long as your little one is having a blast outdoors.
You can even prepare a nice piping hot cup of tea in a travel cup to enjoy once you get to your destination.
A tip when traveling in the car is to save the hat, mittens and coat to put on your child once you have reached your destination, so he doesn’t sweat and end up with soggy clothes that may make him feel cold as soon as he gets outdoors.
There is something about time spent outdoors in the cold that is invigorating, and it also gives your family a dose of sunshine and an excuse to warm up with hot chocolate once you’re back inside.
The great thing is that you don’t have to spend a cent to make the most out of the season outdoors. For most of these destinations, the only cost will be for the gas you use to get there.
Here are some places to go and explore that are worth layering up for regardless of temperature. You don’t have to wait for the snow to make the most of the outdoors this winter!
Ringing Rocks Park, Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County
Ringing Rocks Park is a boulder field where you can take your child to explore, and the highlight is that he can literally strike the rocks to hear them make ringing sounds. All you have to bring with you visit the park is a hammer, and the kids will find that each rock makes a different sound.
This is one time your child can get away with banging all he wants because kids are encouraged to do so at this park.
For more information: www.visitbuckscounty.com (Search: Ringing Rocks Park)
Cost: Free
Bouldering in St. Peter’s Village, Chester County
Visiting The Rocks Trail at St. Peter’s Village is the opportunity for your child to climb and explore all of the different sized boulders, most of which are impressively large in size.
Kids will be sure to get out any pent up energy, and you might enjoy it just as much as they do. It is best to break off of the trail once you enter The Rocks Trail and follow the large boulders along the creek. Afterward, pay a visit to St. Peter’s Bakery to warm up with some hot chocolate and a cookie made from scratch.
The entrance to the trail is just behind the quaint village of St. Peter’s.
For more information: www.alltrails.com (search: St. Peter’s Village The Rocks Trail)
Cost: Free
Tree house exploration at Tyler Arboretum, Media, Delaware County
Your child can explore the themed tree houses at the arboretum. There are also many trails and seasonal plants to spot, so the plant identification aspect can serve as an educational opportunity for your child in between the fun he will have exploring the incredible tree houses.
For more information: www.tylerarboretum.org (Search: Exhibits)
Cost: Admission fee varies for children and adults
Important: Call in advance to confirm the tree houses are open the day you plan to visit.
Your local playground
Kids will love having the playground all to themselves. During the summer months, they might be more inclined to have to wait for a turn on the swing set or slide, but not in colder temps, since playgrounds are usually like ghost towns.
For more information: www.reading.macaronikid.com (Search: Playgrounds)
Cost: Free
Wyomissing Creek Trail, Wyomissing
There is something special about hiking alongside water that adds an extra element of fun for children, and they don’t have to get wet to reap the benefits.
From the side of a creek, they can see if they can spot any fish or try to skip a rock or make a leaf boat and see how far it will travel.
There is something about time spent outdoors in the cold that is invigorating, and it also gives your family a dose of sunshine and an excuse to warm up with hot chocolate once you’re back inside.