- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Winter Fun!
Have a Ball This Season
By Marie-Helen Goyetche
Your child will really enjoy this activity because it will make him feel big. Buy your child a child-size shovel and let him "help" you after a snowstorm. Not only will your child benefit from the fresh air and exercise, but he'll also feel proud for helping you with the work.
Catch Me
Follow around in each other's footprints in fresh snow. When fresh snow isn't packed, it will take double the effort for both you and your child to walk in. Take turns running after each other in the snow. If you have many children over, bring out noisemakers and have a parade.
Outdoor Winter Fun: No Snow Needed!
Bubbles
Have you tried bubbles outside in the winter? Let your child jump up and try to burst them. The bubbles stay a little longer because of the cold air.
Sliding Away
Use a piece of cardboard from a cardboard box (about 12 inches x 12 inches) to use as a sliding carpet. Who can slide down the farthest? Who's the fastest? Take a bigger piece of cardboard and sit on it together and go for a tandem ride. Sliding can be done on a hill with snow, on sand or on the grass
Obstacle Course
Set out some hula-hoops, old tires, boxes, toboggans and any climbing structures already in the backyard. Let your child run, jump, climb, slide -- remember not to let your child just stand around. Be especially cautious with climbing structures. Children who are dressed in bulky clothing for winter might notfit as easily as they would in shorts in the summertime.