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Truthfully, people can get a little "stir crazy" during the long winter months. The cold temperatures and other adverse outdoor conditions can force people indoors. Some people romanticize a cozy time indoors with a hot beverage and a book, but after a few days of that, people are ready to move. Therefore, families have to be ready for some activities that will fend off the winter "blues." This is particularly prevalent during the Christmas holiday when kids are off of school. Here are some ideas.

Board games

One way to pass the time is with a good board game. There are so many games to choose from these days and it seems like manufacturers are increasingly designing games with multiple ages in mind. Granted, not everyone is a "gamer" but it can be a way to spend some family fun time, without resorting to the same old movie. Some good games to play are Sorry, Trouble, Rummikub, Battleship, and Connect Four. As kids get older you can get into Monopoly, Clue, and Scrabble.

Bowling

The old bowling alley isn't just for league night anymore. Alleys are increasingly family-friendly and it can be a great way to spend a couple of hours. Many alleys are stocking an increasing number of lighter bowling balls for the kids. Also, some high-tech alleys can be programmed so that bumpers automatically pop up for younger bowlers and drop down when it time for the more seasoned bowler to throw.

Walking

Even though the weather is "frightful", a good brisk walk may be a good way to get the blood pumping. Granted, some people live in parts of the country that have extremely frigid temperatures so this should be done with care. However, a nice family walk in the cold may be a good way to help the family appreciate the warm confines of the house. Nothing feels better than walking into a warm house after being outside on a chilly day.

Museums & Libraries

Finally, there are opportunities in many cities to visit museums. This can be a great way to spend a cold, wintry day. Granted, larger cities will have more choices but even smaller communities have these sorts of attractions. Or, families can take a trip to the local library to check out some books. This may not be the most active event, but it does get people up and moving.

Overall, the goal of family activities is to spend time together and keep activity going so as to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Some of the winter days can be a bit dark and dreary, but a few family activities may be just the thing to spice things up a bit.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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