We survived the winter holidays but my the kids and I are facing another week of Winter Break family after New Year’s. That’s another week of figuring out how to entertain my three kids, which is never an even task with a texting teen, a texting tween and a six year old.
Here in Florida it doesn’t feel much like winter with temperatures hitting 80 degrees. At the moment the only cold I feel is the cold shoulder my kids are giving me while their faces are warmed by the glow of their devices.
For the New Year, there is promise of cooler temperatures to break the warming trend we’ve seen this winter here in Florida. While we do experience the occasion “cold snap” and sweater weather, we rarely see snow flurries. However, when the cold fronts roll in we tend to see quite a bit of rain which can make for an unhappy holiday.
However, there are ways to find winter this season and if you’re willing to drive north. I highly recommend using the WeatherBug app, which is regarded as the best weather radar app for Android devices. When compared to other weather apps, it provides users with more information and detailed forecasts that can be used for a bunch of different reasons, which a must for any mother runner like me. Yet, the best reason to use any of these weather apps is to help find the perfect time to be outdoors with your kids this winter.
Three Things to Do With Your Kids This Winter
Sledding
Sledding is certainly on the top of most kids’ lists as far as fun things to do this winter, regardless of age. Sure, teenagers will scoff at the idea, but that only lasts until the snow starts to fall and they see everyone else getting ready to go.
Although sledding might seem like an odd choice for a Florida winter, there is plenty of sledding to experience at ICE! at Gaylord Palms. This year’s ICE! features everyone’s favorite Christmas hero, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang.
*photo credit ICE!*
*photo credit ICE!*
Snowmen or Sandmen
Maybe sledding is not really a viable option for you and your family. In that case, nothing says winter like building a snowman, or an entire snow-family. Or on a beautifully warm winter Florida day, brave a beach trip and build a sandman and sandcastles. If you can afford a road trip, keep an eye on your snow weather apps for upcoming snow reports so you know when to head up north and buy an extra bag of carrots!
Winter Festivals
While festivals are not what typically comes to mind for most people looking for fun in winter, they are very popular. You have everything from ice cravings to entire ice villages, depending on where you live. You can even go for an authentic style sleigh ride, complete with hot chocolate and sleigh bells. This season, my family and I will be making spirits bright at our favorite winter festival, the Town of Celebration’s Now Snowing event complete with soapy Florida snow, “ice skating” and sleigh rides.
Photo credit to Fun Learning Life
And there’s still plenty of time to visit Rudolph and the gang at Busch Garden’s Christmas Town in Tampa and SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration in Orlando!
*photo credit Busch Gardens*
Winter is a season of family and good cheer. Even if you’re having a hard time braving the elements be it snow or rain, you can still find great ways to have fun with your kids in your own backyard. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to create good memories, all you need is a little bit of snow and a little imagination. In fact, a can of silly string or instant snow are a great way to beat the heat and Florida winter blues!
This is so adorable Denise!
Thank you! xox
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