In Search of Cold-Weather Family Fun? Hit the Ice!

posted by Julie Ryan Evans February 10, 2011 at 9:28 PM in Big Kid

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Hockey gets a bad rap for being a rough, knock-down, drag-out, fight-filled sport. And in the big leagues, it can be, which makes for great entertainment. But it also can be a great family activity this winter while temperatures are cold. No body checks required.

It provides great exercise, and a little family competition is always fun. But if you've never played hockey, you may be intimidated by the sport. Don't be. Here's all you need to know to host a friendly family ice hockey game:

A Break From Cold News: Kids Winter Gear Sales Sizzle

posted by Jeanne Sager February 7, 2011 at 9:30 AM in Toddler

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The record cold snaps and snow piles have done a number on our spirits, but they've absolutely decimated our closets. All those hats and gloves we stocked up on in the fall for our toddlers seem to be missing. Or, if your house looks anything like mine, there's one glove per pair, and possibly a hat that does not match any of said gloves.

The bad news is you've got two more months of winter, and no groundhog is going to make that go away. The good news? Bring on the sale prices to stock back up!

50 Ideas for Indoor Fun in the Winter

posted by Sasha Brown-Worsham February 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM in Big Kid

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My children are currently sitting at home, looking at their sixth snow day of the winter of 2011. While most of the parents I know are slowly going crazy from all the work piling up that they never have time to accomplish, their children are going extra crazy.

We live in a small city condo and my children are so tired of staring at our four walls. They're lucky to have one another, but I think they're even starting to get tired of each other. If your kids are like mine and need constant supervision, then good luck to you.

Luckily, there are many, many winter activities for them to do that don't involve freezing to death. Here are 50 of them:

Sledding: The Great Winter Sports Equalizer?

posted by Jeanne Sager February 1, 2011 at 8:45 AM in Big Kid

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I feel bad for sledding. It's the red-headed stepchild of the winter sports family. Skiing is in the Olympics, it's cool! Ditto snowboarding!

And who doesn't like a good brawl hockey game? Sorry, at the end of the day, I'm old school. Throw on a pair of snow pants, climb to the top of a hill, and go down on your booty. You don't have to be especially athletic or coordinated (raises hands), and you can still have a ton of fun.

Paging all kids. Get thee to the hills. But first, maybe one of these will help get you in the mood:

Snowman Building Checklist -- Creative Winter Kid Fun

posted by Sheri Reed January 31, 2011 at 9:36 PM in Big Kid

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Buying a Snowman Kit isn't necessary!

When it comes to kid-friendly seasonal activities, I'm all for pre-made DIY craft kits that make a parent's life easier. It's so nice to be able to pick up an affordable kit full of hard-to-find materials so you and the kids can get the fun underway in a snap.

However, I draw the line at the Snowman-Making Kit. No one, I repeat no one, needs to purchase a kit in order to build a snowman. That's just silly. Half the fun of building a snowman is setting forth on the scavenger hunt around the house beforehand. Trust us! Everything you need to perfect your snowman -- his eyes, nose, mouth, clothing accessories, etc. -- can be found in or around your home.

5 Awesome Destinations for Winter Family Fun

posted by Julie Ryan Evans January 30, 2011 at 10:45 AM in Healthy Living

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While the cold weather may make you want to hibernate inside and not emerge until spring, there's a lot of fun to be had amidst all the snow and ice and frigid temperatures. While sun and sand are nice escapes, embracing all that winter has to offer with a cold-weather family vacation can be amazing too.

Here are five awesome spots for family vacations that actually make winter fun:

Winter Activities By Age: Snow Angels to Hockey Pucks

posted by April Peveteaux January 27, 2011 at 11:45 AM in Big Kid

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More snow might just be headed your way right now, so it's time to give in and and go for the gusto. You can't beat the cold, so get outside and teach your kids that winter fun makes the whole "freezing my butt off" thing worth it.

Of course, some winter activities are better for little ones, big ones, and medium ones, so check out this handy guide to age-appropriate adventures.

Button up everyone's coat, and put on the water-proof boots -- it's snow time!

Cheap Cabin Fever Cure: Outdoor Toys Come Indoors

posted by Jeanne Sager January 25, 2011 at 8:45 AM in Big Kid

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Did you hear parts of the U.S. are looking at possible records for snow fall this winter? If you've been stuck inside with your kids for weeks on end, something tells me you're not surprised. Especially not when you add in the record cold temps that have made it impossible to send the kids out to even play in all that white stuff.

With so many school days canceled in my neck of the woods they're already yanking some of the planned days off, I've gotten desperate. I've given up on making her go through all the inside toys. We're both sick of them. It's time to start bringing the outside toys inside. This could save you from wasting money on a mad dash to the mall to cure your cabin fever:

5 Winter Getaways Toddler Travelers Will Love

posted by April Peveteaux January 18, 2011 at 12:20 PM in Toddler

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Azul Fives HotelHow many of you are over winter already? If you've already gulped copious amounts of hot cocoa, sledded more than not, and worn out the snow-shoes, it might be time to head to a warmer climate. Or an indoor option with water slides. Either/or. Toddlers can only take so much of your four walls, so if you've ever thought about taking a winter vacation, here are five fantastic options that will make you wonder why you never thought of doing this before.

Whether you prefer an all-inclusive with unlimited booze and a spa, or a fantasy land for the kids, these five winter getaways have been thoroughly tested by The Stir, or The Stir associates (aka, friends/consultants). Get the heck out of dodge now, and fly away to a toddler (and parent) wonderland.

Want to Survive Winter With Your Kids? Throw Out the Books

posted by Jeanne Sager January 11, 2011 at 6:30 PM in Toddler

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Under normal circumstances, the concept of trashing books would have me on the front lines screaming censorship. But this is winter, and you are stuck in the house with the kids. These are not "normal circumstances."

These are dire, I'm going to pull my hair out and start eating it and thinking it tastes like chicken if these kids don't give me a moment's rest, times. And so, I say this for your own sake Mom. It's time to put the old standbys out to pasture (or at least in the attic). You need to put together a new winter reading list to survive. Or at least to keep you from asking your husband what happens if you give a pig a pancake when he tries to make conversation.