Get Out of the House: Activities to do with Your Family This Winter!

The winter can be a difficult time when it comes to planning things to do with kids. The rest of the year is good for playing outside, but there are times when it is just too cold to even consider that. Instead, you opt for the usual of playing board games or going to see a movie. While that is all good fun, we have a few suggestions of other things you can do when it is unbearably cold outside!

 

Jump, Skate or Golf

Yes, these are all activities that you can do indoors! If you are looking for exercise going to a trampoline park such as JumpNasium or Skyzone is definitely the way to go. It is a great way for everyone to have fun, maybe play a quick game of dodgeball, and get moving. You’d be surprised at how sore you are afterward.

Ice skating is a classic winter activity, move it inside by going skating at either the Floyd Hall or Richard J. Codey Arena. If that is still too chilly for you to consider, try roller blading or roller skating at United Skates of America. This roller rink also has fun arcade games and laser tag, which will bring out the competitive side in all of you! There really is something for every family member to enjoy! If you’re looking for a more low-key afternoon, there is always mini golf. Monster Mini Golf is a revamped version of the classic activity with the holes being swarmed by glow-in-the-dark monsters. This is not your average mini golf!

Learn Something New

Getting kids to go to a museum over break is not an easy task; however, the recreation options available it is a real game-changer. At the Montclair Art Museum artists, performers and scholars lead all sorts of courses. There are a variety of museums to visit too! The Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum for small children, the Nutley Historical Society Museum for an older crowd and the Newark Museum, which has various exhibits and programs. Now grab everyone and get ready for an experience that is both fun and educational!

Dabble in the Arts

If you’ve already spent a day looking at art, why not try creating some yourself? Express Yourself Studios offers a wide variety of art classes for children as well as camps for school breaks. Express Yourself isn’t only for kids, bring your whole family for an afternoon of pottery or have a cup of coffee while painting your very own canvas. If producing art with your hands isn’t your thing, you could also get involved in local theatre. Both Outpost in the Burbs and the Papermill Playhouse have great programs for people of all ages to get involved with music, volunteering and creating. If you are feeling like watching rather than participating, catch a show and support the local talent.

Another activity that may not immediately come to mind is cooking. Chef it Up has cooking classes for children of all ages to engage in. Cooking lessons are a great way to spark interest in the culinary arts and teach children the benefits of making your own food, such as eating healthier. Who knows, maybe they will even offer to cook dinner for you one night!

 

Be One with Nature

If your family’s heart is set on exploring the great outdoors, there are a couple of ways to do that without getting frostbite. The Newark Planetarium, located at the Newark Museum, gives visitors a cool perspective on the universe we live in. The interactive theatre focuses on astronomy, space and planetary science during each show. If you are looking for exploring something a little more down to Earth there is the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary. Learn all about nature in New Jersey through programs for people of all ages or go on a snow moon walk to experience nature at a time of day, or year, you wouldn’t normally.

Don’t let the snow intimidate you, especially if you have a KIA with four-wheel drive! With snow days bound to occur, and another school break coming up quickly, there is no better time to explore all the fun pastimes in the Nutley area.

 

Sources:

 

• Fun New Jersey: http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/COOL_THINGS_TO_DO/Top_50_Attractions/top_50_attractions_in_essex_county_nj.htm

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