5 Toddler Exercises to do in the Dead of Winter

I can feel the warmth on my skin, the sun beaming down and warming the earth’s soil as I walk barefoot on the beach’s sand. It’s about 89 degrees outside and the smell of saltwater is encapsulating the air. It feels good to be outside, run in the sand, and feel the hot sun on my skin.

I jerk awake and realize it is actually the dead of winter in Toledo, Ohio where the weather is COLD, the skies are gray and the sun is all but beaming onto my face. It hits me…and I realize I am tired from the dreariness the winter brings this area…and I have a toddler who needs to get some energy out. I start researching the internet for things to do inside and outside in the dead of winter. There are many activities out there…and I want to put them all in one place for all of you to refer to…but sometimes the most basic activities are the ones that your child will love and ultimately remember. Take a peak at the 5 fun things you can do with your toddler, preschooler, or even school-ager.

• Go for a walk at a park. I know for us, we get sick of walking around the same neighborhood and doing the same things so it can be nice to go somewhere a bit different and keep a lookout for animals we see in the winter.

• Turn on some music and dance the day away! We love Pandora where I can put in “Doc McStuffins” or “Jim Gill” or “Laurie Berkener” and songs with similar style will play for my daughters. Break out the scarves, glow sticks and streamers and let them be creative. They LOVE to have dance parties and we do this several times a week.

• Jump on the trampoline, a crash mat, tumbling pads or swing in the house. We have these items in our home for our kids to basically have a playground in the basement. They LOVE to be creative with the gross motor equipment we have in the basement. Don’t have these things to occupy their time, no worries…take the couch cushions off of the couches and let them be creative with them. Add some blankets and chairs and an obstacle course will develop right before your eyes.

• Chase bubbles. If it’s cold enough, they will freeze. My kids LOVE doing this! Not only does it get the blood flowing, but it is FUN!!!

• Make a snowman, snow fort or snow maze on snowy days. Lie in the snow to make snow angels. Throw snowballs. Go sledding.