Winter can be a cozy and peaceful season. However, if you have little ones at home, you may find yourself longing for warmer days when the kids could burn off energy outdoors. Don’t let the winter doldrums get you down! There are plenty of ways to stay active around NYC and Long Island all winter long. Here are the Dr.STITCH team’s favorite family-friendly activities to beat the winter blues.
Get Physical!
- For families with children over 5 years old, indoor rock climbing can be a great winter fitness option. Let kids harness their natural energy to climb and adventure in a safe environment that can help build confidence and be fun for the whole family. Gravity Vault in Melville offers classes and groups for kids, teens and adults. Brooklyn Boulders has locations in Brooklyn and Queensbridge and offers Kids Academy for little climbers as young as 5 as well as teen programs for ages 12 to 17.
- For something a little more zen, Yogi Beans makes yoga fun and accessible for everyone at 7 locations throughout New York City and Long Island. Little ones can bend and bond with you in Mommy and Me classes while older kids and teens learn about proper alignment and breathing techniques.
- If mini-golf is a summertime family favorite, there are several super fun indoor mini-golf courses that let you keep up your swing over the winter! Check out Glow Golf in Garden City or Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park.
Get Cultured!
- The Long Island Children’s Museum and Children’s Museum of Manhattan offer exhibitions, workshops and performances that are educational, enriching and fun.
- Young art appreciators will be wowed by the world renowned Museum of Modern Art and parents can take advantage of free admission for kids under 16.
- Learn about safety, honor and history at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum.
- Science enthusiasts and airplane lovers will have a blast at The Cradle of Aviation, Long Island’s Air and Space Museum.
Get Crafty!
- At Casa De Spin in Massapequa, kids and adults can create original art (and parents can indulge in a glass of wine!) Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, their custom spin art machines will help you create a masterpiece.
- Create a momento together at ARTrageous in Rockville Center or Funtime Pottery in Franklin Square. Everyone can choose a pottery piece such as a mug, vase, plate, or picture frame and then customize with paint – fingers or brushes are ok!
Get Cozy!
If bad weather keeps you from venturing out of the house, here are some fun ideas for home:
- It is amazing how much entertainment a little slime can provide! Make homemade slime, but be sure to use a recipe without harsh chemicals – Get our doctor approved safe recipe here.
- Take it old school! Do your kids know that phones used to be attached to the wall and games were kept in boxes? Put down the candy crush and break out CandyLand, Monopoly or other classic board games for some friendly family competition.
- Everyone knows that treats taste better when made with love, so spend quality time together in the kitchen. Get kid friendly recipes from The Spruce or Parents Magazine. Supervise at all times and make sure to keep sharp knives and appliances out of reach of little ones (they can help stir and sprinkle.) Use this time to teach older kids about kitchen safety.
We hope that your family has a fun winter (and that it goes by quickly!) Stay safe, but if accidents happen, call Dr.STITCH. We hope you never need us, but we’re here if you do! Save our number to your mobile phone for on-call service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.