Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
Winter is almost behind us! Cabin fever has officially set in, the excitement of the holidays is well behind us, and kids are itching to stay busy. With a few weeks left of colder weather, we all seem to be getting a little restless. It’s only a matter of time before they’re back on their bikes and outside with friends, but until then, here are a few outlets for their boundless energy.
Visit the public library.
Local libraries are a free, convenient, and fun activity for the kids. Many libraries offer free crafts and hands-on activities for family members of all ages. While many things are still virtual due to Covid-19, there are to-go crafts available at many locations and online activities to keep young minds busy. The Ocean City library offers Tinker Tuesdays, an online creative building activity for children aged 5-10. Many of the local branches offer storytime for various age groups, crafting sessions, and age-appropriate book clubs. Visit AtlanticLibrary.org to check out what your local branch has to offer this month.
Make a summer bucket list.
Summer is right around the corner. Next time you find yourself stuck in the house, pull out the crafts and work together to create a list of things you’d like to do together as a family this summer. Spend time brainstorming together then allow the kids to create a wall-worthy bucket list to hang up. Ideas can include building a giant sandcastle, taking a road trip, trying a new pool or beach, visiting every beach on the Jersey shore, having a water balloon fight, riding an entire bike path, attending a baseball game, learning a new language, and so much more. Have fun with it!
Jump or skate
South Jersey has so many indoor activities for the kids. Get Air in Mays Landing is a no-brainer for kids with an abundance of energy. Check out their website for toddler time, special offers, and coupons. For older kids, bring out the ice skates and visit Skate Zone in Atlantic City. They offer open skating sessions for the public as well as skate lessons and ice hockey leagues. Young’s Skating Center in Mays Landing has been a South Jersey classic since the 1970s. The iconic skating center offers open skate, parties, and classes.
Make a “bored bucket.”
A bored bucket is a perfect rainy day activity. Grab a small cup and a ton of popsicle sticks. On each popsicle stick, have your child come up with something they can do when they feel bored. When the time comes, encourage them to reach into the bucket, pull out an idea, and have a little fun. Ideas include dancing, karaoke, playing with playdoh, playing a board game, practicing piano, starting a new book, creating a new challenge, having a dog tea party, and so on. Come up with simple ideas that have boredom-busting power.
Visit an arcade
We tend to think of arcades as summertime boardwalk activities, but many local arcades are open year-round. Arcades are a great way to keep their bodies and minds busy on a cold day. Check out The Lucky Snake in Showboat, Starcade in the Hamilton Mall, or any of the boardwalk arcades.
Bundle up for the outdoors
For those willing to brave the chilly weather, beachcombing is a rewarding and potentially profitable winter beach activity. Rent or buy a metal detector and hit the beach to discover the treasures left behind last summer. You never know what you’ll find!
Not quite ready for the ocean breeze? Lace-up and hit the trails. Estell Manor Park in Mays Landing and the Nature Reserve in Egg Harbor Towship are easily walkable hiking trails for the whole family.
We’re almost there, Shore Local Moms! Soon we will be sitting in our beach chairs with toes in the sand, exhausting our little ones in the summer sun. For now, hang in there and try to get creative with the winter weeks we have left. The light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright!
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
