Family Tides
The presents have been opened, the decorations packed away and the buzz of the holidays is fading. For parents, the post-holiday slowdown can be jarring as winter stretches ahead and families find themselves spending more time indoors.
But before you start counting down the weekends until Memorial Day, there are still plenty of fun and educational ways to make the most of this season. From staying active and trying something new to starting a new family ritual, here are seven ideas to help both little and big kids stay busy through the winter months.
Work on swim skills
It may feel counterintuitive to pull out a swimsuit in January, but winter is a great time for kids to dive into swim lessons. For little ones who have not yet learned, starting now provides a valuable head start before summer arrives and water activities — and risks — increase. Older kids can also benefit from sharpening or reinforcing important skills.
Check out: Indoor swim programs are available throughout the area. Bright Stars Academy in Egg Harbor Township and Five Star Swim School in Galloway offer classes for a wide range of ages and skill levels, some with caregiver participation, along with heated pools. Visit brightstarsgym.com and fivestarswimschool.com.
Get the most out of your library card
If you are not fully utilizing your library card, winter is the perfect time to start. The Atlantic County Library System and Cape May County Library System offer a wide lineup of free programs, classes and clubs for all ages that go well beyond traditional storytimes. Think LEGOs, crafting sessions, board games, yoga and more.
Teens in particular may enjoy the variety of clubs and workshops available. Some Atlantic County branches also host “Furry Buddies,” a program that allows children to practice reading skills by reading aloud to therapy dogs.
Check out: Visit your nearest branch or check local programming at atlanticlibrary.org and cmcl.org.
Start a new family ritual
Family rituals are a great way to unplug, connect and create something to look forward to each week. These do not need to be elaborate — game nights, movie nights, Sunday dinners or even a weekly walk can make all the difference.
Check out: If game nights are part of your plan, spots like The Board Room in Ocean City offer a wide selection of games to play on site (for $5 an hour per person) or to purchase. Visit theboardroomocnj.com.
Try something new
While spring and summer schedules often fill themselves with activities that keep kids busy, winter usually takes a little more planning. Toddlers are not the only ones who need outlets to burn off energy — kids of all ages benefit from staying active and keeping their minds (and hands) busy during the colder months. Winter can be an ideal time for children to try a new activity or sport.
Whether your child is creative or always on the move, there are plenty of local year-round classes to match nearly every interest.
Check out: For creative options, Northfield’s The Craftaurant and Linwood’s Paint Happy offer a variety of classes. The Craftaurant runs a Lil’ Makers Club for kids aged 7 to 11 and a Teen Makers Club for kids 12 to 16 while Paint Happy hosts programs such as Slimeology GOO CREW! and Kitchen Wizards. Visit thecraftaurant.com and painthappystudio.com.
If paid classes are not in the budget (whose funds aren’t a little tight after the holidays?), local libraries often provide free crafting activities and clubs for all ages.
For physical activities, Atlantic Fieldhouse in Egg Harbor Township offers indoor sports for all ages, such as soccer, lacrosse, flag football and more. The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County also offers programs at its CrossPlex in Egg Harbor Township. Some sessions may be full, but families can inquire about waitlists or availability. They also offer drop-in youth open play options. Visit atlanticfieldhouse.com and ehtpal.org for details.
Take a lap
Parents and kids can have a blast circling the rink at Young’s Skating Center in Mays Landing, which offers family-friendly open skate sessions. Grab a snack, glide to the music or hit up the arcade. While very young toddlers may not be the best fit, skate mates are available for children still learning.
Check out: Visit youngsskatingcenter.com for open skate times, pricing and schedules.
Enjoy an indoor play space
Last year brought some exciting new indoor play space options to our area, including Mini Minds Playtime in Galloway, Electric Donuts Play Cafe in Northfield and Adventure Nook in Cape May Court House. Each space offers something a little different, from imaginative play areas and climbing structures to softer spaces designed for babies and toddlers. But all provide an easy way to meet up for a playdate, stay warm, and let kids burn off some energy.
Check out: All three locations offer open play and special events. Visit minimindsplaytime.com, electricdonutsplaycafe.com and adventurenookplay.com for details on ages, features and pricing.
Get some fresh air
Stepping outside in the cold may feel like the last thing your family wants to do, but even a little sunshine and fresh air can go a long way toward improving mood and easing cabin fever.
Do what feels right and safe for your family. Consider a walk along the boardwalk on a mild day, or bundle up and visit some local animal friends. Winter crowds are typically lighter, and you may be surprised by how active the animals still are despite the colder temperatures.
Check out: Local boardwalks are free to enjoy year-round. The Cape May County Zoo in Cape May Court House and Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in Mays Landing are open year-round and also free to visit. Funny Farm is open Sundays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Zoo is open daily in the winter from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit funnyfarmrescue.org and capemaycountynj.gov for details.
Photos by Madison Russ
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
