Local Fun for the Wintertime Blues

0

fun in winter

Call me crazy, but this South Carolina girl LOVES Colorado winters.  I love cold weather, snow, a crackling fire, cups of hot coffee, movie marathons and comfy blankets.  But as much as I romanticize the winter months in my head, there comes a time when reality hits me in the face and this mama starts to go stir crazy- and I’m not the only one, the kids feel it too. So, here is a list of some of my favorite (mostly free) places to go with my littles during the cold months here in Colorado Springs.

  1. Whit’s End (Focus on the Family): This awesome play place is completely free!  There is a baby and toddler playroom, a make-believe room with dress-up clothes, a stage and puppets, an airplane (indoors) to explore, and a large climbing play place that leads to a three story tunnel slide! You can even reserve private rooms for winter parties for free.
  2. Imagination Celebration: Located in the Citadel Mall, the Imagination Celebration is a great place for your child to explore, learn, and create. Their events calendar lists specific programs, exhibits, and live performances, or you can just show up and let your child make an art project with their supplies, read some books, and check out all sorts of stimulating educational displays.
  3. Pikes Peak Library District: Each of the library branches in our district are amazing.  If you want a break from the routine, create a plan to visit different branches on different weeks.  There are plenty of educational toys, books, computer games, DVDs, and so much more.  There are also music programs, reading programs, Paws to Read, and other activities that your little ones will be sure to love. The library is also a great place for your child to make new friends and gives you a chance to socialize with the other parents.
  4. Café 225: This downtown coffee shop is the perfect place to meet other moms. They have a great play area downstairs with games and puzzles so your kids can play while you enjoy coffee and the fellowship of other adults. There is also a wooden play struture with a slide and some kiddie basketball hoops. This is great for a playdate that both moms and kids will love.
  5. Skyzone/Monkey Bizness: If you’re looking for ideas to give grandparents for Christmas presents for your kids, both Skyzone and Monkey Bizness are great options.  Skyzone is an indoor trampoline park.  They offer toddler time (ages 1-5) on Wednesday mornings at 10am for a discounted rate. Monkey Bizness is a large indoor playground with a separate area for babies to enjoy as well. They have an art room with painting easels and a large chalkboard wall too.
  6. Denver Free Days: Want to take a little day trip? Many of the Denver museums and attractions offer certain dates with free admission.  Some of the locations with free days include the art museum, the Nature and Science Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Doll and Toy Museum, and the Denver Zoo.

fireplace book

Sometimes, getting out of the house is as easy as having lunch at ChickFilA and letting the kids play on their indoor playground.  You can also join a moms group that plans organized playdates.  If you need a break to get some Christmas shopping done, find a friend you trust and come up with a swap schedule where you can take all the kids while she shops and then she can take all the kids while you shop.  There are so many possibilities. Don’t let the winter hibernation blues get you down; there’s plenty of fun to be had!

What are some your favorite things to do with your littles in the winter?