The Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting Tragedy

I want to take a moment to extend my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in NewTown, Connecticut.

I can't imagine what the parents of the children who were killed are going through. Anyone with kids will hug them a little tighter and kiss them a little more tonight. I know I will.

Because this is not a political blog, I'm not going to comment about gun control. This is not the place for it.

- Brad

5 Ways To Beat Cabin Fever With Your Toddler

It's that time of year again. Unless you're lucky enough to live in a warm climate, cold weather is here. This means it's getting harder and harder to go play outside with your little ones. And what happens when we stay inside too long? Cabin fever sets in.

This begs the ultimate question: How do we keep ourselves and our kids active during the winter months? Obviously, I'm talking about kids that are toddler age. Older kids are in school, and babies generally don't play outside.

If you live in a crappy place like this, you probably deserve cabin fever.

I'm gonna give you some ideas. Though if you have your own ideas, please share them in the comments below.

Here's a few ways to beat cabin fever:

1. Find a local Monkey Bizness and/or Gymboree

Both places have great indoor activities and toys for little kids. The only downside is that both cost money, making it hard if you're on a budget.

I take my son to Gymboree once a week and we go to Monkey Bizness a few times a month. It costs us less than $10 to go. But it still adds up.

Of course, there might not be a Monkey Bizness or Gymboree close to you, in which case your screwed.

2. The Library

Most public libraries have a kids department. The library we go to not only has a kids department, but also has little activities for the kids (mostly things like puzzles, games, etc). Even if you don't have a library card, you can still go, and it's free!

Also, libraries usually have programs for kids, mostly story times. These usually require you to have a library card.

3. Embrace the Cold Winters

This means going out and enjoying the winter. If there's snow on the ground then go play in the snow. If it's not too cold, go to the park and run around. Cold weather doesn't seem to bother my son. In fact, he likes to take his jacket off after running around for a while.

4. The Mall

Take your little one to the mall to walk around. And if your son/daughter is being good, dust off your wallet and buy them a toy, or something from the food court.



When my DS was a baby I used to take him to the mall and walk around for an hour or so while pushing him in his stroller. It's not the most exciting thing in the world, but it gets you out of the house and is good exercise - which you probably need anyway.

5. Museums/Community Centers/Misc.

This is kind of a catch-all. If you live in a decent size metro area, chances are there will be places, like museums (especially ones for kids) you can go to. Beware though, if the only museum in your area is one for rare art or other expensive exhibits, you might want to keep your toddler away. Curators frown upon changing your kid's diaper next to multi-million dollar paintings.

Also check for any kind of community center. They always have activities for kids. Some will probably cost money, but if you're a lucky cheapskate, you might find stuff for free.

These are the best ideas I can come up with at the moment. Finding stuff to do during the winter is very much determined by where you live. If you're in a metro area or city, then you don't have much of an excuse. But if you live out in the country and you have to drive to your neighbors house because they live so far away, staying active might be a little more challenging.

Photo Credit: NatalieMaynor via Creative Commons