3 Indoor Activities for Chilly Weather!

I can’t believe the weather lately- from 80 to 50 within a week, the Midwest has truly done an about-face. Where I used to be completely comfortable walking to the local park with my kids in a t-shirt, I am now dragging out the winter wear for the short walk to our car! If you are like me, the cold weather can be daunting. I am already asking what am I going to do to keep my kids entertained when Chiberia returns? Here are three sure fire ways to stay sane when the temperature tips the freezing scale.

Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School in Evanston

Does hopping in the pool when it is below freezing outside sound crazy? Not at Goldfish where the water temp is 90 year round, and flip flops are the footwear of choice in their tropical-style heated facility. They host family swim Monday-Friday 12-1:30pm and Sunday 4-5:30pm.

This is the perfect way to increase your children’s confidence in the water and burn that extra energy. Want to try it for free? Join the League of Littles (a free membership that offers family-fun perks) and receive free family swim at Goldfish in Evanston Monday-Wedneday!

Tip: Is your little one apprehensive about jumping in the pool? Bring their favorite bath towel from home to have something familiar in the pool area. 

This adorable Crab Hooded Towel from Just Born is Charlotte’s favorite- it is large enough to make the jump from baby to toddler, and is super soft. Also, she can walk around with it on her head and I don’t have to worry about it dragging on the floor.

Run! Jump! Fly! at Kohl Children’s Museum

When you think of a museum, physical activity doesn’t necessarily come to mind. The Kohl Children’s Museum is changing that perception with their newest temporary exhibit that provides a number of activity stations for kids to get moving.

As you enter the exhibit, grab an Action Tracker to mark what challenges you visit. Here are the stations:

• Surfing and Snowboarding
• Kung Fu Forest
• Flycycle Sky
• Climbing Canyon
• Action Star Training

At the end of their visit, kids can take home a 3 Day Action Tracker to continue on their path and learn to incorporate the activities into their everyday life.

Tip: Want to find the best time to avoid the crowds? Make sure you Like their Facebook page– they post updates on field trip visits, weather pattern effects and best times of day in general. 

Cooking Classes at FlavorPot 

My son loves cooking with me, but calling him helpful in the kitchen when I am trying to get dinner on the table is well… a bit of an overstatement. We cook or bake together most days, but his sister often tries to join in the fun and cleaning up our mess is not high on my list of fun things to do. I recently discovered FlavorPot in The Glen, a culinary studio that promotes healthy eating.

They have cooking classes for both kids and adults- kids classes start at age 4 (and adult classes are BYOB- whoo hoo!!!). I brought Bryson to a class last Saturday and I fell in love with the look on his face when he bragged about making a meal ALL BY HIMSELF. Each month they have a different culinary theme, and little chef classes are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Classes are an hour long, include food for your kiddo to cook and eat, and are incredibly reasonably priced- $28 per class or $100 for a series of 4.

Tip: Drop your 5-12 year old off for a Kid’s Night Out on specific Saturdays and grab dinner in The Glen! Perfect opportunity for an easy date night. Also, use coupon code “FLAVOR” for 10% off at checkout on classes.

I love the fact that The FlavorPot is a family owned and operated business, and they truly care about your experience. The concept was born from their family’s love of cooking together, and they have put an incredible amount of work into making this a professional yet welcoming place to visit. This is a great place for birthday parties, girl’s night out, date night, or a private party. Can’t wait to go back!

What do you do when the weather gets chilly? Any unique suggestions to fellow parents for surviving the frigid temps that drive us indoors? Let me know!

Disclosure: I was provided with a Just Born towel for review purposes; all opinions are honest and my own as always!