Got Cabin Fever? Where to Go with the Kids in Winter

The Question: It’s too cold for playgrounds and yards and pushing a stroller over icy sidewalks is an ordeal of late. What are you doing to keep the kids (and yourself) sane and happy this winter? What activities, outings or indoor fun do you recommend?

The Answers: Our Mom’s Council (for dad’s and guardians too) strongly recommends play dates, and Council member Kate Van Sleet put together a really helpful list of indoor outings for when you just have to get out--including some free fun for vacation week. Let us know what you do. Add your advice in the comments!

A: From Lucas Friedlaender (read about Lucas below)

Since I run a store and I’m here five or six days a week, I don’t have the pain of cabin fever, but what helps us during the winter is play dates. You need to make the most play dates that you arrange.... Invite yourself to friends houses or ask them over and don’t be shy about making it happen. Don’t worry that they might be busy or worry that your house is too messy. Just reach out and get people together.

A: From Kate,  (read about Kate below)

The key for me has been to reach out to other moms just get the kids together. The kids really just want to be playing with each other--you don't have to take them to museums or other public venues to accomplish this. Everyone can take turns hosting the convention of kids for the most exciting thing around: somebody else's new and different toys! If you don't have your moms gathered up yet, it is time to stop being shy. Chat up friendly looking moms of other kids in school/daycare and get those email addresses to start organizing your simple and sanity-saving afternoons together.

A. From Kate van Sleet, a roundup of outings for the days when a play date isn’t enough (read about Kate below)

• The Somerville Public Library - Story hour and kids programs (see the calendar here). Great, free programming.  Gets you out of the house and meeting new families in town.
• Isis Parenting (the closest one is in Arlington) - Isis has several classes geared to different age groups.  They can be a bit pricey but they are good.
• Children's Museum- Don't forget to check your local library for free or discount passes!
• The Inside Playground in Watertown and Kids' Fun Stop in West - Both are indoor playgrounds.  Inexpensive but can get crowded.
• The Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston.  Very inexpensive  admission fee.  The Mapparium is well worth it (probably best for kids over 6).  They also have free school vacation week programming for next week.
• The Science Museum - Great for older kids, but can be expensive for a family so check the library for discount passes.
• The MFA The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is offering great kids programs next week for school vacation. And kids get in for free!
• The Prudential Skywalk) - If your kids are old enough this is a great activity.

Lucas Friedlaender: I’m  a father of three (a 5-year-old, a 4-year-old and a 15-month old and I co-own Twinkle Star Baby Boutique in Porter Square with my wife Kerri Friedlaender, so I’m around kids and the children’s world all day everyday. My wife and I are pretty involved in parenting circles in Somerville. 

Kate van Sleet: I’m a paralegal for public television, but my primary job title is "Mom" to my 17-month-old daughter.  I chose to join the council because though I have lived in Somerville for nearly ten years, I am new to the world of parenting and would love to connect with other parents in the neighborhood.  My family loves Somerville and is always looking for ways to participate in the community.  I also serve on the Board of Trustees of the Somerville Public Library. 

Kate “The Neighbor Lady” is mother to a 3- and a 5-year-old, a full-time employee of an illustrious area institution and confidant and neighbor to all who care to lean over the virtual fence to chat with her in her incarnation as the on Somerville Patch.

Want to join the ? Contact deniset@patch.com