5 Ways to Help Your Kids Beat the Winter Blues

Greg GackHealth & Fitness

While the weather has been looking nicer, it’s still winter here in Minnesota.

Looking for some go-to activities for your family to beat the winter blues? Well look no further!

  1. Indoor Snowball fight: Use rolled up socks or gloves to make any room in your house a battleground.
  2. Make a Fort: Do you remember making blanket forts as a child? Use blankets, furniture, and pillows to make a great fort in the comfort of your living room!
  3. Make Play Dough: Young or old, everyone loves Play Dough. Play Dough is quick to make and kids can play with it for hours. Follow the recipe below.
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 cups all-purpose flour
      • 3/4 cup salt
      • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
      • 2 cups lukewarm water
      • 2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
      • Food coloring, optional
      • Quart sized bags
    • Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Next add the water and oil. If you’re only making one color, add in the color now as well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and then place inside a gallon sized bag or onto wax paper. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth. If you’re adding colors after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colors you want) and then add the dough into the quart sized bags. Start with about 5 drops of color and add more to brighten it. Knead the dough, while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Once it’s all mixed together you’re ready to PLAY.
  4. Make Puff-Paint: Make any painting 3-D with homemade puff-paint! Use equal parts glue and foaming shaving cream to make your creations come to life! You can also add food coloring to make your paintings pop even more!
  5. Come to the YMCA! One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is to stay active. By coming to the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, you can experience everything from swimming to basketball and stay active during the winter months!

We have two upcoming events that your kids will really love:

  • Egg Dive, April 4, 12:15 – 12:45 children 6 and younger can swim and dive to collect Easter Eggs. At 1 p.m., children ages 6-10 will do the same. Free for members, $2 per non-member.
  • Healthy Kids Day, April 18, 10 a.m. – Noon. There will be an obstacle course, crafts, snacks, Super Hero Photo Booth, and Emergency Response vehicles for kids to tour. Ages 10 and younger.