Winter has well and truly arrived and while it certainly is not as much fun as summer, the colder weather does not mean that family time should be any less enjoyable. Here are some ideas to enjoy the cooler weather without having to spend the earth.
Let’s go outside
Have a winter picnic
Despite their name, cooler boxes can also keep food and drinks warm. As long as the sun is shining and the temperature isn’t too low there is no reason why the family can’t enjoy an outdoors picnic in winter. Meet friends at a local park or enjoy a get-together in someone’s back garden.
Take a hike or a bike
Many of the municipal parks and nature areas in our cities and towns have tracks or trails for hiking or biking that are safe and available free of charge. This will again depend on the weather; be sure to take warm, protective clothes and some drinks and snacks.
Go birding
Birding does not just involve identifying birds, but also observing them in their natural environment and enjoying bird sounds. Most cities and towns provide access to nature areas or bird sanctuaries without entrance charges or at a minimal fee − as long as the family can get hold of one or two pairs of binoculars and have the means to get to a nature area or sanctuary, you can spend a few quiet hours in nature.
Let’s stay inside
Draw a family tree
Draw one, write one, paint one, scrapbook one – use supplies you have at home to get all the information on the family together. The children will have lots of fun recording family members’ names, birthdays, birth places, hobbies and careers and will have a lovely keepsake.
Make a family time capsule
Use an old coffee tin or a keepsake box and add items such as the front page of the newspaper of the day, photos of all the family members, letters or notes, small toys and other items of sentimental value. Decorate the container and mark it with the date on which the family will open it together to take a sneak at the past. This can become an annual winter tradition.
Sources
familycrafts.about.com/cs/newyears/a/bltmcaps.htm
n.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdwatching
www.capetown.gov.za
www.joburg.org.za
www.todaysparent.com
www.tshwane.gov.za