b a b y . i t s . c o l d . o u t s i d e
{Baby it's cold outside!}
A full week of winter break can be super exhausting, but with a plan or at least a sibilance of a plan it can be more manageable. Four kids at home makes for some extra planning. Now that most of the snow has been rained out - here are some things on our list:
Visit the Wisconsin Capital: There is something about the grand, echo-y space that caters to a magical, mystical world with my kids. After spending a couple minutes *carefully* playing with the revolving doors - we check out the tree in the center of the Capital - if the tree isn't there we lay in the middle together and look up at the detailing of the ceiling. (Try it - it isn't as weird as it looks.) Then we head to the top - weather decides if we get to go to the outdoor scenic viewing of Madison or if we are guided to the interior viewing of the dome ceiling. Either variation is a spectacle for the kids. Be sure to ask information on the main floor how to get to the top - there is a specific elevator.
Madison Children's Museum: We have a yearly pass - which for our family of 6 makes more sense than paying per time we go. We pay it off after only a couple of visits. Having a pass also alleviates the anxiety for having to see and do everything the Children's Museum offers (which is a ton.) Sometimes we go there for 2 hours and just spend time in the crafting area. Other times we stop by to water plants, or feed chickens. It can get busy in the afternoons so we head there first thing in the morning when they open. It is therapeutic to sort of "wake up" with a busy place like that.
The Legacy Academy: This magical place hides in Fitchburg. It has a modest appearance in a strip mall - but once you step inside you realize what a gem it truly is. With an upstairs and downstairs - all complete with gates and age appropriate areas - it has the master design of both laid back and full of things to look at. It also brings some nostalgic feelings for parents as you see arcade games of the past. Admission covers everything and the games all function without coins. They have indoor play structures, Tarzan ropes, even a movie room that is playing movies. A bowling lane, tons of mats to jump on and latters to climb. The upstairs is geared towards younger kids - with a loft design to allow for parents to watch older kids being more active below. At $6 a kid for open gym it is a no brainer when you are looking to burn some energy on cold days.
Rockin' Jump: Jumping is fun - but few understand that it is actually therapeutic, too! Some benefits are: Teaches Persistence, Improves Self-Esteeme, Effects Learning Success, Improves Flexibility, Develops Motor Skills, Cardiovascular Workout, Improves Posture, Work Out in Disguise. There are more details if you Google search it (be real-that's what I did.) It is super fun though. Rockin' Jump has tot time in the mornings (check their website for details.) I like it because older kids aren't around to intimidate the younger kids. Although if you do come at a regular time - they have a 5 and under area for younger kids, too. They also have a foam block pit, balance beam, dodgeball area, and rock wall. All available to use with admission. We even got our own mini trampoline to use at home - it has helped with counting and alphabet learning. Here is the one we use this one.
Kula Yoga: We go to Kula Yoga in Cottage Grove - they also have a location on Monroe Street. Wednesday mornings they have a yoga class for kids. Story Book Yoga. It is geared towards littler kids, but my bigs enjoy it, too. I love the skills in self-maintence my kids have learned. Breathing techniques and fun poses that are easy to remember and fun to do. My kids love the part at the end with the darkness and the blankets (don't we all!)
Prairie Kids Club: I haven't had a chance to check this place out yet - but it is really close to us so it has become a high priority. From their website and word of mouth reviews it does not disappoint. I am intrigued by the Friday Night Drop Off Open Gym sessions. That seems pretty fun for a special treat for the kids combined with a date night.
Visiting Relatives: We are blessed to have 3 Great Grandparents living within 5 miles of us. Winter Break is an awesome time to connect with family and let them take some stress off of the adult to kid ratios! No grandparents or great grandparents nearby? Check out your local assisted living facility, bring a board game, or a craft. There are always fun, interesting grandpas and grandmas ready to have fun with your little. Ask about memory care readers, too. You can have your newly reading kiddo try out their skills while enjoying the company of a new friend who truly doesn't worry about if you mess up a word here or there. :]
Unstructured Time: When I had 3 kids and was even more overwhelmed than I am now, sitting here with 4 kids -- a friend and teacher told me - "Do not feel pressure to structure all of your kids' time. They NEED to develop skills to help them be creative with their time - on their own." At the time I was planning a lot and structuring a ton. I had library story times, classes, and even time at home was structured into Playdough time, or dress-up time, (I know I was cray.) But after that conversation I realized how right she was - and my kids were craving that independence. They still come to me sometimes to ask if they can do something - but I try my best to respond with (what do you think?) Rather than a hard fast yes or no. Sometimes, it is more of a test for myself as I guide them circularly back to themselves and their own independence, rather than just saying, "Go draw something! or "Read a book!" It is fun to see where their personalities guide them in those unstructured times, too. Kids are really capable of so much and it is truly up to the adults to expand those limits. Things that they have gotten into on their own: Fort building, drawing, play dough, legos, puppets, dodgeball (not my personal favorite), building a robot (actually turned out pretty awesome), playing outside, reading. They even help me with chores for points to go do more exciting things outside the house. (More on that later.)
Without a doubt there are tons of fun things to do in Madison that I haven't had the space to check out, yet. Let me know if you have a place I should check out. :]
xo,
Claire
