A viewer named Tarea dropped us an e-mail, saying "I have a son who is 7 years old and weighs 90lbs. I would like some information about some winter activities to do as a family."
Here are a few things that came quickly to mind...
Check out some of the activities at Onondaga County Parks, like Beaver Lake, Oneida Shores and Highland Forest. They offer both free and affordable outdoor programs throughout the winter. You can check on some of those programs at http://www.onondagacountyparks.com/.
The YMCA has children's and family programs including swimming, basketball, etc., in Fayetteville, Liverpool, Downtown and Baldwinsville. Family memberships are available. http://www.downtownsyracuseymca.org/
Most schools in CNY offer afterschool programs. There are also youth sports programs in many communities around the area (We have ESM Youth Sports near me, offering competition for boys and girls in many different sports by season.) You might ask at your son's school office about what's available near you.
There are other things you can do individually, to get your children moving and reduce the "couch potato" syndrome that we all face... Things like limiting the amount of computer, video game and TV time; cutting the amount of soda your kids drink; swapping junk food for healthier snacks like fruit and vegetables; scheduling movement and activity into every day (a half hour walk, 2-3 times a week, for instance). I once had luck simply moving for a full half-hour while I watched TV... I'd do jumping jacks, side shuffles, step-ups, stretching exercises while I watched a sitcom or a game show... (and I'd even take quick breaks during the commercials.) I never really noticed I was exercising... and I really noticed a difference after a couple of weeks.
Every Tuesday, on "Bridge Street" and NewsChannel 9 at 5-6:30p, we visit local schools to see what they're doing to help students lead healthier lives... We hope those segments will give you ideas you can use at home.
I think Tarea already has one of the keys to success, when she asks about activities to do "as a family." The first thing we found out when we started 9KC is that a child can't find success on their own... It is a whole-family issue.
Let us know what works for you... We'd love to share it on the 9 Kids Challenge.
