Cabin Fever

So you don't have to be a homeschooler to experience the joys of cabin fever. I'm kinda worried with the forecast this week of highs in the low 20's and lows in the single digits!! So I decided to make a list of fun things to do to keep you sane in the winter months. Most of this will pertain to the Hudson Valley, but you can find alternatives in your area!

1. Go to a Children's Museum! If you have not found the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, you are missing out! Great place to go on those cold snowy days. A family membership is $70 for a year of unlimited use. Plus half of it is a tax write-off to a charitable cause. If you just want to test the waters though, you can get free passes at Adriance Library in the city of Poughkeepsie.
http://www.mhcm.org/web/play;jsessionid=FE6E92D5B712EC2FFA7B9133C45C42F2

2. And speaking of Adriance, our local libraries offer so many free programs for kids. Go to their websites & see what they have to offer!  Best part, they are FREE!

3. An indoor playspace. In this area we have 3 - Jumpin Jakes in Fishkill, Jumpin Jakes Discovery in Poughkeepsie and Kids Kingdom. There are particularly great when they need to RUN! They can be a little pricey, but many have discount days or cards that give you a free visit after you visit so many times. Plus, many of them have free wifi so the kids can play and so can you!! If you have little ones, I suggest going during the school day. Those places can get a bit crazy when the big kids are there.

4.  The Bronx Zoo. I know, I know, it's outdoors. But there are so many indoor spaces at the Bronx Zoo that you can keep warm. The Bird House, the Mouse House and the Reptile House are just a few. And I bet if you've been there before on a nice day, you really haven't spent much time in the indoor spaces. So bundle up, bring some hot cocoa with you & check out all the cool indoor spaces the zoo has to offer!
http://www.bronxzoo.com/

5. Ice skating or rollerskating. In this area McCann Ice Rink at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center or Ice Time in Newburgh are great for ice skating. Hyde Park Rollermagic in Hyde Park is open for rollerskating. Check them out!

6. Go to an Aquarium. The closest around here is the Norwalk Aquarium, but it's only about an hour drive. See the seal feeding, pet a stingray or a shark, do a craft or watch an IMAX movie. Lots of fun things to do! PLUS if you get a reciprocal membership to OUR Children's museum, you could go to the Norwalk Children's Museum across the street for FREE!
http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/

7. Looking for something FREE? For Free is for ME! Both Home Depot and Lowes offer free classes on weekends for kids. They let the kids get down and dirty with tools and build something very cool. Check their websites for dates, times and if reservations are needed. Also, if you get a group together, places like AC Moore and Michael's will give the kids a tour and a craft to do for FREE! Call to find out details.

8. CHEAP movies are right around the corner at Silver Cinemas 8 in the South Hills Plaza. Movies are $3 and $2 on Tuesdays!! Can't Beat That!!!

9. Finally, get creative! Have playdates, have a crafting party, movie night with friends, create a mall scavenger hunt, build a fort or an obstacle course, a day of baking......the ideas are endless!

And, if you are brave, you could always bundle up and go OUTSIDE to play! Brrrrrrrrrrr     Good luck! Only 56 days till Spring!!