In this high-tech world, it can be a challenge to escape the lure of the screen. From cell phones to handheld video games or e-book readers, family members often sit in different corners of the house using their devices.
This makes it even more important to schedule quality family time.
Making Time to Eat
Creating a balance between activities throughout the day isn’t always easy. With each member of the household usually heading in different directions, it’s a good idea to find ways for everyone to come together. Mealtime is one of the simple ways to meet up regularly.
“Dinner should be an important time for your family,” according to HealthyChildren.org, a family resource website sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. “As often as possible, all family members should eat together at the dinner table, without the distraction of television. During dinner the family can share the day’s activities and participate in enjoyable conversation.”
Children can help cook these family meals too.
Then, while the dishes are soaking in the sink, children and teenagers might enjoy a family game night. Many board or card games can be played from ages 3 and older.
Crafty Moments
Families can find ways to create and get crafty without breaking the bank. The Internet has simple searches for “free printables” or “children’s worksheets” that yield easy-to-download activities for younger children. The well-known crayon company, Crayola, offers free coloring pages on its website too.
Outside the home, the Northeast Ohio area boasts craft-related activities in family-friendly facilities. At Lakeshore Learning Store, “Free Crafts for Kids” takes place every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for children ages 3 and older.
“We run our events kind of like an open house,” says Randy Rzepka, assistant manager of the Beachwood location. “You never have to call with a reservation. The kids just come in to have fun. They make their craft, they take it home with them and they love it.”
Simple craft kits are available for purchase on-site and usually range in price from $5 to $15.
A current schedule of events is available online at LakeshoreLearning.com.
Indoor or Outdoor Play
Families can look to activities they can enjoy outdoors, which just requires some bundling up during this time of year.
The park systems around the region offer winter activities including cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding, snowshoeing and tobogganing. Easy-to-use interactive maps are online to help plan a visit.
However, when temperatures are bitter, recreational facilities provide a way to exercise indoors.
For example, the Mentor Civic Arena is the only indoor ice skating rink in Lake County and is open year-round. The complex holds two regulation-size ice rinks, a studio rink, snack bar and locker room. Open skate prices for youth ages 17 and under is only $4.50 each. The rink also offers special skating events.
Each county has its own YMCA system, but all have a common denominator — family-friendly fun. The Green Family YMCA, located near Akron, has a unique “Caribbean” theme families will find especially enjoyable. The facility features a zero-depth entry pool within the aquatic center, family and standard locker rooms and more.
The Mercy Health & Recreation Center, a Lorain County Metroparks Facility in Amherst, offers a variety of programs for toddlers to teenagers, Ryan Ladd, facility coordinator says.
“We do have some family types of programs we like to run weekly or monthly,” he said.
The first Sunday of every month is “Sunday-Funday.” For only $3.50 per person, families can enjoy movies, board games, snacks and other activities. The last Friday of every month through the spring is “Teen Night,” where for $5 teenagers can enjoy pizza, beverages, games and swimming.
The center also features an indoor water slide and an eight-lane pool. Membership programs are available on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, Ladd said. Members enjoy the same special events free or at reduced prices.
“On a weekly basis, we have Monday Morning Moms,” he adds. “It’s an opportunity for kids to meet other friends and for parents to sit down and have a cup of coffee and a toddler play date.”
Dads are welcome at this event too. The cost is $2 and includes a craft or activity for children.
