Winter can start to feel long after the holiday excitement has passed, especially when daylight is in short supply and temperatures are low. It can also feel more challenging to keep your kids busy, but there are lots of fun activities that you can do, and many of them don't cost much, either. Creativity is the key ? follow your child's lead!

• Kids love trying new things. As long as you get bundled up, there are lots of great winter sports out there. You can rent or borrow skates, cross country skis, or snowshoes and give it a try.
• Many parks have toboggan runs available, and sliding in the snow can bring out the kid in all of us.
• If staying indoors is more your thing, invite some friends over and have a games night (or day). This could include board games, charades, indoor sports, or even group video games. Try to get creative: depending on the ages of your children, you could have a ring toss, a spa day, or go bowling.
• Building a snowman is an inexpensive and fun way to work together as a family. You could also have a snowball fight, or a giant snowball-making contest.
• Art activities are appealing to kids of all ages. Consider laying newspaper in the kitchen and painting, or make home-made playdough and get creative. Some of the best art supplies for kids are recycled materials like egg cartons or old magazines.
• You can also take the opportunity to teach your kids to cook or bake. Most kids love to squish dough and roll out cookies. Older kids can try more complicated recipes. Check the web for more on cooking with kids or try your favourite cookbooks for more ideas and recipes!
• The public library has lots of great books on children?s crafts, as well as cooking with kids. Your child?s school library likely also has books you can borrow.
• Sand and water are always hits with kids. Why not have a beach day? Spread a tarp on your living room or rec room floor, and put some water in a wading pool. Remember to closely supervise young children around water. Another option is to fill a large bowl or container with rice or sand, and have a mini sandbox to play with.

For more resources and ideas, click on the links below:

• Winter Wonderland
  Manitoba is known for its long winters, so get the family into warm clothing and out of the house to experience all that is a Manitoba winter!
• Arctic Glacier Winter Park
  Bring your family to the Forks in Winnipeg where you can skate on 1.2 kilometres of trails, slide down the toboggan run, skate your way through the Great-West Life Snowman Lane or try your tricks in the professionally designed Snowboard Fun Park.
• Children's Museum
• 50 Activities for Families this Holiday Season
• Winter Activities in Central Plains Manitoba
• Ski Manitoba's Provincial Parks
• Outdoor Activities in Manitoba
• Recreational Trails