The snow is falling heavily, and the thermometer is following suit. The wind howls all around, piercing all the winter-proofed windows and doors, bringing a chill to the room. As a stay-at-home dad, these are the days I dread most.
Back in June of 2011, I left a dead-end job to keep our 3-month-old daughter Abigael out of daycare. It was a tough transition, going from the corporate world to a day filled with smelly diapers and early morning feedings. But as the season began to change from summer to fall, I found myself easing into the role. We’d go for long walks, head to the park for swinging on the swings, or just head to the lake and watch the waves roll in. She loved being outside!
Then winter hit with a vengeance, and those walks came to an end. Too cold to swing or head to the lake, what could we do? Well, with a little research, I found plenty of means to beat the cabin fever that was already setting in for me and Abby. If you’re at home with a little one (or a few of them) you can’t go wrong with any of these ideas.
I’ll start with the library because it’s the most accessible to everyone and won’t cost you a dime. No matter where you live in Northeast Ohio, chances are you’re close to a library. And most libraries offer a children’s area with books, games, and activities for kids of all ages. Abby and I make it a point to head to the Lakewood Library at least once a week. Their children’s area is perfect for playtime. And there are usually at least a few other babies near her age that she loves interacting with, plus I get to talk to actual adults. It’s a win-win situation.
The Cuyahoga County public library has 28 branches, all with at least a little space devoted to a children’s area. Many offer story times for children as well – check with the branch closest to you for dates and times.
When you’re searching for something to do, you can’t go wrong with a simple trip to the library. Abby and I plan on checking out a few other libraries and their children’s areas when the weather allows.
Another option is The Little Gym. This chain of children’s centers is a great way to get out of the house and try something new. For babies as young as 4 months, the gym offers parent involvement classes. These are a great way for new parents to bond with the babies while both have tons of fun.
For the younger tykes, 4 to 18 months old, there are programs about birds and bugs, while toddlers will enjoy the Monsters and Super Monsters program. Kids 4 and over can take part in classes pertaining to dance, karate, and gymnastics. Cost for a 20-week program is a bit pricey – $360 – but if you break it down, it comes out to about $18 per class. There are Little Gyms all around the area, including locations in Fairview Park, Shaker Heights, Sagamore Hills, and Avon. Abby and I plan on taking advantage of a free introductory class sometime soon.
And one our favorite pastimes when the weather was warm was a trip to the Cleveland Metroparks. While it’s true that we can’t really take nature hikes anymore, there is still a really fun nature center near the Huntington Reservation full of fish, reptiles, and birds. We’ll be there at least once or twice this winter. Other nature centers are located in Rocky River, Brecksville, and Garfield Heights.
Plus, the amount of classes and activities the Metroparks offers for kids is staggering. While Abby is probably too young for most of them, that shouldn’t stop parents of older children from checking out the list. Chances are you’ll find something that looks like fun.