Don’t let cold weather keep you from getting outside and moving
Without any snow on the ground so far, you and your kids might be running out of ideas on how to get physical activity this time of year since sledding and snowman-making haven’t been an option.
It’s also a time when families are getting back on track with school and work after all of the exciting hustle and bustle of the holiday season, so it’s not unusual to feel a bit sluggish combined with a tinge of excitement at the start of a new year.
Regardless of outdoor conditions, there are many wonderful opportunities in and around Pottstown to get kids moving and you can join them in the process for some family fun. Getting fresh air outdoors this time of year can be invigorating and beneficial for both kids and adults. With mild periods of winter becoming more common, it opens up the opportunity to seek out enjoyment in new and different ways not typically associated with the season.
It can be as simple as lighting up the fire pit in the backyard to serve as a warm anchor for outdoor playtime, like tag and charades, along with a sweet treat of s’mores. Without slush and icy conditions in the way, you can venture out to the Schuylkill River Trail for that bike ride you never had a chance to take with your family in the fall, or head to French Creek in Elverson to hike on a trail to immerse yourself and your kids in nature.
This season can also serve as a chance for your child to learn to rollerskate for the first time, such as at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink in Pottstown that’s hosting a beginner class for children this Sunday. For kids who aren’t ready to say goodbye to the magic of Christmas, there’s a chance to have a final hurrah by paying a visit to Longwood Gardens’s “A Very Retro Christmas” this weekend where walking the grounds to see the outdoor fountains, trains and indoor displays can serve as ideal places for kids to release some pent-up energy.
With snow in the forecast this weekend, kids will hopefully get some of the snow they’ve been wishing for, which will enable them to break out their snow
pants, sleds and snowball-making skills. This list of ideas is one to keep handy in your back pocket to help you navigate the unpredictability of the season.
Learn to roller skate
At Ringing Rocks Roller Rink, 1500 Ringing Rocks Park, Pottstown, beginner roller skating class for ages 5+ will be held Sunday, Jan. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kids will learn the fundamentals of correct form, skating forward, stopping and how to fall safely. Safety gear is not required but is recommended (knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads and/or a helmet). Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to gear up before the class. The cost of the class includes rental skates and free admission to one public skate session where adults can join in on the fun. This beginner class is focused on quad skating, not rollerblading. Tickets can be purchased at www. ringingrocksrollerrink.square. site/product/01-07-24-beginnerlearn-to-roller-skate/8. Reduced admission if you get your tickets in advance. For more information, visit Facebook at The Official Ringing Rocks Roller Rink or call 310-323-6550.
Climb the Wall
Venture out for some indoor rock climbing at Philadelphia Rock Gym, E-520 122 Mill Road, Oak, as a family or get your kids, age 15 or younger, a 90-minute kids pass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
on weekends and holidays (first come, first served). They provide the gear and a staff member to hook kids into the auto belays. For more information, visit www. philarockgym.com/prg-oaks or call 877-822-7673 ext. 2.
Hit the trails for free
French Creek State Park, 1183 Harmony Hill Road, Downingtown, is a 7,730-acre park that offers a large variety of trails, serving as an oasis for both people and wildlife. The .75-mile trail along the southern Hopewell Lake shore is ideal for families with young children. The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset (day-use areas close at dusk). For more information, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks (print out a trail map before you go to determine the best parking lot based on the trail you choose), or call 610-582-9680.
Last chance for holiday magic
This Sunday, Jan. 7, is the last day to take in A Retro Christmas along with a train display, outdoor fountain shows and more at Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Timed tickets are required in advance and they are going fast. Indoor displays are just as magical during daylight hours. Kids can burn off their energy exploring the open grounds in between the dazzling displays. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org