What to do With Kids in Winter

A trip to the playground or park can be less appealing when the temperature dips.

There are plenty of things you can do inside your home, but sometimes you get cabin fever and want to get out with your children to some place you can stay warm.

Whether you want to go shopping or not, malls can be a nice place to stretch your legs and stay warm, whether you’re going to King of Prussia, Springfield, Granite Run, Plymouth Meeting, Exton Square or another mall.

Some larger stores, such as Ikea are also entertaining and large. We took my son before Christmas and he loved walking around the place. We even stayed for dinner at their kid-friendly restaurant.

There are also some children’s gyms that have activities, such as Gymboree in Ardmore, My Gym in Springfield and the Little Treehouse in Chestnut Hill. I haven’t been to those, but I’d love to hear from parents who have. Are these gyms something not to be missed? Are there others that I’m missing.

Local libraries always have programs for kids and families. Here are some links for local library systems:

• Easttown Library
• Haverford Township Free Library
• Lower Merion Library System
• Malvern Public Library
• Marple Public Library
• Media-Upper Providence Free Library
• Middletown Free Library
• Newtown Public Library
• Free Library of Philadelphia
• Phoenixville Public Library
• Radnor Memorial Library
• Springfield Township Library
• Tredyffrin Township Libraries
• West Chester Public Library

Philadelphia also has some great kid-friendly museums, such as the Please Touch Museum, the Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences. Adventure Aquarium is also just across the river in Camden.

What are some other places you’ve found to take your kids during the colder months?