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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dear Just Be: The kids will soon be on break for the holidays, what can we do to stay active during this time?

Ah yes.....Winter Break! Much anticipated by children and somewhat dreaded by parents who aren't sure how to keep their children occupied and active versus watching TV or playing video games everyday while they are not in school. Not to worry, we have some fun ideas for the whole family this winter!

Luckily we live in a state that has a great deal of sunshine even as we head into the shortest day of the year (Winter Solstice is Monday, Dec. 21). So take advantage of the sunshine...when dressed properly it won't even feel cold to be outside! So grab some walking/hiking shoes, gloves, a hat and coat and head out to one of Denver's great parks - Washington Park is great for people and dog watching and City Park is centrally located. Check out one of the State Parks such as Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Roxborough, Castle Wood Canyon and others for a more outdoorsy, rugged feel. There is a lot of wildlife in these parks so keep your eyes peeled!

Another great idea is to walk around the Denver Zoo (Zoo Lights is running until January 3, 2010 for a fun evening activity), the two different locations of the Botanic Gardens or one of our fine museums. (Plus it can be an educational activity for everyone.)

If walking doesn't get enough energy out of your little ones, think about pulling out the bikes and hitting one of the many trails in the Denver area. If you head into downtown, stop at a coffee shop near Confluence Park and watch the rivers and the people while sipping on a latte or hot chocolate.

We can remember when there was a great ice skating ring downtown at the May D & F building on 16th Street, but is sadly no longer there. But that doesn't mean ice skating isn't available. Check into local small rings throughout town in downtown or Cherry Creek, head up to Evergreen Lake or look into public hours at local ice arenas in Lowry or at the University of Denver. (For more ice skating options, check out Belmar, South Suburan, or more.)

Another fun idea, which can burn calories is to go swimming at a local indoor pool and then warm up afterwards in a whirlpool, steam room or sauna.

And if you want real winter fun....go sledding, have a snowball fight together, make snow angels and you'll be burning calories the whole time.

All of these ideas can be great fun for the entire family and be sure to bring the in-laws and other visiting company along too! There will be plenty of time to sit around fires, eating homemade cookies, listening to holiday music - but you'll feel better if you've had some exercise each day.

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