Winter must be a terrible time for claustrophobics. After all, the urge is strong during those wickedly cold months to barricade the doors and huddle inside until April. But even the most extreme cold-weather haters have got to emerge from their lair occasionally -- especially if they've got kids cloistered in there with them. Make a virtue of the winter wonderland with some frosty winter excursions with the kids. Here are some suggestions:
1. Who says picnics need to take place in the summer only? There's something magical (and ant-free!) about an al-fresco meal on a mantle of snow (not literally: best to spread a tarp across the ground before plopping yourselves down on it). Dress in your warmest togs, and pack plenty of thermos-warmed vittles, like soup, stew and chili. Play tag or winter-time soccer after lunch, or just shoot down the hills on toboggans.
2. If you happen to live within driving distance of the house of your childhood, use a winter morning to share it with your kids. Drive past your old school, and the homes of your friends. Use the outing as a jumping-off point for lots of "I remember when" stories.
3. Throw a wintertime get-together for your kids and their friends, and make an outdoor scavenger hunt its centerpiece. Hand out lists filled with winter-weather finds, like pine needles, mittens and snowballs.
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