5 tips to help parents survive the housebound winter months

The forecast might be beautiful today, but we all know what comes next. As any Game of Thrones fan can tell you: Winter is coming.

For parents of babies and toddlers, with diapers, strollers, snowsuits and more, it can be daunting to just leave the house. Making matters worse, most organized activities cater to children age two or three and older.

Sue, one of our regular listeners, asked for some advice on where to take her little girl during the housebound months ahead, without breaking the bank. Here are my top tips:

1. Get wet!

This feels a bit like you're cheating on winter, especially if you go somewhere with a warm pool. Each city offers swimming classes starting at only a few months old, where your baby can get used to basic swim concepts like jumping in and going under. Lessons can be expensive, but it does help you get comfortable with the idea of taking your child to a pool.

If you are a savvy swimmer and feel fine taking your toddler or baby into a pool, consider taking your child to a drop-in recreational swim.

In Kitchener: Breithaupt Pool has a warm-water pool – great for little ones! You can take your kids during family swims or public swims. It's under $10 for a parent and child, or $13 for a family pass. Lyle Hallman Pool at the Grand River Recreation Complex in Kitchener has a swirl pool and slide, with family swims every day. All Kitchener swim schedules can be found here.

In Waterloo: The Swimplex has a warm swirl-pool, and children under the age of two are free. It offers Kidsplash every day, and Parent & Tot swims on weekdays. The schedule is here. 

In Cambridge: The John Dolson Centre and the W.G. Johnson Centre each offer leisure swims at different times daily. This can be great if you are dealing with unpredictable nap times! Swim schedules are in the city's Activities Guide. 

2. Early Years Centres

These play centres offer free drop-in play space and free programming. I can't recommend them highly enough. There are Early Years Centres right across the region and in the townships that cater to children up to age 6, so they're great if you have children of different ages.

The centres are great for parents, too. You can meet other parents, and there are lots of resources for advice and support. There are kitchens, bathrooms, change stations, and nursing-friendly sofas. It's very family-friendly and your child can get used to playing with others. Look up EarlyYearsInfo.ca to find a program near you.

3. Ride the bus

It's cheap, and goes almost literally everywhere. Once they're old enough to really take in their surroundings, most kids love public transit. It feels like an adventure, with different people, new sights, smells and sounds. It doesn't really matter where you go, and you can take the stroller right on board. Keep it fun. Talk to your kids about what you're doing or where you're going. Let them press the button. Bonus: you can run errands and it will still seem fun! And you get some fresh air on the way to and from the bus stop.

4. Organize a toy and book swap

Let's face it. Some days, you just don't want to leave the house. That's when having a load of fresh books and toys can save everyone's sanity. If you live in an area with a neighbourhood association, or have lots of kids in your building or your neighbourhood, float the idea of a book and toy swap. Each person or family brings used clean toys and books in good condition. Then you swap and trade. Any toys left over can go to charity.

5. Have some outings half-planned 

The hardest part sometimes is just choosing something to do. If you have a short list of places you'd like to visit, the battle is half won. Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Libraries: They're everywhere, and offer toys, books, programming and more.

• Book stores: Many have in-store reading groups or play spaces.

• TheMuseum: Entry is just $5 on Wednesdays. It has a play space, sensory room, small aquarium and older kids might actually want to see the exhibits.

• Aquarium stores: It's a way to see some wacky fish, without trekking all the way to the Toronto Aquarium.

• Kitchener Market: Offers programming for kids on some weekdays. Keep an eye on the programming schedule here.

The key is to look around now and try out the options while the weather is still okay. That way you have some idea of what's available, and are comfortable with it once the snow finally arrives.

Now, let's throw it open to you.

If you have a great winter tradition, or a go-to option for those dreary days of winter, tweet me @thecaptainand or @CBCKW891.