Finding family fun

Many parents make family time a year-round priority, but winter affords some unique opportunities and activities to bring the family together.

"It's important to have those family memories as touchstones," Whitefish counselor Steve Bryson says.

Families need to spend time together and feel they've accomplished goals or projects together to function well, Bryson says. Those accomplishments can be as simple as everyday tasks, such as the family working together to clean up the house, or can be more entertainment-oriented, such as completing a puzzle.

Working together on a project also typically generates conversation, so families are spending quality time talking with each other in addition to being productive or having fun, Bryson says.

Winter in the Flathead Valley provides a host of outdoor activities that are appropriate for parents and children of almost any age.

. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Big Mountain both bill themselves as family-friendly ski and snowboard venues. Both ski hills offer discounted tickets for children and Blacktail also has discounted passes for college students. One way to spend time together on the mountain is to take lessons as a family. For example, skiing families can try snowboarding together. Or families can hold their own lessons with the more experienced people teaching those who are a little rusty or need some guidance.

Don't forget about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Local golf courses such as Buffalo Hill and Glacier Nordic Center at Whitefish Lake Golf Club are open for skiing, along with a new Nordic center north of Bigfork as well as city, state and national parks. Families on a budget will appreciate that the majority of the venues are free. Local sporting good stores rent cross-country and snowshoeing equipment for day use.

Parents who want to get outdoors but have children too young to ski or snowshoe need not search for a baby sitter. Some outdoor gear companies sell covered sleds that parents can pull behind them to allow the children to be in on the fun. Look for the sleds at sporting goods stores or search online.

. Ice skating

If there isn't a safely frozen-over pond or lake nearby, try Kalispell's Woodland Park, the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex or the indoor skating rink at the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish. Woodland Park is free. The ice is sufficiently frozen, according to the Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department. The city will flood the pond and smooth and maintain the ice once the weather gets colder.

The Ice Den offers classes and hockey tournaments in addition to public skating times. The Izaak Walton Inn has a covered ice rink that is open through the end of winter. Both the Ice Den and the Izaak Walton and some local sporting goods stores rent skates.

. Sledding

Sledding is another economical option for families who like to be outside. Grab a sled, find a hill and go for it. Plenty of local parks, such as Woodland or Herron parks in Kalispell, have hills suitable for sledding.

. Snowman building

Building a snowman is an easy and free way for families to be together and get outside without the hassle of driving somewhere or gathering a lot of gear such as skis or snowshoes.

And for those bitterly cold days, or even just lazy weekends, there are plenty of indoor activities families can pursue.

. Puzzles and board or card games

Putting together a puzzle or playing a game can be a fun way to spend time together while staying inside and without turning to the household electronics.

"You're away from the TV and you might actually talk to each other," said Mary Witbrod, an owner of the Imagination Stations in Whitefish and Kalispell.

Local stores, such as Witbrod's, have board games and puzzles that are appropriate for a range of ages. Try the library for books on card games or search online if the family wants to learn a new game.

. Crafts

Local organizations, such as the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, periodically offer classes for parents and children to work together on crafts. Parents who are willing to get out the craft supplies at home can check the library or online for easy craft suggestions that are age appropriate.

"Crafts are great things to do because they bring everybody together," says Jessica Sturges, a teacher at Whitefish's Stumptown Art Studio. "You can actually sit down with your kids and get them to express their creativity."

Sturges suggests getting the family together to make thank-you note cards for all those holiday gifts or cards for Valentine's Day. Another craft project Sturges recommends is scrapbooking. Each person can work on his or her own page or families can all work on one page together. Looking at family photos is a great way to stir up memories and get the family talking, Sturges says.

. Read to each other

Books and stories can be a great way to get the family in the same room and listening to each other. Reading family favorites aloud or picking up new books at the library are free ways for families to enjoy stories.

"It's a family unifying thing," says Mike Hutchinson, the Children's and Youth Services Librarian at the Kalispell branch of the Flathead County Library system.

Parents who have children of differing reading levels can get everyone involved by asking older children to read to younger siblings while mom and dad listen, he says. Or the family can choose a book at everyone's reading level and take turns reading a chapter.

. Community programs

Many community organizations periodically offer programs geared toward or suitable for families. Check local newspapers, newsletters and community bulletins for information on activities such as classes, concerts or other events.

Reporter Camden Easterling may be reached at 758-4429 or by e-mail at ceasterling@dailyinterlake.com