Winters in Almost Heaven, West Virginia are traditionally cold and snowy. Local families are finding ways to keep the kids busy in the great outdoors – and in the warmth of their own homes.

 

Hannah McCall said it’s her family’s tradition to sled at Compton Park and they do so every time they get the chance.

 

“We also like to go on walks at City Park and near the little creek by Compton,” said Hannah, referring to the portion of walking trail that runs behind Stout Street and ends on James Street.

 

Dance parties are also a favorite pastime, she said.

 

Ditto for the Sabatino girls.

 

“We also love sledding behind Bridgeport Baptist Church, baking, doing talent shows, playing Pictionary and trivia games, as well as movie nights,” said Kate Sabatino.

 

The Cilento family has been spending plenty of time in the kitchen, cooking and baking.

 

“We just made our first batches of homemade pasta,” said Ashley McCauley Cilento.

 

When the weather cooperates, the kids are outdoors covering some ground with their hoverboards or bicycles.

 

To avoid too much screen time indoors, the family has invested in plenty of Legos for some creative building experiences.

 

“The kids also made a fake karate dojo and are Ninja training,” Ashley said. “We’ve also been busy playing Yahtzee, UNO, Guess Who, Jenga and we also taught Gianna how to play Black Jack.”

 

Adam and Tara Perine love being outdoors with their kids; sledding when it snows; biking or hiking when it’s warm enough.

 

“When it’s even a smidge warm – like 50 degrees – we ride in Johnson Elementary School’s parking lot,” Tara said. “We’ve visited all the Bridgeport parks, even on cool days. We love the trail through the woods near Simpson Creek that connects back behind the high school.”

 

When stuck indoors, the girls work on honing their makeup and art skills. All three kids like playing with Kinetic Sand and Play Dough. They like TV and video games, too. Nintendo is their game system of choice.

 

“But we limit their TV and Nintendo Switch time,” Tara said. “They get grouchy if they play too much on those.”

 

Music is always being made in the Perine house. And there's no limit on that, Tara said.

 

During the last year or so, the family has also had fancy family dinners. Everyone dresses up, Tara said.

 

The Arnold family are great fans of games, but not your typical board games such as Monopoly and Scrabble.

 

“We love finding unique games and playing them,” said Krista. “Some of our favorites are Splendor, Azul, The Crew, Code Names, Concept and Medium.”

 

The Veigel family also loves sledding, either at City Park or Hinkle and Deegan Lakes. Disney trivia, board games and building puzzles keeps the kids busy when indoors.

 

Molly Cooper said her family’s favorite games are Spot It and Clue.

 

Outside, sledding is the activity of choice. And when there is no snow, sometimes they just plan in the mud.

 

“We also do lots of winter hikes with Gramps, where he teaches the kids about nature and survival,” she said. “We encourage a lot of life skills during this time, too, like helping each other out and planning a meal.”

 

As the Coopers have four dogs, they also spend much time training their four-legged family members.

 

The Belcastros recently added a dog to their family.

 

“It had been about a year since our Lab passed away and the kids had been begging,” said Jaclyn Belcastro about 9-year-old Maleia, 8-year-old Mya and 7-year-old Julian. “We figured since we are stuck at home, this would give us the opportunity to give the kids more responsibility, helping to care for the dog and train him!”

 

The family has been reading and watching videos about how to crate train and other articles about training tips. Julian even educates the dog.

 

“He enjoys reading to him verses his mom,” Jaclyn said.

 

Sledding, followed by hot chocolate, is a favorite snowy day activity. The kids even learned to make their own hot chocolate bombs and decorate them.

 

Panting on canvas and helping mom in the kitchen are other ways to spend time creatively. They also play cards and board games, not just for entertainment.

 

“Many of the board games and card games can be great skills for learning,” Jaclyn said. “Some of our favorites are Sequence, UNO, Family Feud and Gestures.”

 

The Insani kids look forward to every opportunity to suit up and venture outside for some snow play. Just as fun is returning inside and stripping off the snow gear for some cozy indoors fun. Even bathtime can be a party. 

 

"We have glow-in-the-dark bath parties," Christin Insani said. "It's something to do and fill some time! And we have all the glow sticks in the world at the Dollar Tree to choose from."

 

See more family fun photos in the gallery below!

 

 

View Photo Gallery

Families Make Winter Fun