Warm weather is coming and with it new opportunities!

Get out and enjoy some sunshine!

The thought of temps above freezing is amazing and will be a reality as highs in the 50's and possibly 60's is in our future. What a thought - jacket weather! 

Hopefully this snow will melt and dry things up a bit because the only thing worse than kids cooped up in the house due to the extremely cold temps that don't allow kids to enjoy the snow is warmer weather where they can enjoy the great outdoors only to be playing in a yard full of mud.

What are your plans? Here are a couple and if you want more be sure to check out my column (Grab and Go Kids Planner) on South Whitehall's edition of patch.com.  While you're there check out this week's Frugal Family column as well for some local bargains and deals! AND come back here on Friday for a special new feature - Friday Freebies! 

 * Visit the Penguins for Lunch and enjoy Keeper Talks

When/Where: Daily (weather permitting) at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Jaindl Penguin Pavilion at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Why Go: Aside from the fact that it will actually be warm enough to enjoy a day or two  outside this week, what better way to spend it than to head to the zoo to visit a few of the biggest fans of the arctic weather we’ve grown a bit weary of.

Pricing: Since they’re still operating in their off-season, admission is $7.75 per person.

* Cool off during the ‘Heat Wave’

When/Where: Friday, Feb. 18 at noon at the Whitehall location of Rita’s (2874 MacArthur Road)

Why Go: It will actually be jacket weather after more snow days than we would care to remember and it’s Rita’s opening day at this location. Cheesecake Cream Ice, Mango/Orange ice and new sugar free chocolate are among their new flavors for this season. How can you not be cool and eat a Rita's?

Pricing: Prices vary.

Get out of the house!

The recent number of snow days has led to many Moms on the verge of insanity. Some of us who home school are used to having the kids home all day but for some - it's like Summer only the great play land of the great outdoors is out of service.

Since the weather appears to be behaving it's time to get out of the house and let the kids get busy. My column on a local patch.com site offers a few ideas of what to do:

It's never too cold for ice cream!

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

This week we offer ideas for shaking off cabin fever at an area gymnastic center, the library, local sports venues and more.

* Lunchtime Flip Zone

Where/When: At Parkettes on Mondays from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Why Go: An hour of tumble time for your kids ages 1 through 7 in the Parkettes’ preschool gym. Get the younger ones ready for naptime and get all the kids their hour a day of recommended exercise.
Pricing: $7 for Members; and $9 for Non-Members.


* Try High Intensity

Where/When: Independence Family Fun Center; open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Rock climbing, mini-bowling, laser tag, skating and more. Let the kids get out that pent-up energy in a variety of ways!
Pricing: Kids age 3 and under are free; pricing is per activity with a combination pass available for $22

There are a few more ideas online so if you're interested check them out and like them on the patch site to share the info with your friends. :)


I also write a Frugal Family column that highlights some local deals that's worth checking out.


If you're looking for ideas for yourself and friends be sure to check out my other column - Get Out - that posts on Thursdays on www.SouthWhitehall.Patch.com