It is inevitable, the winter season will create weather conditions when you are unable to get outside. As a result, you will have days when you are stuck inside with your children.

Since this is a reality, for some of you in colder climates it may occur more often, it is best to have some ideas planned ahead of time to help occupy your children’s time and make life more enjoyable for yourself.

Indoor activities like mini-sticks, table tennis or pool can help pass some time, but only for so long. So when that fun ends, what is a child to do? Or should I say, what’s a parent to do with their child?

I’m not going to suggest you clear the living room furniture, throw down a set of bases and hope the television doesn’t get whacked by the whiffle ball. Trust me, that is a recipe for disaster and I speak from experience.  

Instead, maybe you can get out of the house while also avoiding the outdoors.

Have you considered going to watch a local game?

While attending a major college or professional game may not always be feasible, there are numerous local high schools or smaller colleges that offer basketball games, often for less than a night at the movies.

Taking your little one to see a high school hoops game is a great way for them to see basketball at a different level. Imagine the learning experience while watching players in a zone defense with their hands up in the air. My guess is it will have a bigger impact than any of the times you’ve yelled “hands up!” from the bleachers.

It’s also a chance to take your kids to watch a sport they’ve never played or seen. Ice hockey, wrestling and swimming are perfect examples. Given the costs and accessibility issues of these sports, many kids aren’t afforded the opportunity to participate in them. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be exposed to these popular winter activities. And you never know--your little football player could develop a love for another sport in addition to the pigskin.

It’s important to make sure to take your boys to see girls play, and vice-versa. Imagine the look on your son’s face when he realizes girls can not only skate, but handle a puck while doing so…and lay out a pretty mean check too. And be sure to check out your daughter’s reaction the first time she sees a male gymnast. It’s important to eliminate stereotyping while your kids are still young and impressionable.

These poor-weather day alternatives can get your whole family out of the house and moving. Plus, it’s more fun than reading ‘Cat in the Hat’ for the ump-teenth time.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years, originally as a coach and board member with his now-adult son and most recently "just as a dad" with his 8- and 10-year-old sons. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Not an Expert, Just a Dad … In this Crazy Game Called Life,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.