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PLANTING SEEDS: Sledding Adventures

Ahh, the lure of the couch on a cold winter day. The TV on, the kids quiet, could it get any better? Well, actually, yes, as I recently discovered. Staying indoors is certainly tempting on frigid days, and I certainly do it often. But there is great fun to be had outside.

Father and daughter enjoying Scenic Hudson's recent Winter Fun Day.

A couple of weekends ago, I finally pulled myself up off the coach, bundled my body and my children's bodies with numerous layers and headed outdoors for a sledding adventure extraordinaire. We were upstate. It had just snowed about six inches, and the conditions were ideal give or take a wind chill factor of -5. But regardless, how had I forgotten just how much fun it is to fly down the mountain on a sled? I completely lost myself in the fun of playing in the snow, sailing down a hill on a sled and even the drudgery of pulling my four-year-old up the hill for the hundredth time. Even with the wind whipping around, I didn't hear any whines or complaints from the kiddies. It was an all around blast, and the time flew. And of course, you can't forget the sheer joy of coming inside, pulling off the wet mittens and drinking some hot chocolate.

So, I have a suggestion for you. In order to get excited for the bobsledders in the Winter Olympics and before it's time for us all to start complaining about the hot weather, and, most importantly, before all the snow melts (if it hasn't already)—at the next sign of snow, grab your sleds, dress warmly and head outdoors. My personal two favorite sledding spots in New York City are on 97th and 79th off 5th in Central Park.

Here is a list of places where you can find great sledding hills in the upstate region. You can also do a Web search on sledding in your area or county, and you might just find a new perfect hill.

Happy winter!

In 2006, Francesca Olivieri co-founded the company, sage baby an online eco-friendly baby store offering everything from organic clothes and skincare to furniture. In 2010, Francesca started her own green consulting business and is helping families make changes in their lives to "go green." She also writes a monthly blog for The Family Groove as well as contributing articles to Daily Candy Kids, Cookie Magazine, YogaCity, Citiscoop, and NRDC's simple steps. Francesca lives in New York City with her husband and three kids, ages 9, 7 and 4.