Once winter comes, many families have a difficult time staying active and getting enough fresh air. Some good suggestions, according to Kellye Carroll, child life specialist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas and former elementary school teacher, include: Adopt a new winter sport. Ice skating and hockey are just a couple of examples of great activities to get the body moving. Remember, even a brisk 20-minute walk can be stimulating and is better than sitting and watching television all day. Create an indoor playground. Clear furniture in a spare bedroom or garage and make room for a modest indoor playset or climbing structure. Even 15 minutes of physical activity can provide a much-needed release of tension and engage motor skills. Exercise allows for an easier flow into homework and other quieter indoor activities. Create a “racetrack.” For younger children, convert the garage into a mini racetrack during the winter months so they can get out and ride their bicycles. But don’t forget the bike helmet! Find somewhere to go. Research indoor physical activities and classes in your neighborhood. Swimming, aikido or other forms of martial arts that teach a philosophy for focusing mental and physical energy might be just the new activity your child needs. Rent a video that gets the kids moving. Many video rental stores have aerobic videotapes especially suited for kids. (Mom and Dad can participate, too, to make it an activity for the entire family.)