February is the perfect month for our birthday issue. I may be a little biased since my own birthday falls at the end of this month, but as a February baby I also understand that winter can be tough when it comes to finding activities.

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, we usually had snow most of the month, so, if nothing else, there was always sledding, a good snowball fight or two and some homemade snow ice cream to keep us occupied. But down here in Little Rock, I know that snow is much harder to come by.

One of my favorite wintertime activities as a kid was ice skating, even though it was pretty much always an indoor activity. I know, indoor ice skating is really a year-round option, but there’s something about doing it in the winter that just feels right. (And digging out coats and gloves in the middle of summer is never fun.) Little Rock of course has its own indoor skating rink — the Arkansas Skatium — that you can visit year-round, but I think this month would be an especially perfect time for it.

But what else is a family to do during these chilly winter months? Here are a few options to get you started.

1. Take a Cruise on Lake Maumelle

This is on my own bucket list this season! I love being out on the water and this seems like a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the chilliest season. Park interpreters at Pinnacle Mountain State Park lead the cruise while you look for bald eagles and other animals around the lake.

2. Cheer on the Trojans

Basketball season is in full swing for the UA Little Rock Trojans — both the men’s and the women’s teams. I’m not much for watching basketball on TV, but I loved going to games in college at Harding University (Go Bisons!) and the atmosphere in a college arena can’t be beat.

3. Jump Around

Winter seems to cause a buildup of energy in kids that they just can’t contain — so why not go let them literally bounce off the walls? Third Realm Extreme Air Sports features dozens of trampolines, basketball hoops, a ninja obstacle course and more while Altitude Trampoline Park has virtual reality to try when you need a break from bouncing.

For a full guide of winter activities in central Arkansas, head to LittleRockFamily.com/Winter.

Stay warm!

Happy New Year!