Slip, Sliding Away
Sometimes it is hard to find activities that our whole family can enjoy. There aren't many movies that appeal to a nine, six and four year old; and they like different exhibits at the museum and science centre. Skating hasn't been a big hit since Aaron broke his arm on the rink and while we do all love to ski and snowboard, it's hard to do in downtown Toronto.
But tobogganing, everyone loves tobogganing. It would be hard for a cranky preschooler not to crack a smile while sitting on her brother's lap and shooting down a hill. Even us parents find ourselves in hysterics while watching, and even more when hitting a hard landing.
Here are some things we have learned from family toboggan days:
- Parents must dress warmly and wear really good boots. As the most mature in the family, you get the least amount of turns and it can be cold standing up there. And since you will most likely trudge up and down the hill a few times, good boots are a must!
- Decide on the helmet issue long before your hit the hill. It is either mandatory for everybody or not.
- Tobogganing is a work out. Walking back up that hill is tough!
- It is idyllic family fun, but there will be some squabbling about who gets to go first, sit in front etc. It may be best to set up a schedule on the way to the hill.
- You will run out of hot chocolate.
- Those iconic sleds with the curved front are very painful if you bang into something (like the ground). the new plastic sleds go faster and are more fun, they just don't look as good in the photos.
- Walking home is tough, and the kids will be whiny. But it's worth it.
