Here comes January! It’s a bit darker, a lot chillier, and a slower pace than the rest of the year. With a houseful of Coloradans, big, small, and tiny who are used to living on the outside, it also means that cabin fever can set in, in a big way. But that doesn’t mean that January has to be boring. While skiing families are heading to the chair lifts, off-slope clans can still get out of the house for some family fun. We’ve packed this January 2018 issue of Colorado Parent with activities to keep things lively in the winter months.

If you want to get the family out in the fresh air, read “Winter Trails.” Not everyone in Colorado enjoys the downhill route, so this article highlights four beginner-friendly trails where families can try snowshoeing. Before you head out, also check out the toasty snow gear for kids.

If winter is your family’s favorite time to curl up with books, turn to our new column Read To Me. Each month, this column will bring you a list of read-together titles recommended by local librarians, bookstore employees, educators, or book lovers. This month’s theme brings you books to read as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Maybe winter is your family’s favorite time to dream about vacations. Spring break is only three months away and the experts we spoke to recommend using the time now to plan and get the best deals. Read more of their advice for planning spring break travel.

No matter what the season, we are always building and updating the most complete list of family-friendly events, resources, and parenting articles for Colorado Parent. Now, we are thrilled to announce an even better way to access all of that great content, with our redesigned website at ColoradoParent.com. Not only is it loaded with easily searchable articles, events, and directories of local camps, schools, doctors, and dentists, but there is also a new more user-friendly mobile version to get you what you need on the go. Take a look and let us know what you think!

Deborah Mock
Editor