SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Winter rolled in on Dec. 22.

Whether hot, rainy, or icy cold, winter has arrived. One thing I love in a long holiday over Christmas is to honor “Old Man Winter”.

Since the children haven't gone back to school yet a wintertime field trip offers an afternoon of entertainment with little cost. We have so many parks and sight seeing opportunities by the bay on the Eastern shore.

Even though it may be cold outside there are cozy, warm and fun activities that you and your child can enjoy during this special time of the year.

The Eastern Shore is warmer during the winter months even though I have experienced some light snow flurries since I have lived here for 18 years.

Here are some ideas I'd like to pass on for you to do with your young child.

Nature's handiwork can still be observed during its dormant state as well.

You can divide your outdoor adventure into four mini field trips.

Grab your coat, a pencil and paper to record your findings.

1. A listening field trip is done simply by walking quietly and listening for: the wind blowing through trees, birds chirping, squirrels scurrying, leaves rustling as well as well as crunching under foot, ice breaking (if very cold), rain falling, sleet falling, waves lapping in the bay or on a lake, waves hitting the seashore, thunder clapping way up in the sky and animal sounds such as neighborhood dogs barking.

2. A seeing field trip is a lot of fun as you can make several observations: Shapes of clouds against the majestic blue sky; colors of nature during the winter; angles the sun is peeping through; counting the varieties of animals and birds; counting the many bright stars in the winter sky as well as looking at how the moon changes shape; comparing what trees retain their leaves and which ones don't; observing buds that have not yet opened.

3. Your feeling field trip of course with safety in mind can include feeling: moss on a tree or rock, snow, ice, rocks, soft sand or soil, rough tree bark, smooth stones, sun shining on your face, wind blowing on your face and prickly pine needles, pine cones and leaves.

4. Your smelling field trip includes: fire burning in a fireplace, pine trees, cedar trees or wood, mulch and the different smells that the wind blows in.

Top off your little field trips with a tasting party of your child's favorite snacks such as their favorite frozen bite size pieces of fruit, fruit juice freezes or water with crackers and cheese.

Hot chocolate with warm baking cookies in the oven make for many fond memories of your child's young years.

Again, enjoy this special time with your young child and it didn't cost you anything! I’m heading off on another field trip with my class!

Beth Pinyerd serves as director of Young Children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort, Ala.