Bears hibernate during the winter; people should not.

Wintertime is full of opportunities for families to stay active in ways that don’t even seem like exercise, according to local fitness experts.

Cure cabin fever by enrolling the children in local sports programs. Indoor basketball, hockey, swimming, tennis — all are great ways to get the blood pumping when the mercury drops.

“The city of Wheeling now has a really nice tennis program for kids using the refurbished bubble at Wheeling Park,” said George Frazier, an exercise physiologist and manager of CentreTown Fitness in Wheeling. “Tennis is a really good indoor sport and it’s a lifetime activity that kids can develop.”

For information on hours or the winter academy classes, which start Jan. 7, call tennis pro Mark White, 304-243-4039 or visit www.oglebay-resort. com/wheelingpark/tennis. htm#instruction

More often associated with the dog days of summer, swimming at indoor pools can offer a great workout in the dead of winter.

“Swimming is a great wintertime activity,” Frazier said.

Indoor pools are available at Wheeling Jesuit University, the Chambers YMCA in Elm Grove, Wheeling, and Howard Long Wellness Center in Wheeling. The Y offers group and private swim lessons for ages 6 months and up. For information, visit www.wheelingymca.com

For babies and kids up to age 10, Tumblin’ Tots in Bethlehem offers an indoor fitness environment masquerading as play. The facility, located in Village Plaza and owned and operated by Carrie Roth, includes tumbling mats, a giant treehouse climbing gym, a ball pit, a trampoline, a rock wall, a balancing rock, an obstacle course and child-sized treadmill and exercise bike. Hula hoops, jump ropes and other fitness toys also are on hand.

“Kids need to get out of the house. Outdoor activity is great, but it’s not always feasible,” Roth said. She offers open play hours daily, as well as weekly play classes (including beginning tumbling and obstacle courses).

“They’re like little aerobics classes, but they don’t even realize they’re working out!” Roth said. She also has an adult treadmill so a parent can work out while the child plays.

For information, call 304-242-2280 or visit www.tumblintots.com

Of course, snow play and snow sports also are great wintertime fun.

Wheeling and Oglebay Park offer walking and hiking trails perfect for family excursions.

Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are both available, and sled riding can be done anywhere there’s a slight hill — plenty of places fit the bill in the Ohio Valley. Ice skating at Wheeling Park or on your frozen-over driveway also works up a good sweat. For Wheeling and Oglebay Park information, visit www.oglebay-resort.com

When it snows, send the children out to shovel an elderly neighbor’s walkway or to build snowmen, Frazier said.
“I think we don’t see parents encouraging that type of activity as much anymore. When I was growing up, my parents got us out of the house,” he added.

Even basketball can be played outdoors in the winter if the neighborhood court or your driveway are free from ice and snow.

“If it means we parents have to get outside with the kids so they get excited about it, then I think we should,” Frazier said.