It doesn't take a lot of money to keep your kids fit this winter.   All you need is a few fresh inches of snow, and a good hill.

You go up.

You go down.

You do this again, and again, and again.

"We thought we'd get outside and take advantage of it while it’s here, it’s a beautiful day," says Marci Pitcher.

Sledding is exercise in disguise.  Tell the kids you’re heading to Highland Park for the day and they'll scream with joy.

"It's so much fun!"

But telling them they're running a small marathon and you might get a different reaction.

Seven year old Melanie Pitcher doesn't mind the walks up the hill:

"It doesn't really matter, only if it’s fun."

Even though the trek does pose some challenges.

"It's kind of hard to walk up, the snow sucks your feet into it so its hard to get up."

And it doesn't take much to participate in this timeless winter activity: a simple piece of plastic, a nice, big hill, and the desire to, well sometimes get a face full of snow! 

Incorporating the occasional sledding trip into your weekend routine is a sure-fire way to get the kids excited, and an even better way to get them outside and exercising, during the season that could most likely leave them with a case of cabin fever.

"It’s great to be out and to be together, obviously with safety boundaries."

And after all the trips up and down those huge hills, a long and restful night’s sleep is in store...

"It gets them tired earlier, and then head for bed!"

Something both kids and adults can enjoy.