Winter Activities for Kids
by Angela
I love summer. The hot sun, bright blue skies, and warm nights are as close to paradise as I can get. Having said that, winter has a special appeal too. There are certain things you can only do when it’s cold. My family has traditions that came from my childhood, my husband’s, and some we discovered on our own. Children are just as susceptible to cabin fever as adults. Try looking outside the box for ways to keep everyone engaged and stave off the winter blahs.
There are always the traditional winter games such as sledding, building snowmen, or making snow angels. If you get caught in a pinch for a sled, you wouldn’t believe how well garbage bags work. Of course, the intertube sleds are a good time too. Let the little ones get creative with their snowmen. Use food coloring squirted on their faces for facial features for a new spin on an old favorite. There is nothing wrong with being gender appropriate either. Build snow women, kids, and why not a snow dog? They’ll have a blast trying to duplicate Fido in a snow structure. I can’t say much about snow angels. Everyone knows how to make them. Flop in the snow and sweep your arms and legs. Kids get a kick out of seeing their personalized angels. I think it’s a lot of fun as well. Being the experienced parent you already know this one, make sure everybody is dressed warmly and in layers. Have a great time playing with your kids during the winter months, they don’t last long.
Other winter activities for the whole family to try could be regional ones. Most communities schedule different holiday themed events this time of the year. Check in the paper or local library for ideas. I know in this area there are many choices from the zoo’s Festival of Lights to downtown’s extravagant holiday display complete with a booth where children can sign up to be a honorary elf. I’m sure your area has similar events on the calendar for family fun.
Let’s move the party in where it’s warm. Crafts are a good way to celebrate the season and keep little fingers busy. Christmas tree ornament kits are available in most stores and are a fairly inexpensive way to make something seasonal. If you celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa it is possible to find kits designed for these holidays as well. As an added bonus, the kids can give the finished product to grandparents and aunts and uncles as holiday gifts. Children love to be a part of things and give presents to those they love. Making decorations for the house is another good way to make kids feel like they are a part of things. Strips of construction paper glued to make chains can be used as garland for the tree or swag across the mantle or doorframe. Whatever you choose to do, make it fitting for your family and traditions.
We all know how busy the winter months can get. I personally do a lot of baking during the cold months and have discovered that the kids like to help. I know you’re thinking how much help is that when I’m busy? You might be surprised. Have all of your ingredients ready for whatever recipe you’re working on and let the kids measure them and put them in the bowl. It may take more time, but I guarantee they will remember that time spent with you later in life. One of the traditions I learned as a child that I have brought to my family is making snow ice cream. My dad made this treat with my siblings and me for many years. Directions are easy. Wait for a fluffy snowfall, you know the kind without too much ice in the mix. Set a large mixing bowl outside to collect the snow as it falls. When you have as much as you need, bring it in and add sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to the snow. Mix together and ta da, you have snow ice cream. You can always add cocoa for chocolate or anything you find that your crew likes in it. Obviously the measurements aren’t accurate. Snow ice cream is kind of a trial by error type of thing.
Whatever projects you and your family decide to do this winter, you’re making memories. Have fun and enjoy how rewarding family life can be. Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings from my family to yours.
Additional Resources:
Kidsdomain.com
aKidsHeart.com
KidSites.com
Preschoolrainbow.org
I love summer. The hot sun, bright blue skies, and warm nights are as close to paradise as I can get. Having said that, winter has a special appeal too. There are certain things you can only do when it’s cold. My family has traditions that came from my childhood, my husband’s, and some we discovered on our own. Children are just as susceptible to cabin fever as adults. Try looking outside the box for ways to keep everyone engaged and stave off the winter blahs.
There are always the traditional winter games such as sledding, building snowmen, or making snow angels. If you get caught in a pinch for a sled, you wouldn’t believe how well garbage bags work. Of course, the intertube sleds are a good time too. Let the little ones get creative with their snowmen. Use food coloring squirted on their faces for facial features for a new spin on an old favorite. There is nothing wrong with being gender appropriate either. Build snow women, kids, and why not a snow dog? They’ll have a blast trying to duplicate Fido in a snow structure. I can’t say much about snow angels. Everyone knows how to make them. Flop in the snow and sweep your arms and legs. Kids get a kick out of seeing their personalized angels. I think it’s a lot of fun as well. Being the experienced parent you already know this one, make sure everybody is dressed warmly and in layers. Have a great time playing with your kids during the winter months, they don’t last long.
Other winter activities for the whole family to try could be regional ones. Most communities schedule different holiday themed events this time of the year. Check in the paper or local library for ideas. I know in this area there are many choices from the zoo’s Festival of Lights to downtown’s extravagant holiday display complete with a booth where children can sign up to be a honorary elf. I’m sure your area has similar events on the calendar for family fun.
Let’s move the party in where it’s warm. Crafts are a good way to celebrate the season and keep little fingers busy. Christmas tree ornament kits are available in most stores and are a fairly inexpensive way to make something seasonal. If you celebrate Hanukah or Kwanzaa it is possible to find kits designed for these holidays as well. As an added bonus, the kids can give the finished product to grandparents and aunts and uncles as holiday gifts. Children love to be a part of things and give presents to those they love. Making decorations for the house is another good way to make kids feel like they are a part of things. Strips of construction paper glued to make chains can be used as garland for the tree or swag across the mantle or doorframe. Whatever you choose to do, make it fitting for your family and traditions.
We all know how busy the winter months can get. I personally do a lot of baking during the cold months and have discovered that the kids like to help. I know you’re thinking how much help is that when I’m busy? You might be surprised. Have all of your ingredients ready for whatever recipe you’re working on and let the kids measure them and put them in the bowl. It may take more time, but I guarantee they will remember that time spent with you later in life. One of the traditions I learned as a child that I have brought to my family is making snow ice cream. My dad made this treat with my siblings and me for many years. Directions are easy. Wait for a fluffy snowfall, you know the kind without too much ice in the mix. Set a large mixing bowl outside to collect the snow as it falls. When you have as much as you need, bring it in and add sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to the snow. Mix together and ta da, you have snow ice cream. You can always add cocoa for chocolate or anything you find that your crew likes in it. Obviously the measurements aren’t accurate. Snow ice cream is kind of a trial by error type of thing.
Whatever projects you and your family decide to do this winter, you’re making memories. Have fun and enjoy how rewarding family life can be. Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings from my family to yours.
Additional Resources:
Kidsdomain.com
aKidsHeart.com
KidSites.com
Preschoolrainbow.org
posted by Lisa at 1:09 PM
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