Winter can be a hard time of year to continuously entertain kids. Not only are the outing options limited, but it seems to take triple the amount of time to physically get out of the house. While we do escape the house twice a week for preschool and once for dance class, it’s hard to get out just to “get out”. Between the snow and frigid temperatures, I’ve had to learn quickly ways to entertain at home.
Here are some tips and tricks on how you can survive winter time with kids:
- Bring out a large dry erase board with washable markers. You can do anything from drawing each other to name writing practice.
- Board games can be a double win. They can provide for added learning time and fun. Rotate through the games each week.
- A large rubbermaid tub can be used for water play. Place a towel underneath with measuring cups, bowls, and other utensils inside. Even put some food coloring in the water for added excitement.
- Play-doh can entertain for hours at our house. My daughter loves to make baked goods and serve them at her tea party.
- Pipe cleaner and beads makes bracelet making easier. Little fingers have a heard time with string sometimes, but pipe cleaners stay put a little easier for them.
- Speaking of tea party, turn snack time into a tea party. It adds entertainment to something that’s just a usual part of your routine.
- Another use for a rubbermaid tub is to use it as a sensory bin. I constantly rotate out the things I put in the tub. It can be as simple as dry rice and/or beans with kitchen utensils or scraps of paper and scissors to practice cutting.
- An easily accessible craft bucket allows for craft time at any time. I keep markers, crayons, glue stick, construction paper, etc. in an easily accessible bucket at all times. It gives her independence as well.
- A cardboard box brings endless entertainment to a dreary day!
- My daughter enjoys picking out a dress-up outfit for me and then I choose one for her. We have a fashion show and pose in front of the mirror together. Brings lots of giggles!
- A tray of jello and some cookie cutters is yummy snack and great hands-on activity.
- Write letters and place them in envelopes to send to family.
- Scissors are one of my favorite ways to practice fine motor skills. An empty box with scrap paper and scissors keeps the mess contained and allows for fine motor practice.
- Movie night is always fun, but a spontaneous movie afternoon is even more fun! Put on your pajamas, pop some popcorn, and cozy up to a movie.
- Who says bath time has to happen at night? Fill up the bath tub with bubbles, put on a swim suit, and enjoy the water play. You can even have them put on goggles and fins to make it just like you’re in a pool!
What other activities do you do to keep your little ones busy during winter?
