I am so over Winter. Am I alone? Because seriously, I’m not sure what it is this year but I am done.
Sadly, we still have many weeks left of winter and the unpredictable weather. It’s not easy to get the kids out the door, let alone getting them somewhere to run around and have fun.
But as a mom for many years now, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to pass the cold, crummy winter days.
1- Board games and card games
When my children became old enough to play card games (starting with memory and go-fish, now UNO is the game my 5 year old and I love) it felt like a new world of play. It was fun, accessible and different.
2- Let’s get physical!
I have written about fun activities before, including how to set up an indoor obstacle course. It doesn’t have to be difficult, but something to get everyone moving works!
Another game is pillow long jump. Use a pillow and encourage the kids to try and jump over it without touching. Be sure to be the announcer and call their names like at the Olympics to make it more exciting!
Still looking to get moving? One we love is this circle time dance activity.
3-Crafts
Messy sometimes, but fun, always. Craft time is wonderful for using little imaginations, helping fine motor skills and spending time together. Check out the activity page for ideas like making their own puzzle or home made playdough
4-Old Activities, New Twist
Despite my terrible drawing abilities, my kids like to play pictionary. We don’t play the traditional board game way, I just start to draw recognizable objects and have them guess (and as they get older they can do the same!).
Another (strangely) and hugely popular game is hide and go seek with a sticky note. I know it sounds strange, but I draw either an object (a ghost at Halloween etc) or a happy face on a sticky note (which can be hidden in more creative ways than other objects!) and hide it while they count. On the back of a chair, on the wall, on the guitar – the opportunities are endless!
5-Relax
Sometimes, a pyjama and movie (or Wii) day is in order. Everyone is comfy and warm, relaxed and not having to plan something or feel like you have to go somewhere is important. I think we should just have free play and be together some days in the comfort of our own home!
6-Around the town
If the roads are clear, getting out to our local museums (including the Agriculture Museum because the barns remain open in the winter!), doing a drop in at our local gymnastics place, going skating or sledding, or visiting the library are all inexpensive, but really fun ways to spend a cold winter day.
What are you doing to get through the winter with the kids?
