Winter is upon us, and with that comes the certainty of snow days! Whether you have one child or ten keeping young minds occupied on their unexpected days off can be quite the challenge! Below I have listed some fool-proof ways to keep the kids entertained and happy. Who knows, you may find yourself having some fun as well.
Hold a Treasure Hunt
What kid doesn't love a good old fashioned pirate treasure hunt? Setting up for such an adventure could not be easier!! Simply write clues down on numbered slips of paper and place them throughout the house. Then at the ending location leave some type of reward, such as a plate with cookies on it or a new video to watch. This is the type of activity where you can get as creative as you want to be. Try drawing up a simple treasure map for the little ones to follow, or suggest that you all dress the part of the traditional treasure-seeking scallywag. Whatever you and your children choose to do this activity will keep them coming back for more!
Cook or Bake Together
Is there anything more comforting on a cold, snowy day then the smell of fresh baked cookies coming out of the oven? Find an easy recipe online or in a cookbook that the kids can help with. If you are not keen on the idea of providing sweets then find a recipe for a healthy lunch or snack. Either way, this is an ample opportunity to teach your children about food groups, measurements, and kitchen safety. Imagine all of this learning while having fun at the same time!
Homemade Cards and Gifts
It is the holiday season, and this in itself can provide you and your children with fun snow day activities. Have them all sit down and make some homemade holiday cards or gifts. Keep a box in your home filled with construction paper, markers, glue, scissors, glitter, and anything else that might be used creatively. Then just pull the box out on that snowy afternoon and watch the ideas flow. This is a fun and creative way to introduce many lessons, such as colors and textures, while keeping active minds busy for hours. If you are feeling very brave you can even dabble in homemade crayon-wax candles or Christmas tree ornaments.
Invent a Game
These days there is no shortage of board and card games available in the toy section of almost every store. However, playing the same old games over and over again can get boring. The solution? Work with your children to create their own board or card game! Sit down and discuss the type of game first, and then begin creating. A broken down cardboard box works great, as do normal sized index cards. Have them search their rooms for small toys to use as game pieces. Not only will making the game keep the kids busy for the afternoon, but they will surely want to play it when they are done! What more could you ask for?
Get Outside
I know, I know, the time it takes to get a group of kids ready to play in the Winter Wonderland can almost be more trouble than it's worth. However, if you're up for the task the benefits can be well worth the effort. Not only will the kids be getting some much needed fresh air, but you will have a chance to sit down and relax for a moment or two. Just make sure that all of the children are well bundled up, and try not to let them play outside for more than an hour at a time. Then when they come inside have some hot cocoa and a good movie ready. They will be so worn out from their romp through the snow that they may even fall asleep! What a perfect ending to a wonderfully unexpected snow day!
