Are you and your kids starting to get stir-crazy, being stuck indoors all winter long? We don’t blame you! While freezing temperatures keep us cooped up in our homes, your kids still need a way to burn off energy. Or, at the very least, something that can keep your kids distracted. Yet, you shouldn’t want to rely on iPads and YouTube to keep your kids entertained during the winter. Although these activities certainly serve the purpose of “distracting,” they don’t necessarily add value to your children’s development. Instead, you and your kids can do plenty of engaging pastimes to connect, stay active, and have fun while enjoying the winter season. Here are a few suggestions from PALS Praise & Leadership Schools for keeping your kids entertained during the winter.
Bake and Decorate Treats
There’s nothing better than biting into a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven. However, we’d wager your kids will enjoy it even more! Spend quality time with your children by baking sweet treats like cookies, cakes, brownies, and pies. Baking with your kids is also an excellent opportunity for them to brush up their math skills, increase reading comprehension, and cultivate their creativity. Just make sure you don’t fill up on treats before dinner!
Play in the Snow
While this is only something you can do after a proper snowfall, letting your kids run around and play in the snow is a surefire way to wear them out and entertain them. Best of all, plenty of fun games and activities can only be done in the snow! For example, you can find a fun, hilly spot for your children to sled down. Otherwise, you can make snow forts, create snow angels, build snowmen, throw snowballs, and so much more; the unique things you can do to keep your kids entertained during the winter in the snow are endless! Just make sure your children are adequately bundled up before sending them off to play in the snow.
Do Arts and Crafts
If it’s simply too cold to play outdoors, why not have some fun inside? It’s time to “get crafty!” There are so many different winter arts and crafts activities that you’ll never do them all in a season. But you can certainly try! Best of all, arts and crafts are an excellent way to help your children develop their motor skills, flex their creativity, and express themselves. If you’re stumped on where to begin, here’s one list and another we found helpful for ideas on fun winter crafts. These are some of our favorites:
- Paper Snowflakes
- Pinecone Bird Feeders
- Winter Scene Paintings
- Snowman Mason Jars
- Salt Dough Ornaments
- Ice Sun Catchers
- Winter-Themed Stamps
Read a Book
If you’re looking for a quieter, laid-back activity to do with your kids, why not find a good book to read together? And if you already regularly read to your child, now’s the time to get into the “seasonal spirit” with winter and holiday-themed stories. There are books of all lengths and reading levels, so make sure you’re selecting stories that match your child’s age. If you want some ideas for some interesting books that fit the winter theme, here are some helpful reading lists here and here for you to check out. Also, as a bonus activity you can do that’s related to reading, take your kids to the library! Not only are you sure to find the perfect “wintery” book to read, but there are often fun activities or events at the library during the holiday season. Visit your local library or go to their website to see what they have planned for the coming months.
Have a Movie Night to Keep Your Kids Entertained During the Winter
As you wind down for the evening, dive into your movie collection or see what fun new show is streaming to watch with your kids. That’s right, it’s time for a movie night! Find your favorite blankets, make a pillow fort, get cozy with a warm cup of cocoa (yum!), and pick out a movie you and your children will love! It doesn’t have to be holiday or winter-related, but it certainly can be. Just make sure you’re choosing something that can keep your kids’ attention, no matter how challenging that can sometimes be.
Of course, these activities are only the tip of the iceberg! There’s plenty more fun to be had during the winter time, and PALS Praise & Leadership Schools can help. We spend the winter season with our kiddos doing tons of winter crafts, playing fun seasonal games, and staying active and healthy. If you are interested in your children joining the PALS family, don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule a tour of our facilities. Call PALS at
309-674-2938 (Downtown Peoria) or 309-691-4326 (North Peoria).
