Contributed Collaborative Post
Just because the weather has turned, and the temperature has dropped doesn’t mean that your kids will be happy to sit indoors watching TV every day. In fact, sometimes a spot of fresh air and some outdoor activities can do them the world of good when they’re getting a little stir-crazy inside. Whether you’re trying to find something educational to do with your little ones or you want to burn off some steam on those active days, here are some suggestions for fun winter activities you can do with your kids.
Go hiking
Hiking might be typically reserved for the spring and summer, but don’t let the weather put you off exploring the outdoors. In fact, on snowy days, it can be a beautiful way to spend a few hours. Go exploring in your local area and show the kids the beauty of nature in the winter – you could even bring along a sled in case you find the perfect hill on your walk. Just make sure you’re bundled up warm before you go!
Sign up for a holiday club
If it’s the school break, you’re busy with work and need a convenient childcare solution or you just want your kids to spend time with others their age, local school holiday clubs are a great solution. Holiday clubs offer a wide range of activities for kids of all ages to choose from, and they’re a safe environment for little ones to enjoy some time with other kids. They’ll make friends, try new activities and have a great time during the winter break.
Enjoy a movie marathon
Sometimes, you can’t avoid the weather. But if it’s raining and cold outside, there’s nothing cosier than picking your favourite family films and watching them back to back. So, why not make an event of it? Let the kids pick out their favourite films, write the titles on paper and drop them in a hat, and let the kids pull out a new film each time one comes to an end. Make it cosy with lots of blankets, hot chocolate and popcorn for the ideal home cinema experience.
Go on a nature-themed scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are great for kids who love to explore and they can also serve as an educational experience too. You can put together a winter scavenger hunt easily from home, by writing up a list of things for your kids to find, from a certain type of plant to birds and animals. They can even collect certain items for crafting activities later, such as pine cones.
Bake cookies
Is there anything better suited to the winter season than baking cookies? Kids love to bake and decorate their creations, so it’s the perfect activity for the weekend. You could gather ingredients for a few different recipes and then have a taste test at the end to see which ones you all prefer. There could also be a competition for the best decorated cookie out of the bunch. It’s a cost-effective activity that will keep them entertained for hours, and you’ll all have a sweet treat to enjoy at the end of it.
Visit a Christmas market
From mid-November onwards, Christmas markets crop up across the UK and they’re a fantastic place to take the kids. Immerse yourself in the festive joy of the season and find a local market to grab seasonal food, buy an ornament for your tree or simply soak up the atmosphere. There’s usually a great array of stalls to browse and even carnival rides at some, so there’s something for all ages to enjoy. If your kids are keen for Christmas to arrive, it’s a great activity to get them in the spirit ahead of time.
Final thoughts
It can be hard finding things to do when the weather isn’t at its best but embrace the colder season for cosy activities you can enjoy as a family. Whether you snuggle up for a movie day in your PJs, bake delicious treats, brave the outdoors and explore the local area, or combine all activities for an activity-packed weekend, there’s plenty for kids to enjoy during the winter months.
This is a contributed collaborative post.
