Things to Do With Kids This Winter
Winter is a magical time of year, but it’s easy for cabin fever to set in when you’ve got kids. The days are shorter, it’s cold outside, and your trusty local park is out of bounds due to wet weather. To help you make the most of this time of year and keep the whole family entertained, here are six things to do with kids this winter.
- Plan a sunny getaway
If the cold days and nights get you down, you’re not alone. Many people book their holidays during winter to soak up some much-needed sunshine and escape the British weather. If you have kids, you may need to fly during half-term or over the winter holidays, but you will still find it cheaper than travelling in summer. Consider a location like Portugal, where there are plenty of beaches to explore, almost year-round sunny days, and plenty of budget-friendly attractions.
A winter holiday is a great way to mix up your routine and get some fresh seaside air. For the most relaxing family escape try to avoid staying in a hotel or B&B. Instead, opt for one of the many family villas in Portugal where there is plenty of space for the kids to play.
- Go sledging
Whether you travel somewhere snowy or simply visit your local slope, there’s plenty of opportunities to go sledging in the winter, even if your kids don’t get the white Christmas they imagined. Pack your warm clothes and flasks of hot chocolate and get sledging. You can pack bike helmets, elbow pads, and gloves for added safety.
To turn it into a social occasion, why not organise a group trip with other mums? That way, you’ll have someone to talk to while the kids play. Outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks also tend to open up in November. Ice skating is great exercise, and your kids will enjoy the novelty of it due to the festive season.
- Play games
A day of bad weather is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids the games you used to love as a child. Dig out your old board games (or invent one of your own) and enjoy being cosy indoors. Alternatively, you can seek out a new games club for your kids to join to keep them occupied after school – such as Chess or indoor sports.
It’s great to show your kids that games existed before consoles and iPads. That way, you can enjoy some good old-fashioned screen-free fun, creating memories they will cherish for years to come. If you’re feeling super creative, you and your kids can build a life-size board game together.
- Visit the library
It’s never too soon to introduce your kids to books. Taking them to the library will encourage children to read more and get them used to the idea of borrowing and giving back. To keep it seasonal, look for books on winter themes that you can bring home and read to one another.
You can use the stories for inspiration for a creative afternoon around the kitchen table, where your kids can draw pictures and make up stories of their own, inspired by the books they’ve read. This is another engaging activity for kids of all ages.
- Cook together
It’s tempting to park the kids in front of the TV when we need to cook, but making food together is actually a great bonding activity. It may take you a little longer to cook dinner if you have small children. However, letting your kids help in the kitchen teaches them valuable life skills.
It’s important for children to understand the value of food and that it doesn’t just materialise on their plates. You can also make it fun by cooking up seasonal recipes and winter favourites together.
- Start a new hobby
Introduce your kids to a new hobby to get stuck into over winter. This can be anything they’re interested in, such as baking, jewellery making, painting or learning a musical instrument. Encourage them to spend time working on their skills and praise them for their efforts. You never know – you may have just uncovered a lifelong talent.
No matter how cold it gets outside, there are plenty of ways to entertain your kids this summer. Practice a new hobby, cook up a festive feast, play some indoor or outdoor games, or introduce them to the joy of reading. If all else fails, you can always hop on a plane to seek out some winter sun!
This is a collaborative post
