Winter Adventures: Engaging Activities for Kids to Learn and Have Fun
By Julie Diamond, OCT
*******This article takes about 3-4 minutes to read**********
As the holiday break approaches, families may find it challenging to keep their kids happy and engaged at home. Fear not! Here's a treasure trove of ideas, brainstormed by our online tutors, to infuse fun and learning activities for your winter break, both indoors and outdoors.
1. Snow Paint Extravaganza
Transform your snowy canvas into a vibrant masterpiece by creating snow paint. Mix food coloring and water in a spray bottle for a colorful spray or use a paintbrush for more intricate designs. Take it up a notch by experimenting with primary and secondary colours. Encourage your child to practice writing their name, drawing shapes, or simply unleashing their creativity on the snowy landscape.
2. Winter Scavenger Hunt
Organize a winter scavenger hunt to keep little ones entertained. For preschoolers, create a checklist featuring pictures of items to find. Consider using Teaching Mama's free printable winter scavenger checklist for inspiration for young kiddos and Thrifty Mommas list for children aged 6-10 years. These activities not only promote outdoor exploration but also sharpen observational and creativity skills.
3. Snow Fort Building Contest
Turn the snowy outdoors into a construction site by hosting a snow fort-building contest as a family. Tailor the difficulty level based on your children's ages—set specific parameters for older kids or provide frame-of-reference instructions for younger ones. For example, you can give your child in grades 2-6 a specific perimeter or area (build a fort that has a perimeter of 20 metres, for example). For your younger child, you can suggest building a snowball the size of one of their toys.
4. Explore Igloos and Teepees
Delve into the history and cultural significance of igloos and teepees with your child. Watch educational videos together, like CBC's guide on building a teepee. Discuss the people and purpose behind these unique shelters. Challenge your child's problem-solving skills to build a igloo or teepee together improvising with the available tools and space.
5. Thrills on the Slopes
Embrace the winter wonderland by going tobogganing. If you're feeling adventurous, check out CBC's guide on crafting your own duct tape sled for a personalized touch. Experience the thrill of speeding down snow-covered slopes while bonding as a family by building one together.
6. Snowball Measurement Challenge
Turn a simple pile of snowballs into a learning opportunity. Use snowballs to measure various things. Ask how many snowballs does it take to measure the length of your leg, the backyard or driveway, or the dimensions of a park bench?
This hands-on activity blends play and education, making winter measurements an enjoyable experience.
7. Spread Winter Cheer with Good Deeds
Teach your kids the joy of giving back by doing a good deed. Shovel a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk, or run an errand for an elderly friend, neighbour, or family member.
8. Winter Survival Skills
Equip your child with essential winter survival skills by building a winter campfire, constructing a shelter, and learning to forage for food and water. Start by creating a survival kit, and explore which items should be included. Additionally, check out articles offering ideas on teaching your child the basics of surviving in colder weather. Here is The Survival Mom’s post about building a winter survival kit with your child.
As winter unfolds, these winter learning activities promise not only entertainment but also opportunities for learning, creativity, and bonding.
What exciting plans do you have with your family this winter? Share your thoughts with me via email and let us know what other fantastic ideas you have in store!