The weather outside is chilly this time of year, which means your family is probably spending a lot more time inside. It can get boring being cooped up all day, which is why we have provided this list of winter indoor activities to keep your kids engaged and happy.
Put on a Play
Encourage your budding writers or actors to explore their creativity by putting on a play. Help them devise a simple plot, then help them dress up into their respective roles. Let them rehearse for a while (so you can grab a cup of coffee or read a magazine!), then plop on the couch and watch their performance as you cheer them on.
Tell Riddles
Check out these tricky riddles for kids, and take turns guessing these clever brain teasers. Riddles encourage logic and critical thinking skills, and in the process give young minds an excellent workout. Here are a few samples from Good Housekeeping to start you off:
Q: Grandpa went for a walk, and it started raining. He forgot to bring an umbrella and didn’t have a hat. When he got home, his clothes were soaking wet, but not a hair on his head was wet. How was this possible?
A: Grandpa is bald.
Q: What is full of holes but still holds water?
A: A sponge.
Q: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?
A: An echo.
Q: What can you catch but not throw?
A: A cold.
Preserve Memories With a Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is not only a fun and creative way to spend time together as a family, it’s also a meaningful way to preserve family photos and fun times. Gather your supplies, such as photos, glue dots, 3D stickers, a scrapbook, embellishments, markers, and decorative paper, then get to work documenting your experiences over the years.
Make a Craft Museum
DIY crafts are a creative way to spend the day. Gather all the supplies you have, such as paints, crayons, markers, googly eyes, markers, and pipe cleaners, and let their imaginations run wild. Hang their creations on the wall or display them on shelves, and encourage other family members to walk through their “craft museum.”
Here’s one to try:
Homemade Clay
You only need four ingredients to make your very own homemade clay.
You will need:
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Food coloring
- Googly eyes, chenille sticks, craft sticks, feathers, pompoms (optional)
Directions:
- Pour the baking soda, water, and cornstarch into a pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring till the mixture has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
- Allow the clay to cool; then divide into four pieces.
- Add food coloring, kneading until smooth.
- Make fun shapes with your clay, then add googly eyes, feathers and other embellishments to create cute critters. Let dry.
Host a Comedy Show
Practice a comedy set together, which will put you into fits of laughter, to be sure. But it will also help your child strengthen their public speaking skills. Comedy shows can also help them practice clear speech, timing, and self-confidence. Come up with five jokes from a kids’ joke book and encourage them to put on a show in front of the family.
Here are a few to get started:
What did one hat say to the other?
You wait here — I’ll go on ahead!
What did the pirate say when he turned 80?
“Aye matey.”
What did the duck say after she bought Chapstick?
Put it on my bill!
Why did the chicken cross the playground?
To get to the other slide!
Why did the actor fall through the floorboards?
They were going through a stage!
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Hide a prize somewhere in the house, then write a series of clues on index cards that will lead your kids to it. Or, you can try making a list of household items that your kids can go find. Give a prize to the child who finds them all first. Here are some creative scavenger hunt themes to inspire and amuse.
Do Some Baking
Indoor days are the best time to try out new recipes. Baking is the perfect way to pass the time and enjoy a sweet treat at the end. Try this recipe just for kids:
Easy Cake Mix Bars
These easy cake mix bars are easy to make and easy to eat, plus you don’t need a lot of ingredients.
You will need:
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 1/3 cup sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine cake mix, egg, oil, and milk in a large bowl.
- Stir in chips and sprinkles.
- Spread into a greased baking pan
- Bake 18-20 minutes, then cool completely
- Cut into bars and enjoy.
Schedule a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we don’t find ways to have fun indoors. We’re always thinking up new and exciting ways to get exercise and use our imaginations – even in winter. Come check us out with a visit to our Austin or San Antonio facilities. Book your tour today with Country Home Learning Center in Texas.
