When your children are home from school and the work day is less stressful, it is the perfect time to try new winter activities. No matter their age, there is something for every child and every family. It can be tough feeling stuck inside when the temperature drops, so these are great ways to fill the time.
At Carithers Pediatric Group, we know kids love staying busy and not stuck in the house. We have spent years developing the best ways to keep them entertained without stressing you out. If you feel overwhelmed with this winter season, take these six family winter activities to fill the time!
Winter-Themed Arts and Crafts
Another of our favorite hands-on winter activities is creating winter arts and crafts. This list from Projects With Kids has many ideas for different ages and wintery themes. Craft time or cooking together are also opportunities to reinforce math skills like counting and measuring. They can also help hone fine motor skills and unleash creativity.
Winter Walks
If you live somewhere with temperatures usually above freezing, getting out for a winter walk can be a nice chance to get out of the house and get moving. If it’s still chilly, bundle up a bit and explore your neighborhood or a local trail. You can have kids observe the changes in the environment that come with the winter season.
Encourage Reading
If it’s chilly out or your family members are just looking for new entertainment, turn off Netflix and have a designated reading time during the day. If your local library is open, you can follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines to prevent getting sick and browse the shelves. There are also digital books and audiobooks available from your local library or subscription services.
Watch New Movies and Settle in for a Movie Night
Remember what we said about turning off Netflix? You can break that rule to enjoy this winter activity. Movie nights can be fun to spend the evening with family. You can introduce kids to classic favorites or discover new films to enjoy together. Pop some popcorn or make some hot chocolate to up the coziness factor.
Have a Game Night
Pick a night each week to get together for some friendly family competition. Break out a board game or a card game for some easy fun. Whether it’s a game of strategy or chance, a nice game night is one of the easiest winter activities for the whole family.
There are always new board games on the shelves, so you never have to worry about getting bored. You can even ask friends and family for suggestions for the ones they enjoy the most.
Look For Ways to Help Others
No matter the season, you can find ways to help others in your community. Whether you sign up to deliver meals to those who can’t go out themselves or make cards to give to residents at a nursing home, giving back makes everyone feel good. Cleaning out the closets and donating sweaters and coats that kids have outgrown is also a good way to help others.
New projects are always popping up that can help you decide what is best for your family to contribute to. You may even find an ongoing project that you can continue to help with throughout the year.
Schedule An Appointment This Winter
Our team at Carithers Pediatric Group is here to provide comprehensive care for your children at all stages of life. If you have concerns about your child’s health this winter and want to make an appointment, give us a call. We can help you decide whether you should request an appointment to meet with one of our trusted medical professionals this winter.