What to do when it's Cold Outside: Indoor Activities for Cold Weather
Parents of pre-schoolers, you know all the "regular" things to do when it's cold outside like coloring, finger painting, playing with dolls or trucks etc. As a parent we have to have our "fall back" list of things to do when the weather outside isn't so great like cold weather days.
Think outside the box for indoor activities when it's cold outside. What can you do that's different or maybe even relates to or supports cold weather?
Here's a few Indoor Activities for Cold Weather that can work even for older children and home-schoolers too:
1. Make some "Warm" Food such as Soup, Chili or Stew.
Depending on the age & skill level of your child, involve them in the cooking process. Have them help chop (with a child-approved cutting utensil) or measure. For beginning readers have them read the recipe out loud.
If you like to bake, make some muffins or cookies and involve the kids. Nothing is better than a warm muffin or cookie right out of the oven on a cold day!
2. Build a Tent or Erect your Camping Tent
Kids love to hide and use their imagination. If you don't have a camping tent or it's too large or cumbersome for the house, make your own using blankets stretched across furniture. Snuggle up inside and read stories. If your tent is dark enough, pretend you're camping and use a flashlight to read.
3. Make Paper Snowflakes
We don't get a lot of snow in Dallas, but who doesn't love a pretty snowflake? Remember the paper chains of them you used to make as a kid? Bring back some "old school" fun with construction paper. Glitter them up to make them look more realistic. Here's a few websites to make them if you're uncertain.
While you're making them take the opportunity to educate your child about snowflakes and how they form. Your kids may be interested to know no two snowflakes are alike! Ah, the wonder of creation.
4. Build a Fire and Drink Hot Cocoa
Use extreme caution and know your child before you build a fire. Make sure your child knows the rules and you have safety checks in place before proceeding. If you can pull it off, sit in front of your fire sipping hot cocoa. Or just sit in front of a space heater for the same effect.
This is also a perfect time to educate your child about the evolution of modern conveniences. As a child you probably heard your own parents or grandparents say, "Back in our time we did..." You may have gotten tired of hearing that so take a new twist and tell your children who invented indoor heating and how ancient cultures used to heat their abode. You don't have to get all technical on your kids, just throw out a few names and dates. You'll look really smart and your kids will have learned something.5. Pretend You're an Eskimo
Most kids love to dress up so make it fun and put on some layers or just gloves, hats and scarves. While bundled up get out the globe, atlas or look up online cultures around the world that have a lot of cold weather such as Russia, Canada, northern China or even in our own country - Alaska. Teach your kids about Eskimos and how they lived in igloos.
Remember, you don't have to overload your kids' brains with a bunch of details, just the basics. Get them thinking. You can even make a game of it and ask your child things you would need to live in a cold climate and see what they come up with. As we know, kids can say the funniest things!
These are just a few ideas from the Around-Town Mom for what to do when it's Cold Outside: Indoor Activities for Cold Weather. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have some more ideas, we'd love to hear them! Just send us a quick email.
Stay tuned to the Around-Town Mom, author of Kidding Around Town, as she provides more fun ideas for you and your family all year long.
