Winter Break is here, which means lots of unstructured time with your kiddos. If you're one of those uber-prepared parents that posts your kid's Pinterest-perfect projects to Facebook daily, you're probably all set. If you're like us though, you're always looking for fun screen-free activities to suggest when they ask (for the eighth time) if they can watch a show. Never fear! We've got you covered with our five favorite screen-free activities for your kids to do this week. Enjoy, and feel free to share your very best moments with us using #putmeinthestory!
Build an Igloo or Blanket Fort
Whether it's subzero temperatures and everyone is hiding inside or you're letting the kids run free in the snow, building forts of any variety keeps your child's imagination occupied in an unstructured, free-thinking setting. A fort is an escape to another world that is the product of your child's creativity. Add an extra kid or two for improvement in team building skills. Bonus: it doubles as a reading hideout!
Tie-Dye Your Snowman
Building a snowman is a festive pastime for cold, snowy days. But tie-dying with food coloring is a hilarious twist that allows your kids' creativity to shine brightly in your front yard. Add a few drops of food coloring to a dollar-store spray bottle or two, and let your kid(s) surprise you with the happiest snowman on the block.
Play a Board Game
If it's too cold to be outside, grab a board game! Casual competition and teamwork are great skills to encourage, and it's a perfect opportunity for some laughs and family bonding. Board games teach a valuable lesson to never give up despite your luck or odds. They are also excellent for developing communication and patience as well as following rules and sharing.
Invite them to bake or cook with you
If you'll be baking or cooking during the holidays, get the kids involved! For younger children, it's great hands-on experience and they get to see how their food is put together. For older children, it's an opportunity for them to learn some cooking basics, use their math skills and bond with you.
Visit a Museum
Museums can offer an unforgettable, immersive learning experience that feeds their imagination and introduces your child to an array of unexplored worlds and subjects. Rediscover your own sense of wonder as you explore a museum with your kiddo, opening their eyes to different ideas and perspectives that are critical to analytical and creative thinking skills. Plus, it shows them that you're never too old to learn something new!
Don't forget to share your moments with us on social media with the hashtag #putmeinthestory
Have fun!!