Ideas on How to Keep Busy Over Winter Break

We have compiled a bunch of ideas to help us keep ourselves and the kiddos busy while school is out.

So before Covid-19 we probably had fun vacations planned or plans to go visit family and now we are all here thinking "now what am I going to do?" Well I asked our mombers for ideas and I have some of my own to share. Just this week when I was at the beach (Zuma) in December (which is a great activity and easy to stay away from others, just remember to bring your masks) I was thinking about how lucky we are that Los Angeles has amazing weather that allows us to get outside year round. So that is my first suggestion, get outside, go for walks, hikes, the beach, bike rides, nature scavenger hunts (you can find a bunch online), the options are endless.

Mail Order Boxes

There are so many different types of mail order programs, but one that we have been using is KiwiCrates. Here is my code https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=PattyD57 if you would like to try one.

These crates are geared for all ages and you can get one that will best fit your child. They have monthly subscriptions, boxes you can just buy one time, and so many other options. It is a great way to incorporate science into your child’s play.

Magazines

Highlights magazine is another great resource that has been suggested by one of our mombers. We personally get the Week for Kids magazine and we love it because it keeps us current on events and helps to have the children’s perspective on what’s happening in the world around them. One way we incorporate this in our house is we each get 10 minutes to explore a magazine and then we each choose an article and discuss it. Sometimes we just look at a picture together and it takes 2 minutes and other times it sparks more curiosity and we dig deep into the rabbit hole of the internet together. It has been fun for us to discover reputable vs. not reputable sources for information.

So Many Crafts

There are so many crafts that can be done and discovered that differ from age to age. One really fun and easy craft suggested by one of our mombers that requires very little supplies are paper snowflakes. All you need to do is fold up a piece of white copy paper and fold and cut. Here is a fun link with more specific directions but if your kiddos are older have them explore different folds. If you child is younger have them fold the paper and practice fine motor skills. You can add color, glitter, hang them around the house. The options are endless. https://www.marthastewart.com/266694/decorating-with-paper-snowflakes

Another suggestion from one of our members was to make and Elf Family. This was an idea that they did with their preschool and can be easily found on one of our favorite site Pinterest. https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/paper-elf-craft/

Or you can make little angels to spread a little cheer this season. All you need is white paint, toilet paper roll, coffee filter, white pipe cleaner, pink paper for rosy cheeks, and google eyes. Then you can stuff a small toy or candy I the TP roll and it is a sweet gift for a friend or neighbor.

Also, I don’t know about you but I have so many boxes around because of holiday shopping online. Why not use those boxes for some fun costumes, decorations, box forts, or just to let the kids go to town painting.

There are so many craft ideas, here are some great pictures shared by some of our mombers.

Sensory Activities

Something else that is really fun and so important for our little humans are sensory activities. There is the always fun and simple ideas of play dough, water beads, and just going outside and playing in the mud but there are also many fun themed activities you can do too.

One great idea is to put aloe vera gel in a large ziplock bag with lots of cool gems, small ornaments, erasers, small bells, stars, etc. Then on a piece of paper draw the outline of a Christmas tree and put that on a hard surface. Place the bag with the aloe and ornaments on top and let the kids have fun “decorating the tree”. This is a great activity for small spaces and families who prefer to not make a mess.

You can also make SNOW!!! You only need two ingredients: baking soda and white conditioner. There is so much you can do with this. Practice academics like letters, math facts, spelling, etc or just play with trucks and build a mini snowman.

One of my husband's favorite sensory activity to do with the kids is gardening. The kids just love to get their hands dirty in the soil and they learn about where our food comes from all while spending time with daddy. One of our mombers starts here seeds in egg cartons which can be a great idea to do with young children because they can use their tiny fingers to make the holes for the seeds and it will be so exciting for them to see their seed grow. Another idea a member had was to have a special little dig station for her daughter to explore with dinosaurs. She can have her own excavation site.

Also getting ready for the holidays

Don’t discount your kids when you are getting everything ready for your holiday celebrations. They can totally help with the baking of goodies for gifts, wrapping presents, and making hand made cards. We have so many stickers, stamps, and colorful paper around. I am sure that grandma, grandpa, neighbors, and more would love a hand made card from our children.

Finally, it is alright to let the kids watch more TV. Make it a family event, pop popcorn, make treats, and watch a fun holiday movie while you snuggle on the couch. It is important to remember that no matter if you are stuck at home with limited number of family to share the holiday with you can still make great memories together. You don’t have to do ALL the things. Maybe pick one fun activity to do everyday. The kiddos will cherish these times with you so make sure you focus on being present and remember that the children look to you for how they are supposed to feel.