If your winter days look as cold and snowy as here in Illinois, you might be getting cabin fever. Winter activities are not too hard to find and the good news is that there is just as much, if not more, available for littles to enjoy on a cold day. Here are just a few ideas.
Go for a walk in the snow
This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the winter scenery. Better yet, make it into a scavenger hunt. Draw or print a few winter items for your kids to find and make the walk interesting for curious minds. Or, simply turn it into a peaceful walk with a little conversation.
Play in the snow
If you have some snow, make the most of it! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, draw snow figures. Basically, use what’s around you. Preschoolers love to play in the snow!
Visit a winter wonderland
If you live near a winter wonderland, take your preschoolers to see the lights, ice sculptures, and other festive displays. As a matter of fact, Chicago has a great one at Navy Pier, including ice skating, trees from around the world and hot chocolate. Winter wonderland is a convenient place to explore multiple winter activities.
Go sledding
As a parent of teenagers, I can tell you that sledding days won’t last forever. Basically, there comes a time when sledding will be pushed away in favor of skiing or other winter sports. Sledding is a classic winter activity that is always a hit with preschoolers. So do it while you can!
Go skiing or snowboarding
You don’t have to be an experienced skier or snowboarder to take your kids for a fun day on the slopes. Start with a lesson and try it as early as you can, so they grow up with confidence on skis or board. It’s a great sport for life and a way to truly appreciate the outdoors. If you don’t have hills or mountains near you, try cross country. Preschoolers will enjoy the fresh winter air and moving fast.
Go to a snow tubing park
It may seem like sledding but it’s so much more! Snow tubing is a great way for preschoolers to learn how to control their speed and balance. It’s typically a larger hill and faster ride. Tubing parks stay open later, so it’s a great activity after dinner to get a restful sleep after.
Have a winter activities party
Invite your preschoolers’ friends over for a winter party with games, food, and decorations. You can use the ever-popular cartoon themes or come up with your own. Snowed in (powdered sugar) french toast and hot chocolate will make for tasty treats. Teach the kids how to make snowflakes, cutting out different shapes from folded paper. It may be indoors but it’s in good company!
Make a winter-themed craft
There are lots of fun winter crafts that you can make with your preschoolers. Here’s a good resource for winter crafts, including popsicle stick snowflakes, finger paint trees, and a variety of paper plate crafts.
Read a winter story
Reading a winter story is a wonderful way to get your preschoolers excited about the season. Another fun idea is making your own winter story together, leaving space for your child to draw (or craft) the picture.
Set a winter-time science experiment
Step outside to play scientist in the winter. There are so many opportunities to explore! From freezing bubbles, to weighing snow, painting ice (watercolor is best), to freezing pinecones and making fake snow. A little learning and a lot of fun!
What are your favorite winter activities with your preschooler? Comment below!
