Cold Day Activities for Children and Adults

If you are in about 75% of the US right now, you might be enduring Winter Storm Jayden, as it has been named. Some schools closed on Monday with most closed today and tomorrow. Your children may already be climbing the walls so I’ve rounded up a few ideas of things you can do with them!

1. Finish those handmade valentines before February even starts. You can print some out and sign them. Want to pass lots of time? Pull out some construction paper, card stock, or some other type of paper, cut to a small size, have your child(ren) color a specific picture on each one and sign them! They can also make ones for mom, dad, brother, sisters, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc…
2. Have children make a list of all the things they enjoy doing. Sit down with them and have them tell you all the things they enjoy doing whether they can do them today or not. Most kids are going to mention going outside or some outside activity but please do not tell them it can’t go on the list, just right it down. Everything goes on the list. Then when they don’t know what to do or say “I’m bored”, go to the list which is hopefully posted somewhere and list off 3 choices. Allow them to decide which of the three they would like to do. If they choose an outdoor activity or some other activity that you can’t do right now (2 years old and up), walk them through why. For example, they say, ‘I want to ride my bike’. Ask them to describe what it looks like outside and explain how it feels. This process will help them as they grow to evaluate situations and make wise choices based on all the information they have.
3. Have children create their own matching game on paper. They can choose to draw letters, numbers, objects, etc… When they are done, encourage them to tell you and then play with them…without distractions.
4. Try Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube. This is an amazing series of yoga and stretching routines set to stories. It will get them moving to help with the jitters and also help them calm down naturally.
5. Create art for their room. Whether you have them use a phone, tablet, camera or other device to take photos of things they like or have them color or paint 3 pieces, they can create art for their room. When you can go outside again, buy a few cheap dollar store frames and art has been created on a budget on these cold days!
6. Drink hot chocolate and have a snack together. Allow them to talk to you about whatever they want. You might find out something new.
7. Make pancakes for breakfast together! Ask kids what they want to add in whether it is chocolate chip, fruit, nuts or something else.
8. Create a donation box and fill with 5 items. Go through family games, movies and toys and find 5 items to donate.
9. Have your child(ren) create a new lay out for their room by drawing it on paper. Rearrange your kids room with their direction (obviously you may need to guide them at some point.
10. Create a blessing bag for the homeless or less fortunate. Use household items to create a blessing bag including but not limited to: non-perishable snacks, clean pair of unused socks, silverware, hygiene items, etc. Here are some more ideas. Then have them write a personalized note.

Well, there’s my round up of cold weather activities for today! May you enjoy the time with your loved ones and take this as a gift rather than an inconvenience.

Comment with some of the things you decide to do whether they are on this list or not! 🙂