Let’s face it, as much as we want our kids to be outside, there is a certain temperature that thermostat hits when we just can’t be bothered to do the full winter gear dance in order to get them there. Not to mention the inevitable, “I have to pee!” the moment their entire snow suit and boots are on. Some days we just need a little breather and some warm and cozy family time inside! There are still plenty of winter activities though that you can do without having to step outside. Here are 5 fun activities to do with kids inside during winter!
Make An Ice Wreath
I found this awesome activity on Tales of a Mountain Mama. She was having an outdoor winter challenge and this particular winter craft really struck a chord with me! I love the simplicity of it and how pretty they turn out to be as well! It’s as simple as taking a shallow baking dish with a small cup sitting in the middle (for the hole) and filling it with water and decorations! Stick it outside overnight and Voila!, you have a perfect ice wreath to hang outside all winter long. (or as long as it stays below 32F and below!)
This is also one of those activities that can be done outside if your kids want to brave the cold and go on an adventure for decorations they find outdoors. If you are worried about the cold, check out this amazing winter kid’s brand, Reima Oy. Their gear will totally make you believe that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!
Experiment With Baking
Nothing is better than some good old fashioned comfort food during those cold, winter days. Baking with kids can not only be fun (we know, we know…it’s messy and can sometimes be frustrating!), but seeing the pride on your children’s faces as that freshly baked pastry comes out of the oven is priceless! Check out the Eat2Explore box which sends you a different recipe each month with all the ingredients you need! It makes baking with kids a breeze!
If you are a new customer, use code NEW15 for a 15% discount!
Read Winter Themed Books
While reading books may seem like an obvious option, you can take it to the next level by building an indoor fort, setting up the camping light, and making some hot chocolate. Kids will love the cozy inside space with their own stash of books. Need a little book inspiration? Here are some great winter themed books for all ages!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
If you’re looking for something a bit different or already have read these books , check out Bookshop.org. (BookshopUK for our friends across the pond). Not only will you be helping small independent bookstores, but also creating memories with your kids that we guarantee they will remember!
Make Ice cream Out Of Snow
Ok, so technically you have to go outside for this one, but we promise its only for a minute or two. This is a great activity where you actually get to bring the winter inside and have a fun treat for the kids! I found a great recipe from Gimme Some Oven and I have to admit it tastes a whole lot like ice cream! The texture is a bit different, but the flavor will have you second guessing if you really did just scoop up snow from your backyard!
Craft With A KiwiCo STEM Box
The Kiwi Box is a monthly box subscription, but you can actually also order single boxes or themed boxes around the holidays. If you don’t want to take the plunge and do a long subscription (although we HIGHLY recommend it!) then order a couple of the single ones and stash them away for one of those days that you have no desire (or ability) to leave the house. The boxes specially curated for your child’s individual age and most are STEM based. Although they do have a geography box called the Atlas Box as well as an art themed one called the Doodle Crate if your kids want something a little bit different! This is one of those activities to do with kids inside during winter that will entertain the kids and keep you happy since it is learning based!
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