Winter break is almost here, and if you have little ones at home, you need to keep them entertained! Far too many children spend their holidays staring at a screen, behavior that’s detrimental to their mental and physical health.
So what can you do to keep children of all ages active and learning when they’re not in school? Easy! All you need are some activities that delight adults and kids alike. Try these eight Fun Learning Activities for Children and Parents Alike!
8 Fun Learning Activities for Children and Parents Alike
Visit a Museum
Nearly every town has a museum of some type to explore, and if you live near a major metro area, you can take your pick of worlds to explore. If your little one is a budding Picasso, take them to an art gallery to explore new styles.
Perhaps they can’t get enough of the animal kingdom? You can take them to a natural history museum to explore fossils and more. Adults love taking in the sights, too.
Build a Birdhouse
Are your little ones not-so-little anymore? If so, why not get them involved in designing and building a better birdhouse? They’ll get hands-on woodworking experience while they complete the project under your guiding hand.
Once they finish it, you can enjoy hours of fun watching the varieties that gather outside your window. If a family of finches builds a nest, you can chart the hatchling’s growth and development as a science experiment.
Redecorate a Room
When the weather outside is frightful, it’s time to make the interior of your home more delightful. Why not host a redecorating challenge over the holiday break? You can assign each child a room — it doesn’t have to be theirs.
Older teens might enjoy redecorating a bathroom, for example. They can experiment with towel displays and adjust the arrangements.
Start Some Seedlings
Do you want to teach your children the value of environmental conservation, as well as where their food originates? Why not save up the seeds from your vegetables and get a jumpstart on your spring garden?
You can upcycle old soup cans or other discarded containers, lining metal items with discarded deli bags to prevent rust. Fill them with soil, and when your seeds are ready, plant them. You’ll save a fortune at the garden center when it’s time to plant. Plus, your children will learn about the life cycle.
Make a Wreath
Did you ever notice how empty your house looks once you take down the decorations? If you’re into extreme minimalism, you might like the aesthetic.
However, if you want a warmer, more welcoming abode, add some color by creating wreaths for every season. You won’t feel as sad about taking down the holiday decor if you have something waiting to replace them.
Create a Cat Tree
Do you have feline friends at home? You could spend $50 or more on a commercial tree, or you can engage little builders by crafting one. You can design the perfect exercise tool for your kitty companion with leftover wood scraps and carpeting.
Even if your children are older, always supervise them carefully when using sharp instruments like saws. Teach them good safety practices by providing goggles and gloves.
Explore a Science Center
Is your child a budding young Einstein or Marie Curie? Why not spend a rainy or snowy afternoon exploring a science center together?
Many such facilities offer a variety of hands-on activities that inspire learning. You can also catch a planetarium show when it’s too dark or cold outside to stargaze.
Take a Guided Nature Walk
Have you been blessed with one of those rare warm, sunny winter days? If you have, bundle the little ones out and get outdoors. Going outside in the sunshine will benefit their bodies and minds. It may help you alleviate your winter blues as well.
While you’re exploring, head to a nature center for a guided hike. You can learn about the native fauna and flora of the region you inhabit. Your kids can learn practical skills — like which plants are edible.
Fun Learning Activities for Children and Parents Alike
You don’t have to be in school to enjoy the love of learning! This holiday break, delight your children and the adults in your family alike with the eight activities above.