Friend and reader, Amy (who STILL needs to start a blog!!) has asked me to post some ideas about new, fun things to do with little kids when the weather is too darn cold to head outside. Thinking about this has inspired me to make a whole new list of fresh activities for my own kids!
1. In home treasure hunt. You can hide anything from a preschooler, don a few dress ups and commence a great search. Stuffed animals, small kitchen gadgets or even those plastic Easter eggs will work great.
2. Birthdays are such fun, it's a shame to only celebrate them on the actual day. Have your own un-birthday celebration complete with cupcakes, presents (wrap up existing toys), games and of course candles! You could also squeeze in a birthday card craft and have your child make birthday cards for cousins and friends ready for use way before the big days arrive.
3. Have your child pick an animal and then help her do a mini "report." National Geographic has a wonderful and interactive website for kids. I also love checking out the San Diego Zoo website with Afton. Find out what sound the animal makes, what it eats and were it lives.
4. Turn off the lights and bring out the flashlights. Make shadow shapes, read in the dark or make that treasure hunt a little more thrilling.
5. The Friend magazine is available in full content online. Pick an issue and print out one of the games, puzzles or coloring pages. We love the matching games.
6. Speaking of matching games...make your own memory game using clip art. I'm teaching preschool this week and just made a matching set of animals that start with the letter "P."
7. Bake something. Cookies, cupcakes, muffins or bread. Last week's soft pretzels were a hit at our house. We'll be churning out some welcome cookies tomorrow for Grandpa.
8. Has it been a while since your little cutie has played with a balloon? I'm always amazed at the length of time Afton is entertained by bouncing and kicking balloons. Make the fun funnier with makers and draw a silly face on the air filled wonder.
9. I would just love for a grandparent to give my kids subscriptions to BabyBug and LadyBug magazines. These super monthly magazines are quaint and filled with poems, stories, crafts, recipes and songs. Lucky for me, a few of the activities are available online here.
10. When you are dreaming of fanning yourself from the oppressive heat of summer, embrace the dream and throw on some sandals, shorts, sunglasses; sip on lemonade or make some popsicles. Your child will love seeing her old favorite summer wear and faking the heat will make you feel warm inside for sure!
I'm sure my friendly readers (all 3 of you!!!) will have other great ideas to share.
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2 comments:
Great post, Liz! I needed that. Thanks for sharing your great ideas.
these are awsome ideas! you are such a fun mom. i love your lists.
zane would like to add coloring on walls with markers is a fun activity. today I think he hit about 6 walls during my 3 minute conversation with his daddy.
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