Five ways to keep your kids entertained at Christmas… that don’t involve a screen! If you’re like most parents, you probably already worry that your kids have more ‘screen time’ than outdoor play, especially during the winter months. So as the festive season approaches and school holiday boredom looms, here are five festive-themed ideas for getting your kids outside, with activities that are a little bit educational but that also tap into the excitement and enjoyment of Christmas.
Go for a Christmas lights walk As nighttime draws near, get your little ones bundled up in warm clothing and take a walk around your neighbourhood looking out for all the neighbourhood Christmas lights and decorations. Point out the variety of lights, indoors and out. You can even make it a game of I-Spy by getting them to look out for specific colours or decorations (red lights, snowmen, reindeer, etc).
chocolate, hot soup, hot dogs, warm sausage rolls and mince pies.
Go on a Winter scavenger hunt Scavenger hunts are an exciting way to get children exploring the natural world. They are also a great way to add fun to family walks. Choose your own garden or head to the nearest park or woodland for a Winter-themed scavenger hunt. Have the kids find specific items such as animal tracks, glossy evergreen leaves, red berries, pine cones etc. You can also collect items to bring home for a creative artwork session.
Visit local festive events Decorate a tree or bush outside as a bird feeding station Survival for birds can be challenging during the cold winter months, so now is the time to help them while getting your kids interested in garden wildlife at the same time. If you have any trees or tall shrubs in your garden, make them into a bird feeding station. Smear some pine cones with salt-free peanut butter or lard and dip them in birdseed. Or you could use popcorn strings or birdseed fatballs (the RSPB has some recipes). Then enjoy watching quietly from a window to see which birds come and visit.
Have a special Christmas outdoor snack Food always seems to taste better outdoors, so wrap up warm, head outside and have a Winter-themed picnic with warming drinks such as warm spicy apple juice, hot
There’s no better way to kick off the festive season than by attending local Christmas events. This can be a simple treelighting in the area or craft and food fairs. Make it a great family occasion as well as an opportunity for a community to come together. Search online to find your nearest event (Covid restrictions permitting).
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