By Sarah Scribner
If you live in many parts of the U.S., the weather outside may be frightful. Ok, maybe more like freezing. But, here’s the good news: in no time, it will be warm enough to get outside and enjoy the winter weather.
Until then, it’s time to get creative with indoor activities. To help you and the kids stay busy this winter, regardless of the weather, Pretzel Kids has compiled a list of 11 affordable family-friendly activities. So, take a look and make this a winter to remember - either outside in the cold or inside where it’s toasty warm!
3 Outdoor Winter Favorites
Go Sledding. You and your kids can go on a fun-filled adventure outdoors without emptying your wallet! Sledding requires big hills and lots of snow, so if you live in the Northeast or the Rocky Mountain states, you’re in luck. Even if your terrain is mainly flat, if you’ve got snow, we’re sure you can find a hill somewhere.
All you need is a sled. If you don’t have one, you can even make one out of yoga mats, trash can lids, and even big pieces of cardboard. Find a slope, and you’re off!
Go Ice Skating. Tired of snow? Get active on the ice! Many ice skating rinks offer free admission and inexpensive rentals, so explore the opportunities in your area. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite snacks and insulated mugs of hot chocolate in order to save money on the rink’s concessions.
Build a Snowman. Building an outdoor snowman requires teamwork and lots of snow. You can get as creative as you’d like and use a carrot, hats, scarves, and other items from around the house to dress up your snowman.
No snow? No worries! You can take this activity indoors and make a mini snowman out of construction paper. The kids can hang their creations around the house and these pieces of art will never melt away.
8 Fun Indoor Activities
Tell Stories Around a Fire. One of the best ways to get creative is to tell or read stories together! Why not do this around a warm fire on a cold night? You can even create a storytelling challenge. Each tell your own rendition of Frosty the Snowman and then vote on the best version! For tastier tales, you can even roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Create a Scrapbook. Looking to share your many family photos from the holidays? Take a creative break with your kids by crafting a holiday scrapbook, featuring this season’s best memories. You can make your own decorative additions or hit the crafts store for cheap, festive stickers, paper, and markers.
Get Cooking. What pairs perfectly with cold weather? Warm soup! Check out warm and healthy recipes online and give them a try with your kids. Cooking together is fun, healthy and affordable (it sure beats expensive trips to restaurants and greasy take-out!)
Watch a Holiday or Winter-Themed Movie. Now that you have your fire and warm soup, it’s time to gather around the TV and watch a movie. You can choose a winter-themed movie like “Happy Feet” or maybe just a classic family favorite like “The Wizard of Oz.” Either way, this will keep the kids entertained and your wallet full.
Make a Winter Soundtrack. Gather your favorite songs and put them into a playlist together, using music apps like Apple Music and Spotify. Spotify allows you to listen to the music of your choice, at anytime and with anyone, at no cost.
Play Yoga Games. Yoga is a great way for kids to get fit and use their imaginations. Instead of just practicing yoga poses, why not play a fun yoga game? Many childhood games - including Red Light, Green Light and Duck, Duck, Goose - can be adapted to yoga using different poses. If you want to learn even more yoga games to play and teach to your children, check out the affordable online Pretzel Kids Teacher Training Course, 20% off until January 31!
Get Involved in Your Community. The new year provides plenty of new opportunities to give back. Check out local soup kitchens, toy/clothing drives, and other charities. You and your kids can help others while feeling warm this winter.
Brainstorm Resolutions for 2018. Chances are that you have at least one New Year’s resolution. So, why not use this time to involve your kids? You can all reflect on the previous year as a family, and then come up with ways to improve in 2018. Self-reflection is a critical part of self-care, so when you do this together, you’re introducing the importance self-care to your kids.
Winter Wonderful
We get it: it's easy to spend the winter wishing for summer. Instead, try out these 11 activities and turn this winter into the most wonderful time of year for you and the kids. By enjoying every day, you'll also teach your kids how to truly live in the moment, even if that moment is chilly! Here's to a winter wonderland for all!
If you live in many parts of the U.S., the weather outside may be frightful. Ok, maybe more like freezing. But, here’s the good news: in no time, it will be warm enough to get outside and enjoy the winter weather.
Until then, it’s time to get creative with indoor activities. To help you and the kids stay busy this winter, regardless of the weather, Pretzel Kids has compiled a list of 11 affordable family-friendly activities. So, take a look and make this a winter to remember - either outside in the cold or inside where it’s toasty warm!
3 Outdoor Winter Favorites
Go Sledding. You and your kids can go on a fun-filled adventure outdoors without emptying your wallet! Sledding requires big hills and lots of snow, so if you live in the Northeast or the Rocky Mountain states, you’re in luck. Even if your terrain is mainly flat, if you’ve got snow, we’re sure you can find a hill somewhere.
All you need is a sled. If you don’t have one, you can even make one out of yoga mats, trash can lids, and even big pieces of cardboard. Find a slope, and you’re off!
Go Ice Skating. Tired of snow? Get active on the ice! Many ice skating rinks offer free admission and inexpensive rentals, so explore the opportunities in your area. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite snacks and insulated mugs of hot chocolate in order to save money on the rink’s concessions.
Build a Snowman. Building an outdoor snowman requires teamwork and lots of snow. You can get as creative as you’d like and use a carrot, hats, scarves, and other items from around the house to dress up your snowman.
No snow? No worries! You can take this activity indoors and make a mini snowman out of construction paper. The kids can hang their creations around the house and these pieces of art will never melt away.
8 Fun Indoor Activities
Tell Stories Around a Fire. One of the best ways to get creative is to tell or read stories together! Why not do this around a warm fire on a cold night? You can even create a storytelling challenge. Each tell your own rendition of Frosty the Snowman and then vote on the best version! For tastier tales, you can even roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
Create a Scrapbook. Looking to share your many family photos from the holidays? Take a creative break with your kids by crafting a holiday scrapbook, featuring this season’s best memories. You can make your own decorative additions or hit the crafts store for cheap, festive stickers, paper, and markers.
Get Cooking. What pairs perfectly with cold weather? Warm soup! Check out warm and healthy recipes online and give them a try with your kids. Cooking together is fun, healthy and affordable (it sure beats expensive trips to restaurants and greasy take-out!)
Watch a Holiday or Winter-Themed Movie. Now that you have your fire and warm soup, it’s time to gather around the TV and watch a movie. You can choose a winter-themed movie like “Happy Feet” or maybe just a classic family favorite like “The Wizard of Oz.” Either way, this will keep the kids entertained and your wallet full.
Make a Winter Soundtrack. Gather your favorite songs and put them into a playlist together, using music apps like Apple Music and Spotify. Spotify allows you to listen to the music of your choice, at anytime and with anyone, at no cost.
Play Yoga Games. Yoga is a great way for kids to get fit and use their imaginations. Instead of just practicing yoga poses, why not play a fun yoga game? Many childhood games - including Red Light, Green Light and Duck, Duck, Goose - can be adapted to yoga using different poses. If you want to learn even more yoga games to play and teach to your children, check out the affordable online Pretzel Kids Teacher Training Course, 20% off until January 31!
Get Involved in Your Community. The new year provides plenty of new opportunities to give back. Check out local soup kitchens, toy/clothing drives, and other charities. You and your kids can help others while feeling warm this winter.
Brainstorm Resolutions for 2018. Chances are that you have at least one New Year’s resolution. So, why not use this time to involve your kids? You can all reflect on the previous year as a family, and then come up with ways to improve in 2018. Self-reflection is a critical part of self-care, so when you do this together, you’re introducing the importance self-care to your kids.
Winter Wonderful
We get it: it's easy to spend the winter wishing for summer. Instead, try out these 11 activities and turn this winter into the most wonderful time of year for you and the kids. By enjoying every day, you'll also teach your kids how to truly live in the moment, even if that moment is chilly! Here's to a winter wonderland for all!
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