As a working parent on a budget, keeping them occupied and happy without breaking the bank can be a bit stressful. We also don’t want them sitting in front of the television for hours at a time either. We want our children to explore their imagination and enjoy themselves. Finding time to be able to spend time with them while they have fun is important. With that in mind, here is a list of creative adventures that my family enjoys in the cold months. I hope yours does too! These can all be adopted for in and outside play.
1. Camping
The kids are ready for an adventure! Time to travel to Neverland. After awhile, nobody wants to be cooped up inside and never growing up sounds like the perfect solution to everyone in my home. What better way to create the feeling of distance and adventure than camping? Grab your tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, and if you are really feeling ambitious, any extra blankets and old Christmas lights to create an extended blanket fort. Let’s get creative. Dress up in your favorite costumes and let the giggles and games begin, in your living room or any room you have the extra space. The added bonus of this idea is that the kids can you use this fun space as their quiet reading or coloring camp. You get peace and quiet and they are using their imaginations and are happy too.
2. Bath paints
Mermaids and pirates alike will enjoy this next adventure and moms rest easy, this is easy to make and affordable. Just take some shaving cream and food coloring – you have bath paints! This can be used in an outside pool or for bath time. After the treasure hunt or under the sea adventure, when the little ones are wrinkly and ready to get out, simply rinse the tub out and be on your way. Simple cleanup and the little ones go wild. Be aware that this is not edible, though for the toddlers and young children that are still putting everything in their mouth, this not an option.
3. Bowling
If your neighborhood is anything like mine, children travel in packs, like tiny little wolves. Tame the pack with a fun game of glow in the dark bowling! You will need to save 6 water bottles, any size of your choosing and a few colorful glow sticks each. For smaller children, smaller bottles will work best. The water will keep them fairly sturdy. Grab your basketball, soccer ball or volleyball you already have lying around and you have glow in the dark bowling!
4. Edible Painting
Picasso lookout, we have greatness in the making with this one. Use instant vanilla pudding, a bit of food coloring and a clean paper plate as a canvas to create beautiful and edible works of art. This can get a little messy so I suggest putting something down before the kids begin creating the next Mona Lisa.
5. Silly Snack Time
Being able to make our kids get all the necessary micronutrients without them putting up a fight can be a struggle at times. Now that you have their imaginations running, bring their lunch and snacks to life as well with lunch made of “bugs” of fruit and veggies and simple PB&J’s cut into any shape their little heart’s desire. Cookie cutters are best for this. It’s a win-win. You get them to have fun and EAT fruits and vegetables which they wouldn’t typically dare touch and they are entertained. There you have it. From voyages to Neverland to painting the sea, you are bound to make some waves with the kids with some or all of these fun, simple, affordable adventures and the cleanup is minimal. Let their imaginations run wild.
