Those winter months with your little ones are just magical. From the look in their eyes as they watch the first snowfall of the season to bundled-up babies that look like little marshmallows, those precious moments are priceless. What might not feel magical, however, is all the time you spend indoors. Fortunately, the cold and snow don’t have to be a barrier for exciting outdoor toddler care!
In fact, at The Breakie Bunch Learning Center, playing outside in the colder months is one of our favorite things about toddler care. The enrichment opportunities for kids are endless, and it helps keep childcare fresh and exciting. Learning a few key outdoor winter activities for at home will keep everyone happy and active.
Why Should I Take My Kids Outside in the Winter?
Taking your little ones to play outside has been shown to improve their physical and emotional health, which is why it’s incorporated into all our childcare programs. Kids benefit from wide open spaces, open-ended play opportunities, and connecting with nature. Even when it’s cold out or there’s snow on the ground, there are still tons of opportunities to play.
When the weather is chilly, try to do activities that keep blood pumping. Staying active and running around will encourage your kids to stay outside longer since it will keep them nice and warm. You can create obstacle courses, compete in relay races, and visit nearby parks.
Don’t forget about the other classics that every kid loves, like:
- Tag
- Hopscotch
- Hide-and-seek
Creative and Educational Outdoor Activities
We love encouraging activities for home that complement the learning objectives in our childcare programs. For example, learning about animals is always a favorite in our toddler care program. To keep the fun going at home, try making a homemade bird feeder with your kids.
How to Make a Homemade Bird Feeder
This simple activity just needs a pinecone, your favorite nut or seed butter, and some birdseed. Spread the butter on the pinecone and coat with birdseed or even nuts and berries. It’s that simple! As a bonus activity, you can take your new bird feeders along on your family’s favorite nature walks. Your children will love connecting what they’re learning in their childcare program with at-home activities.
Snow Spray Painting Toddler Activity
There are also endless art opportunities outdoors in the winter months, even when there’s snow on the ground. The Breaking Bunch Learning Center’s philosophy centers around learning through play and hands-on activities, so try this one at home: grab a few spray bottles, fill them with water, and add a little food coloring to each. When there’s fresh snow on the ground, let your kids decorate the snow to their heart’s content! They will learn about color mixing and how snow melts, combining the play and learning we love for toddler care.
Your New Winter Favorites
Toddler care is tricky, but having some tools in your repertoire can help make those long days feel a lot more manageable. Whether you are spending your days at home or sending your little one to a childcare facility, these new cold-weather activities will help keep them active, inquisitive, and excited about winter.