As winter comes into full force, time outdoors with little ones can be limited but the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window means there’s no better opportunity to engage in imaginative play.
These types of activities can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your children, spark their creativity and encourage open-ended play.
Mother of three young boys and CEO of KIDstore.ie, Lynn Mooney-Murray, shares her top tips for indoor play - which don't include electronic devices!
Read more: Warning to parents as urgent recall issued for popular sweets due to choking hazard
Camping adventure
Bring the great outdoors inside and set up an indoor camping adventure. Create a cosy blanket fort and use torches to tell campfire stories. Why not throw in a picnic with the little ones’ favourite snacks or introduce a toy tea set for a make-believe tea party. Ask leading open-ended questions such as “What animals do you think we’ll see while we’re in the wild?” and let your kids ’ imaginations run wild as they embark on an imaginary camping trip right in the comfort of your living room.
Puppet show extravaganza
Help your children craft their own puppets using socks, paper bags, toilet roll tubes or old mittens. Once the puppets are ready, encourage them to create a puppet show, with you as their eager audience. Watch as their storytelling skills come to life and witness the magic of their imagination unfolding before your eyes. Showing that you are interested and enjoying the show promotes positive self-image and boosts their self-esteem.
Raindrop art masterpieces
Take inspiration from the wet weather and engage in raindrop art. Dip a cotton swab in paint and gently dot it onto paper, mimicking raindrops falling from the sky. Encourage your kids to create colourful abstract raindrop paintings which you can display in your home. Teach older kids cutting skills by drawing a large raindrop on an A4 page, have them colour in with their own designs, and ask them to cut it out safely.
Treasure hunt
Design an indoor treasure hunt that leads to hidden treats or small toys. Create a series of clues that require them to solve puzzles and follow the trail around the house. This activity promotes problem-solving skills and adds an element of excitement to a gloomy day. If you need a bit of assistance, Pinterest has plenty of free treasure hunt clues for you to use!
DIY science experiments
Turn your kitchen into a science lab and conduct safe and straightforward experiments. From creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar to making slime, these experiments will not only entertain your kids but also get them curious about the wonders of science. Again Pinterest and Google are your friends when you quickly need to find a “how to” guide.
Get dancing
Put on some lively music and host a dance party. Let your children dance freely, expressing themselves through movement. Dancing is a fantastic way to get their energy out while also encouraging them to be confident. Add in a bit of excitement to it by playing the Floor is Lava or Freeze Dance.
Build a cardboard city
Save all your cardboard boxes for a winter’s day and let your kids’ imagination take over as they design and build their own cardboard city. They can create houses, shops, and even vehicles using markers, paint, and other craft supplies. This activity promotes teamwork and creativity.
Brave the outdoors
If all else fails why not brave it and go outside! Buying fun and colourful wellies and umbrellas are great to encourage the kids to venture outside if they are a little resistant. Round the day off with a cosy hot chocolate indoors.
For more, go to kidstore.ie
Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this LINK to receive your daily dose of RSVP Live content. We also treat our community members to wonderful competitions, promotions, along with great stories. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
