During this year’s long holiday break, many annual events, camps, and group hang-outs are postponed or cancelled due to COVID restrictions. Parents are left to get creative in entertaining their children while school is out. Fortunately, Boulder’s natural beauty and ample outdoor space provides a safe, wintery playground with plenty to do. Here are just a few activities for the young and young at heart.
Snow Yoga
Tune in to an online yoga channel, like Cosmic Kids Yoga, and have kids practice a few sequences indoors. Once they have that down, send them outside with their yoga mats in full snow gear to enjoy the crisp weather and to nail warrior three in snow boots. For extroverts, invite neighborhood kids to bring their yoga mats and set up shop in the front yard. Each child can take turns displaying a pose or sequence for everyone else to try.
Host Your Own Great British Baking Show
Turn on an episode of this popular baking competition and break out the muffin tins. Classic British recipes take on a fun flair. For younger children, prep ingredients and handle the actual baking portion. For older children, have them research and choose their own corresponding recipe.
Go Sledding
After a fresh snow storm, grab some sleds and take the kids to the nearest hill. A thermos full of hot cocoa can keep them going all afternoon long while you stay toasty in the car. Wonderland Hill, Scott Carpenter Park, and Foothills Community Park offer some easily accessible options that are safe and fun for children of all ages.
Create a Neighborhood-wide Scavenger Hunt
Regardless of the weather, kids will be ready to get outside and search for fun prizes with their friends. Get a few other parents involved to create clues and spend your morning run hiding each hint in corresponding spots around the neighborhood. Or, for a very easy treasure hunt option, check out this list of scavenger hunt ideas.
Trash Pick Up!
Teach your kids about environmentalism by hosting a virtual neighborhood clean up. Litterati, a mobile app, allows crowd sourcing and virtual hang outs that revolve around litter. Participants can snap a picture of each piece of trash picked up and it will get added to your group’s total count. Host a three-day competition with a final prize for the team that picks up the most trash.
Encourage children to stay physically active and engaged by going for walks and playing outside. Since the majority of schooling and socializing has switched to virtual, allow them the space to enjoy downtime, away from technology and set schedules. We can all use a little rest, relaxation, and the great outdoors this winter break.