Winter hits boys the hardest when they can’t be outdoors. It’s time to get inventive and beat the after-school ‘I’m bored!’s! How we’re getting through it, here.
Has the winter freeze gotten to you yet? What about to your kids?! Because even though I’m okay with a little bit of hibernation, my kids are decidedly not. So when one of our readers requested a post with ideas for after school activities for her elementary school aged boys (my favorite population!) I figured it was the perfect time to share my survival tips.
In the fall, spring, summer, and even during the mild parts of winter, I’m team outside. Everyone, out!
Balls, scooters, hoses, bikes, digging in the dirt, whatever it takes to get energy out. But this winter, we’ve been forced to get a little more inventive.
Here’s what I’ve done!
Balls are allowed in the house. Not hardballs with baseball bats, but playground balls, soccer balls, and footballs are fair game. They’re not only allowed, they’re encouraged! Yes, something might break. For us, it’s worth it.
Games are more fun when I play. Classic board or card games are just a lot more fun when Mommy joins in, so I’ve sharpened my Cover Your Assets skills considerably. Realistically, it’s important for me to remember that my presence ups the fun factor. (Board game recs, here.)
New toys and activities really help. By nature, I’m a minimalist and I’ve been around the block long enough to know that ‘new’ doesn’t always equal ‘holds their interest.’ But when you’re looking to fill the after school hours and outside is pretty much off the table, a new activity/toy/game really does help.
Here’s what’s been keeping us entertained this season. And please leave your activity ideas below, it doesn’t seem like it’s warming up anytime soon.
You might also want to check out this Great Activity for Boys using Painter’s Tape and our Activity Book Roundup.
Happy playing!
My kids have been enjoying the “Hidden Pictures” activity books by Highlights. We sit together at the table, sometimes each with their own book or we try to do one together.
We’re enjoying table top soccer this winter!!
The big boys love the game catan and spike ball
I give my son a set time for gameboy. It is a lifesaver on the days we are stuck at home.
I bought my 5 yr old son roller skates and he’s skating around the house!
We got into boggle. Its great for so many ages so each can do words on their level. Hello fellow minimalistas- I print a boggle board and throw it away each time!