This post contains affiliate links. Educational Gifts For Kids: Green Kid Crafts.

Are you struggling to find fun, original, educational gifts for the kid in your life? We just had our first experience with Green Kid Crafts, and it already has my kids begging for more. There is so much packed into the little green box it’s a great choice for any child.

Review of Green Kid Crafts

First of all, let me be clear, in no way shape or form am I a science mom or have ever had much interest in science. I studied history, geography, French, international studies, etc. in college. I believe took astronomy and geology for my two required college science courses because they looked the most interesting.

However, I think this is part of the reason why I love Green Kid Crafts. First, there is a ton to learn about and explore. These are activities my kids love (especially my son) I would never have put together on my own. Also, it was so nice to have everything required for the experiment or activity right there on hand with clear directions, multiple options, and great thought-provoking questions for the kids to consider.

As a disclosure, we were sent a free sample box to review to be an affiliate for Green Kid Crafts. Now, you can choose to be an affiliate for so many things out there. There are certainly many options for monthly subscription kid themes. I have to say this is my favorite of all the monthly subscription boxes out there we’ve received. Why? Because there is simply so much to do. In addition, both the 4-year-old and the 8-year-old thought it was awesome!

If you’re in need of a creative and fun educational gift for a child, try out Green Kid Crafts and share an experience. It's not just a toy to sit in the corner and gather dust.

What is Green Kid Crafts?

Educate Your Kids and Save the Planet with Green Kid Crafts!

Green Kid Crafts is a monthly subscription for discovery boxes for kids 3-10 years old. They focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), providing opportunities to spark the imagination and trigger those higher thinking questions and skills. Each box has a different theme; the one we were sent is titled “Outer Space”.

Firstly, as stated, the kits are geared toward kids 3-10 years of age. The younger ones will need more help and guidance in reading the directions and doing the activity than the older ones. Actually, I found I had to almost work with the older child more to get her to slow down, do things in order, and make observations. A lot depends on the personality of your child!

From their own website, Green Kid Crafts describes their product as:

Developed by teachers, crafty moms and STEAM experts (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) to support key developmental skills for kids ages 3-10, our products celebrate creativity with craft projects and activate thinking, questioning, inquiring, and original creation as we guide children through fun science experiments.

Who would enjoy Green Kid Crafts as a fun, educational gift?

Firstly, as stated, the kits are geared toward kids 3-10 years of age. The younger ones will need more help and guidance in reading the directions and doing the activity than the older ones. Actually, I found I had to almost work with the older child more to get her to slow down, do things in order, and make observations. A lot depends on the personality of your child!

These are fun and accessible for any kid. However, I think those who would especially enjoy it would be those who may already have an interest in science, discovery, and a patience and determination to figure out how things work.

You know those kids who at age 2 were trying take apart the door knob, turning it back and forth, and testing the locks? You can practically see the gears in their heads working as they try to figure out the why does it do this?

My son and my brother were both this way at a young age, and my brother ended up an engineer so there you go!

For parents, this is a quick and easy way to enjoy active learning with your children. You get to participate and see them discover and get excited learning about the world around them.

I personally love the fact I didn’t have to go figure out a bunch of experiments and activities and gather all the supplies!

Many of these awesome ideas are great for any season!

What I like about Green Kid Crafts

• The kits are pre-packaged and ready to go with nearly everything you need. The only things we needed for our “Outer Space” kit were a little cooking oil and dishwashing liquid.
• Plenty of supplies. We were able to do the experiments multiple times for both my son and daughter. (You can also order extra in your kits for siblings)
• A variety of activities. We learned not just about one topic but many. Included in our box we had a Planetarium Kit, Space Sand Kit, and a Rocket Balloon Kit.
• Each kit of the three we received in our box has multiple experiments and discovery opportunities.
• Excellent directions and thought-provoking questions to help kids explore.
• The different kits take a good amount of time to complete. I would not recommend doing them all at once but space them out during the month for kids to really enjoy and think about.
• STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) focused. Great for getting kids exciting about learning and experimenting outside of school.
• Promotes key developmental skills.
• Educational and fun for adults helping kids as well. Granted, I’m not a scientist, but the space sand was fascinating to learn about!
• New learning theme each month.
• Earth-friendly materials are used. The supplies chosen can be composted, recycled and/or reused whenever possible.

Practical details and how to get it

There are several options for boxes and subscriptions. You can order a one-time box and renew it every month or get a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription, which is totally awesome, and I wouldn’t mind being given to me as a gift myself! See this link for current prices and options: Give the gift of creativity with Green Kid Crafts!

The child in your life will get their own exciting package in the mail every month with endless opportunities for discovery, imagination, and fun. What kid does not like to get something in the mail? They fight over just holding it on the way home from the mailbox at our house!

In conclusion and my opinion

I’ve said a lot of good things about this product and company, and our experiences so far are very favorable. I really like the idea of encouraging the growth of the “whole child” and the focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Moreover, as a person who has never really had much interest in science for myself, I found myself getting excited about the experiments with the kids. The only con I can think of to mention was that the air pump for the balloons didn’t work as well as I would have liked, and that was not a problem as I could blow them up myself.

With my own eyes, I saw them learning new things about materials, jet propulsion, and the night sky. Their faces lit up with excitement and enthusiasm for learning with very little effort on my part. This would make a wonderful gift from any grandparent, friend, relative, or whoever.

What are your favorite science experiments you remember doing as a child? Post them in the comments!

I think my most memorable was when my science teacher had us do a bug collection with 25 different species. I felt like I was collecting bugs forever! A close second most memorable was when the squid ink exploded all over me during a dissection…ack! I still can picture that table and middle school classroom!

This page contains affiliate links. Mother's Day brunch menu.

Do you need a Mother’s Day brunch menu for the kids in your life to make a memorable impression for Mom or Grandma? This is my go to quick brunch for women’s events like baby showers, a ladies get together, a book club, or any fun gathering.

It is a proven formula, and I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t enjoyed it. So for some pampering and a show of appreciation for all Mom does in our lives, give her a rest and make something she will love.

Test your patience Mom day

Today was one of those mornings for me. The 4-year-old was happy and looking forward to “Z” day at school and then bam! We forget the backpack. Now, do you really need a backpack for a 2 and a half hour preschool class? Not really, but it’s a fun thing to carry around and put our “jobs” in before going home. The child completely lost it and would not go in the building without his backpack. Did I have a million things to do while he was in preschool? Yes.

We had a talk next to the car trying to be reasonable and explain how he wouldn’t need it, and Mommy would bring it at the end of school. No luck, and the kid is stubborn. So amid the screams, running back to the car multiple times, I admit to myself. I

t’s a test your patience Mom day. We all have them. So people! Plan something nice for the Mom in your life and show some gratitude to the person who navigated you or others through the childhood fits, trials, stubbornness, and growth.

Why should kids prepare a Mother's Day brunch menu?

Mother’s Day is an awesome opportunity to do something nice for some of the most important people in kids’ young lives. Instead of buying something and wrapping it up and telling the kids what Mom or Grandma is getting, give them a part. Make them invest some of themselves in the effort.

Yes, it will take more time, patience, and clean-up, but the smiles of pride and joy as they present Mom with a homemade breakfast or brunch on a tray or at a family party is well worth it.

My kids love to be involved in cooking and preparing gifts for others. Their faces light up, and of course the four-year-old states, “Yes! I can do it myself for Grandma!”

This year use a Mother’s Day brunch menu for kids to treat Mom, Grandma, or that special person in their lives to a little luxury and pampering.

Mother's Day brunch menu

Kid-prepared Mother’s Day brunch menu

Yogurt, fruit, and granola parfaits

To begin, our menu includes some simple, healthy, pretty, and oh so tasty ingredients to give Mom some energy for the day. Presentation is a huge part of making food enjoyable so embrace the aesthetics while choosing the best foods at the same time. Who can resist a beautiful yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola?

This is a fun thing for kids to prepare. First, gather the ingredients. You'll, of course, need yogurt in one or more flavors. We like vanilla when adding fruit to it, but if Mom likes blueberry or coconut Greek yogurt, go with her preference!

Also, cut up your fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, mangos, or whatever you want. Next, take a bag of a favorite granola and begin layering. Start with a layer of granola, then fruit, then yogurt. Depending on the size of your glasses you can repeat this process 2, 3, 4 or more times! Lastly, top with a sprinkling of granola and the main fruits in the parfait.

Scones (home-made or store-bought)

Along with the parfait, you can include a little indulgence. I absolutely love fruit scones but rarely make them. Choose whatever flavor Mom or Grandma love, and if you have time help the kids make them from scratch. However, you don’t have time, buy some at the store but have the little ones take them out of the package and place them just right on pretty plates.

Order a scone recipe book from Amazon here: Scones: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Quiche

Then, add a little savory to the menu with a dainty Quiche Lorraine or whatever flavor Mom likes. Quiche is not really that difficult to do, and if you buy a pre-made crust in the pan it’s a simple matter of whisking together 5 eggs, ¾ cup cream (or milk), and 2 cups flavoring ingredients (such as spinach and gruyère cheese or ham and cheddar cheese), then pouring it into the shell to bake for 45-50 min. For a good printable recipe click on the link here.

Does anyone else have trouble letting yourself allow the child to crack the eggs? Arg. All that salmonella (maybe?)! I’ve had to make a choice to let that anxiety go, she can do it! Moreover, if we get a dropped egg on the floor, a smashed eggshell in the egg mixture, or raw egg all over our hands it can all be fixed, cleaned up, sterilized, or whatever. Sigh. Let it go, let it go...

Mimosas or Orange Juice

Next, we have our Mimosas (mmmm!), simple orange juice, or possibly an Orangina? Decide if you want an adult to take care of the adult beverage portion or have the kids take care of everything with an attractive glass of bright orange juice.

 Coffee or Tea

At a morning brunch, I find coffee a necessary piece of the puzzle for my true enjoyment, but provide tea or coffee or even hot cocoa depending on the tastes of your VIPs.

Mom’s favorite flower in vase

First, don't eat the flower! Nearing the finishing touches, place a cheerful single or a whole bouquet of flowers in a vase for Grandma or Mom in her favorite flower and color.

Child’s hand-drawn card

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the kids’ hand-drawn Mother’s Day cards with hand-prints, flowers, squid, bison, or whatever the child is moved to share with Mom. They will be cherished.

In closing

To all my hard-working moms out there, I get it! Don’t forget to take a moment out and pamper yourselves! You are amazing and soooo important to those kids and their futures.

So today, the same day we had the meltdown in front of all the other preschool parents in the parking lot, we also had the end of the year program. The child took an interest, got himself dressed in a “church shirt” with suspenders and tie, and actively participated in singing, dancing, and doing motions in a 17 song/rhyme program. Every song he looked at Mom proudly with a big, beautiful smile from ear to ear. Love on your littles while you can and appreciate every day.

This post contains affiliate links. Mom Calendar.

For years I’ve dreamed of writing a novel. I took creative writing courses in high school but then didn’t pursue it much in college and immediately after as I was full of other travel, career, and family dreams. Unfortunately, it was not in my business mom calendar. However, as I worked away in the business and then teaching worlds, my love of reading and writing again bubbled up to the surface and called to me. Lauren! You need to write!

What can you do to accomplish personal goals?

So I tried to do what I could. I outlined or wrote a character in my 15-minute breaks. I wrote scenes and small stuff, but again the business of life and two small children intervened. Absolutely, this is still something for which I have a passion. How in the world can I make time to include my personal goals outside of family life? Last year I quit my job to stay home with our two kids, and it feels like there’s never a minute free.

My mind answered me, just do it. First off, make a plan and stick to it. Okay, that’s easy enough. But what’s practical, doable right now step one? For me, step one is simply making a calendar. What are my priorities, carve out time for them in my mom calendar, and stick to it!

Specifically, find time for you! Busy moms have to plan time in a mom calendar to accomplish their own goals outside of the home. Utilize my free printable calendar and set time aside for you, not the kids or straightening the house.

What are your goals?

Are you in the same boat as me? Do you have stories longing to come out but need time and discipline to get pen to paper, or fingers to the computer, to write? What are your goals for yourself? Perhaps take a few minutes and write out some long-term goals, and then go back and write out some short-term, step by step goals to get you there. We could go into goal setting in a series of blog posts, but I won’t go there right now, just do some brainstorming and get the basics down.

Once my goals are written out, my brain immediately thinks, “Okay, that’s great, but where are we going to find time to get all these things done?” If you are a stay at home mom do you have friends, acquaintances, even family, who think you have all the time in the world?

“It must be so nice to have all that free time!”

Free time, really? If you have small children at home you do not have free time. In fact, you can’t leave them alone for more than a minute or so before they climb the cabinets, wander outside, ask if you have any more paint for their wall painting, etc. If you are lucky your child will take a nap, and if you have two or more fat chance they’ll nap at the same time. Then you’re expected to get the house cleaned, plan and prepare fabulous meals, take any older children to all their art clubs, soccer practices, swimming, and bring home the car pool. The truth is there is no peace and quiet for mom to sit around and watch TV, browse the internet, and eat chocolate all day as many people infer.

To be honest, I actually had more “me” time when my kids were in daycare, and I worked my full-time corporate job. Yes, it was busy running from place to place, but there were more times during the day I could actually take a 15-minute break with no demands on me by a small person. Moreover, I could do something like take a walk or read a book for the sheer pleasure of it and not be interrupted. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and loving on my kids. However, a healthy balance can be reached for your personal goals as well as family time.

Mom Calendar Plan

So how do you find time to accomplish your goals? To begin with, I go for the simple and practical: make a schedule and follow it. Make it work. If it isn’t working, move things around on your mom calendar until it does.

Have you watched the movie or read the book About a Boy? The Hugh Grant character Will divides his day into “units” consisting of no more than 30 minutes of time. At the time, as he plans his days this way he may be immature and have a schedule nothing like my own, but I like this idea. 30 minutes of time. I would even make my “unit” equal to 15 minutes. If you have a plan and a purpose, you can get amazing amounts of work done in 15-minute blocks of time.

Would you like a mountain getaway this summer? I love Estes Park, Colorado, and I've given you the scoop on my favorite restaurants in and around. Because we all like to eat! Have an experience. Try out one of these Estes Park restaurants with character.

How do you plan your units? A calendar of course.

Maybe I’m just old or old-fashioned, but I really think there’s something to be said for writing out your goals, schedules, and calendars. Put them out there where you’ll see them consistently, and not just on your phone. When I want to brainstorm something I write my topics and ideas out on sticky notes and put them on a poster or my wall so I can move things around and get a visual picture in my head. The same goes for my weekly calendar. It’s not enough to write it out in my giant planner that is a pain to drag around and only gets opened once a day. I need a calendar/schedule I can stick on the wall or fold in half and stuff in my purse. Then I have it when I go out for easy reminders and edits.

If you can do it on your phone that’s great. It’s always with you. I put things like dentist appointments, dinner parties, and birthdays on my phone, but for the week broken down into “units” of time, I prefer paper. I tried a planner, but just couldn’t make it work since I couldn't stick it on my wall, and it was so large. Then I tried designing my own weekly calendar printable I could just print out once a week, fill in when I could, and print another one next week. The picture above is my current mom calendar. It's actually a little calmer than usual as we are recovering from Easter. You can see I have some work to do and detail to add! 

Weekly Calendar Printable

Here’s what I came up with for myself and have been using. I actually have two different versions I'll include in the download. First, there's one with only the hours listed for those who like a less cluttered look, and one with the half hours in case you like those extra lines and encouragement to write small. I actually prefer the on with the half hour. But wait! My Mom Calendar, as I call it, has more than just the hours of the day. It also has places for other items I brainstorm and plan for all the time: meals, the grocery list, and a basic to-do list. Download it just below to purpose and organize!

[et_bloom_inline optin_id="optin_6"]

Ultimately, if you think you can do it, you will. Equally, if you think you can't, you won't. Write out that mom calendar, and even if it’s only 15 minutes here and there, put in time for you. What do you want to accomplish? Find a babysitter if necessary. Set short term and long term goals. Make a plan to follow through. Get the help and the support of others.

I struggle to get time during the week, but simple things like going to bed earlier and getting up an hour earlier to write could make a huge difference in my productivity. I have some experimentation and a lot of work to do to get it right! You’ll be hearing more about my scheduling, research on writing stories, and my writing goals in the near future. I hope some of you will join me on this writing journey.

Supplies

I have a confession to make. Yes, here it is: I love pens. Not boring pens, but ink-flowing, colorful, comfortable pens that make me feel creative and happy. Highlighters, pens, and sticky notes are fabulous inspirational planning items, and I highly recommend them. Pick some up at the store or check these links out from Amazon and get your goals set and calendar planned today!

Get started today!

What are you waiting for? Are you like me and want to flex your writing skills and accomplish that first novel? Do you have fitness and exercise goals? Are you determined to get back into painting or maybe do your masters on-line? Whatever it may be, do it for not just yourself but for your family also. A well rounded you is a happier you and will rub off and make the entire household flow more smoothly.

Tell me in the comments today, what would like to carve our time for? What hidden dreams and goals are just waiting for the right chance to pull out? I’d love to hear about them!

This page contains affiliate links.

A couple of days ago the kids and I were over at my parents' house.  I was struck by the fact my mother had the house decked out in Valentine decorations.  There were Valentine candles, little statues, candy hearts in cute containers, a table centerpiece and red quilted table cover, the Valentine wreath on the front door, and more.  Inevitably, my kids commented on this, "Mommy, did you see all that Valentine stuff?" "Mommy! Grandma has candy hearts!"

Is it just me, or do you ever have a holiday sneak up on you?

Is it Valentine's Day already?  Well, close!  Consequently, my mother's decorations threw me into a short panic because at the time we had absolutely nothing put up for Valentine's Day.  Luckily, we put together a super-easy, super-quick kids' Valentine craft, fun for adults too!  I tend to like simple red, but feel free to let the kids add lace, doilies, hearts, and sparkles to their hearts' content.

Quick and Easy Kids' Valentine Craft

First, assemble your supplies:

• Red, pink, or white paper or card stock
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Twine or string

Start with super basic items you most likely already have around the house.

Second:

Fold two pieces of your chosen color of paper in half and cut out a heart shape.  Unfold the two pieces of paper, and you should end up with two identical hearts.

Third:

Using the fold down the center as a guide, cut slightly more than halfway down one heart so you've divided the upper portion of the heart in two.  Then make the same cut on the other heart but from the bottom center to the middle.

Fourth:

Slide the two hearts together using the cut portion so that you have a 3D heart.

Fifth:

Staple the gap between the two wings of the heart you cut from the top.

Sixth:

Cut a length of twine as desired (depending on how far down you want it to hang), and thread it through under the staple.  Next, tie that end securely around the staple, and then make a slip knot on the other end of the twine.

Lastly:

Fluff out your heart and hang where you wish.  They make a great centerpiece hanging over a table from a light fixture (just make sure not to have it near any light bulbs!), on curtain rods, from a door frame, or wherever else you feel moved to decorate with 3D hearts.

Hang these fun and easy kids' Valentine crafts about and voila!  No one can say you haven't gotten into the Valentine spirit!

AND as a BONUS have some fun with some French Valentine cards!

Fun, Fabulous, and Free - French Valentine Card Printables (with translation page)

After you've finished with your kids' Valentine heart project, download these great French Valentine card printables.  Then for fun and a conversation starter, print them out on card stock (or regular paper) and hand them out to friends and family.  Mon petit chou, je t'aime ... My little cabbage (term of endearment), I love you. Have fun and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

[convertkit form=4973219]

Supplies:

            

This post contains affiliate links.

The Best 2 Products to Combat Dry, Cracked Hands and Feet

How many of you out there have resigned yourselves to the painful, dry, cracked hands and feet covered with bandaids all winter? Any mom with kids who is washing their hands a million times a day is going to have some trouble with this, and I have struggled with it in the extreme. Look no further! After years of searching, I've found the best hand and foot cream that actually works!

I was that mom whose hands were so dry my fingerprint wouldn’t register on the security system at our old daycare. My dry hands caught on the fabric when simply rubbing my son’s back to help him sleep. But what could I do?

Every year I go through the winter changing lotions, creams, and then resorting to antibiotic ointment and bandaids. I’ve tried gloves at night and gloves during the day, but let me tell you it is a pain to have those on all the time! And worse, it didn’t always heal my hands or allow me to do the things I wanted.

Why do women experience dry, cracked hands and feet?

“Do you use harsh soaps and cleaning supplies?” I’ve been accused of such un-environmentally friendly tactics, and while not always harsh, I do use soap every time I wash my hands. Viruses and household sickness are miserable, and I WILL those cold and flu germs to stay away!

Here in Colorado we often have extremely dry winters. Combine that with how often the heater runs, and indoors your skin will be pillaged and plundered of all moisture. We went so far as to install a whole house humidifier, which unfortunately did not solve all my problems. Alas.

No longer do I change diapers all day (hallelujah! stay strong, you’ll get there), but especially if you are cooking, straightening, and cleaning up the child(ren) and the house you will be washing your hands a ton.

What you should do when you experience dry, cracked skin.

To be honest I’ve tried pretty much every cream out there. I used these lotions or creams almost every time I washed my hands without much benefit. The same problem existed with my feet so I went through scrubs, pumice stones, scrubbing rasps that look like zesters, and every tub, tube, or bottle of lotion or cream on the Target shelves. Ambitiously, I even made my own salve out of coconut oil, beeswax, essential oils and couple of other random ingredients. It smelled great, but didn’t help as I’d planned.

I randomly saw a friend of a friend on Facebook suggest a product I hadn't tried before.  So without much hope I went ahead and ordered some. Because I was pretty much just desperate.

And guess what?! It worked! The results were absolutely amazing, and I was completely shocked because something actually helped, and I could see immediate results. After about a week my skin was completely different. My cracks started healing, and I could actually run my hand along a piece of fabric without it catching.

The best product for painful, scratchy, cracked hands is:

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream. Click here to find it!

The absolute best skincare product for ugly, cracked feet is:

O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet Foot Cream. Again, click here to find this fabulous skincare product.

I LOVE this stuff! Why? Well,

1. It works.
2. It’s not greasy, which means I’m not getting smudges all over my glasses, computer, car doors, and absolutely everything else I touch.
3. It has no odor.
4. It’s hypoallergenic.
5. Did I mention it works?!

Of course I can’t speak for everyone, but after my quest to find the perfect hand and foot cream was successful I can’t help but shout it out to help all of you out there.  Torn up skin is painful and irritating! Try these creams out, and you won’t regret it.

I started this post out as 7 Awesome Kids Activities to Beat the Winter Blues, but I've added more! So when you see more than 7 awesome kids winter activities, just think of it as a big, giant, bonus!

What kids' winter activities do you enjoy?

Keep boredom in check and the giggles going strong!

Raise your hand if your kids start bouncing off the walls in the middle of winter. 🙋‍♀️ Oh, just mine?

Let’s be honest—winter can feel loooong, especially when the temperature dips below “let’s go outside” levels. But don’t worry! With a little creativity and some warm clothing (and maybe a cup of hot cocoa) winter can be packed with magical memories and learning fun. These kid-approved activities will help beat the winter blues and bring the whole family together—no snowplow required.

1. Snow Day Shenanigans: Sledding, Snowmen, and Snow Art

Got snow? Great! Bundle up the crew like mini marshmallows and head outside. Sledding is a classic for a reason, it’s pure joy on a hill. Whether you're flying down your neighborhood slope or venturing to a local mountain, it's an instant winter win.

No sled? Blow-up snow tubes or even a sturdy plastic storage bin lid will do in a pinch (yes, I’ve tried it).

Too cold or too flat for sledding?

• Build a snow fort or snowman with a twist—let the kids give them silly names and personalities.
• Try snow painting: Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring and let the kids "paint" the yard.
• Or make it a science + fitness challenge: create an animal track obstacle course and hop like a snowshoe hare through the yard.

Bonus points: they’ll sleep so well afterward. 😴

2. Nature Explorers: Winter Edition

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean nature’s off-limits! Winter is magical when you slow down and notice the details.
Try this:

• Visit a local nature center for winter scavenger hunts or animal tracking.
• Go on a frosty hike, bring a magnifying glass to examine icy leaves and snowy animal prints.
• Create a time capsule with treasures you find along the trail (open it when summer hits!).

Not near a nature trail? Head to the zoo or local park, many have special winter events with fewer crowds and more up-close animal encounters.

And yes, reward yourself with hot chocolate when you get home. That’s a rule.

3. Your Local Library: The Hidden Gem of Winter

Libraries these days? Not just for shushing and checking out chapter books. Ours is basically a free indoor playground of awesome.

Most libraries offer:

• Story times for all ages
• Craft sessions (and they clean up—hallelujah 🙌)
• LEGO clubs
• Board games and puzzles
• STEM and coding challenges
• Dungeons & Dragons (seriously)
• Art classes, mom groups, and more

It’s cozy, it’s free, and they do the cleanup. Total win. (I love the chapter books too!)

4. Thank You Cards with a Twist

Christmas is over, and your house is now 47% toys. Let’s channel that excitement into gratitude.

Set up a mini thank-you card station:

• Paper, glue, stickers, sparkly pens, whatever you've got.
• Help younger kids with wording, or print this free postcard-style template to make it even easier.
• Make it a mini writing lesson: teach them how to address an envelope and why stamps aren’t the same as stickers.

Not doing Christmas gifts? No problem. Try “Why I Appreciate You” cards for friends, teachers, or grandparents. They’re guaranteed to make someone’s day.

5. Ice Skating (a.k.a. Winter's Answer to Roller Rinks)

Lace up those skates and head to your local rink—indoor or outdoor, they’re all kinds of winter fun.

Most rinks offer:

• Family skate times
• Helmet and skate rentals
• "Training buckets" for new skaters
• Hot cocoa stands and twinkle lights (yes please!)

Word of caution: unless you’re auditioning for Disney on Ice, maybe skip the triple axel. I’ve seen too many heroic dads wipe out attempting Olympic-worthy spins.

6. Origami: Zen Moments with Paper

Stuck inside with cranky kids? Enter: Origami.

Grab some colorful paper (or recycle that holiday wrapping paper) and queue up a YouTube tutorial like this easy fox or my son's favorite origami frog. You can even sneak in some geometry and fine motor skills—win-win.

Kids love folding sharks, frogs, and flowers, and they’ll beam with pride showing off their paper zoo. Display them on a bookshelf or create an art gallery on the fridge!

7. Culture Day: Around the World from Your Kitchen Table

Beat the blahs with a cultural adventure—no passport required!

Pick a country and dive in:

• Look it up on a map
• Learn a few greetings in the native language
• Read about traditions, school days, or music
• Make a traditional dish (yes, even picky eaters will try it if they help cook it!)

Don't have a restaurant nearby? That’s okay—declare it “French Night,” cook crêpes, and listen to Edith Piaf on Spotify. Or pick Japan, roll some sushi (or just rice balls), and fold origami cranes.

It’s hands-on learning, delicious, and you just might start a new tradition.

8. Puzzle Power: Jigsaw, Logic & DIY Brain Teasers

Puzzles are a wintertime staple—and not just because they keep kids (and adults!) busy for hours. They’re also amazingfor developing problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and teamwork skills.

Here are a few fun ways to puzzle your way through a snowy afternoon:

🧩 Family jigsaw puzzle – Choose a 500+ piece puzzle (or bigger if your kids are older) and make it a week-long evening tradition with snacks and music. Bonus: keeps little hands off screens!
🧠 Logic puzzles and riddles – Grab printable brain teasers online or pick up a puzzle book from the library. Challenge each other and laugh at the wild guesses along the way.
🎨 DIY puzzles – Have your kids draw or paint a picture on cardstock, then cut it into puzzle pieces. Swap and try to reassemble each other’s artwork!

If your kids enjoy competition, turn puzzle-solving into a game: Set a timer and see who can complete the most puzzle pieces in 10 minutes. Loser has to make the hot chocolate. (Just kidding... sort of.)

9. Kitchen Chemistry & Cozy Science Experiments

Science doesn’t stop when it snows—in fact, winter is the perfect time to get curious and creative indoors. There are tons of simple, low-mess experiments that double as fun afternoon activities and learning opportunities.

Try one of these snowy-day science favorites:

• Snow volcano – Head outside with baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, and a mound of snow. Build your own “volcano” and let the kids erupt it with bubbly lava.
• Magic milk fireworks – Pour milk into a shallow dish, add drops of food coloring, then swirl in dish soap on a cotton swab. Watch the fireworks happen!
• Freeze test – Take various small containers (plastic, glass, silicone), fill them with water or juice, and set them outside. Predict which will freeze first and compare results the next morning.

For older kids, turn it into a mini STEM lesson. Ask questions like:
🔍 What would happen if we added salt?
🔍 Does sugar make it freeze faster or slower?
🔍 How does insulation work in cold weather?

Learning and entertainment = teacher mom win.

10. Movie Marathon & Blanket Fort Bonanza

Some winter days just scream cozy up and chill. For those frigid afternoons when no one wants to move off the couch (and you’ve already had three cups of coffee), cue the blanket fort and movie magic.

Here’s how to take it up a notch:
🎬 Pick a theme – Disney Princesses, space adventures, winter-themed movies, animal rescues... let the kids vote or rotate turns.
🛋 Build a mega fort – Use couch cushions, sheets, fairy lights, and a “no adults allowed unless invited” sign.
🍿 DIY concession stand – Hand out printable “movie tickets,” make popcorn in paper bags, and offer fruit kabobs or sugar-free hot cocoa in reusable cups.

Some of our favorite winter family movies:

• Happy Feet
• Frozen (obviously)
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Paddington
• The Snowy Day (short and sweet for little ones)

Mix it with story time and let the kids act out scenes or create their own sequel with sock puppets after the movie.

Bonus Ideas + Next Steps:

Looking for more winter inspiration? Keep the fun going with:

• Winter-themed crafts
• Family board game nights
• Indoor scavenger hunts
• Building pillow forts and reading winter books

Wrap-Up: Winter Fun is What You Make It

Whether you're adventuring through snowy trails, crafting thank-you cards with glitter explosions, or declaring a blanket fort kingdom in your living room, winter is full of creative ways to connect, laugh, and learn as a family.

Instead of fighting cabin fever, lean into it with these ideas:

• Get outside when you can
• Explore your community’s hidden gems
• Sprinkle in crafts, stories, science, and silly fun
• Let kids help plan the day’s activities—they’ll be more invested (and less whiny 🙃)

Most importantly, keep it simple. The goal isn’t to schedule every second—it’s to enjoy the moment, create memories, and maybe sneak in a little learning along the way.

Let’s Embrace Winter Like Pros

Winter doesn’t have to be all cabin fever and complaints. With a bit of planning (and maybe some glitter glue), you can turn gray days into family memories full of joy, learning, and connection.

So go ahead—grab your mittens, fire up the slow cooker, and let the winter adventures begin!

ALSO - Warm Bellies, Happy Kids: Kid-Friendly Low Carb Winter Recipes

After a full day of sledding, science experiments, or building an epic blanket fort, the last thing anyone wants is a kitchen meltdown at 5:00 p.m. Enter: cozy low carb recipes that warm you up from the inside out—and get a thumbs-up from the kids!

Whether you’re low carb for health reasons or simply want to cut the sugar and keep bellies full of real food, these recipes from ExplorerMomma.com are family-tested and kid-approved.

🥣 Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup – Rich, cheesy, and perfect for dipping with low carb crackers or grilled cheese on keto bread. A sneaky way to get in some veggies, too!

🧁 Keto Pumpkin Muffins – These spiced treats make an amazing breakfast or after-school snack. Bonus: they freeze beautifully!

🥥 Tembleque (Coconut Pudding) – This Puerto Rican-inspired dessert is dairy-free, creamy, and lightly sweet—a fun way to introduce new flavors and culture! (Recipe here coming soon!)

🍓 Strawberry Lemonade Gummies – Packed with collagen and real fruit flavor, these homemade gummies are fun to make and eat (great for little kitchen helpers!).

🧁 Explore more sweet and savory options!

Stock your winter with these feel-good meals and treats, and you'll be ready to fuel all your indoor adventures and snow day fun!

More Kids' Winter Activities:

Check out more fun activities in our recent blog post. Click here to read all about it!