With the winter months (supposedly) drawing to a close, it can be hard to continue to enjoy the frigid temperatures, icy roads, and one-too-many days a home. Here are some fun, easy tips to make the most of the remaining winter weeks!
Enjoy the cold-weather treats
Have family “tea time” (or hot chocolate, coffee, etc.) when the kids get home from school once a week. This activity targets: Creativity, community/family relationships
Learn how to make a new cold-weather recipe with your kids – soups, chili, pies, scones (think tea-time!) and roasted apples are all a great choice. This activity targets: executive functioning, creativity, fine motor skills, communication, and many more!
Have a “beach day” in the bathroom or bedroom:
- Crank up the heat or use a space heater to warm up the room, lay down some beach towels, and turn on some fun summer music! This activity targets: Creativity, flexible thinking skills, and so much more
Enjoy Wisconsin winter activities:
Downhill skiing/snowboarding:
Cross Country Skiing:
Snow shoeing:
Sledding:
Ice skating:
These activities target: Cardiovascular health, physical strength, bilateral coordination, socialization, communication, and more
Make a fort:
- Use couches/blankets/pillows/beds/random objects and read a BOOK as a family. That’s right, book, not movie! This activity targets: Creativity, flexible thinking skills, motor coordination, executive functioning skills, family bonding, and more
Get outside!
Cold weather can be tough, but try to get bundled up and get outside at least one time per week.
- Walk around the block
- Take the dog to the dog park
- Have a family shoveling contest
- Play in the snow
These activities target: Cardiovascular health, physical strength, bilateral coordination, socialization, communication, and more
Make your own list of ways to beat the winter-weather blues and have fun!
Written By: Laura Hamel, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist