Things to do with your Kids this Holiday and Winter Season
If you were to single out the most magical component of any individual’s holiday memories, it wouldn’t be the gifts they received, but the rituals they shared as a family. We often get on this crazy, money-spending merry-go-round this time of year, but it’s the simple traditions that are meaningful. There are many activities that you can do together as a family like decorating the Christmas tree, watching a favourite video, baking cookies.
In addition, there are many winter activities in the community that you can explore as a family, and not just during the holiday season, but all winter long:
- Check out www.kwkids.com to find out what’s going on for kids and you in K-W!
- Cross-country ski. At Laurel Creek, you can rent skis. You can often buy inexpensive used ones at thrift stores and there are lots of trails that do not cost anything to use.
- Hike in the woods.
- Go outdoor skating downtown or on a local rink. Tim Hortons sponsors free skates throughout the city during winter months.
- Toboggan. (Of course follow your outing with hot chocolate and cookies at home).
- Play in the snow. Build a snowman or snow forts or snow sculpt. Make snow angels. Play winter outdoor games, like Capture the Flag, or try painting the snow (diluted food colouring in spray bottles)! Make town “houses” using boxes from the grocery store and pack them into the snow so they stay.
- Enjoy a games night: gather family together to play board games. Charades are fun too.
- Have movie nights: choose a DVD as a family and watch together sharing popcorn.
- On strips of paper, record things you can do as a family that are not costly and put them in a jar. Draw a suggestion and either do it together as a family or plan to do it in the future.
- Establish a “family night” weekly or even monthly and do something together. Keep it fun and up-beat.
- Visit the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery – admission is always free! Check out Free Family Sundays – December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1 – Drop-In from 1-4pm (Age 4-12 with adult accompaniment)
- Visit the Kitchener Public Library or the Waterloo Public Library. They have numerous programs for families
- Experience the University of Waterloo Earth Science Museum – open weekdays from 8:30 – 4:30 – no set admission.
- Try a low-cost outing at Bingemans FunworX Indoor Playland.
- Take advantage of City events: City of Waterloo Events Calendar – City of Kitchener Events Calendar
