Feeling like you’re fresh out of winter activity ideas? Although spring is (believe it or not) right around the corner, there’s still a bit of winter left to go. If you’re a host family with Au Pair in America, we’ve come up with a few ideas to make the final few weeks of winter fun for everyone.
Here are 8 fun-filled winter activities for you, your children, and your au pair:
1. Get Crafty: Make Fake Snow
Have fun in the snow – without freezing outside. This is a super fun, easy craft for kids of all ages (and for parents and au pairs too)! All you’ll need is baking soda, cornstarch, water, and a cookie tray. Pour equal parts baking soda and cornstarch onto the tray, knead together, and add a bit of water. You’ll love watching as the excitement of playing in the snow comes to life inside.
2. Spend a Day Ice Skating
Spend an evening ice skating – either outside or at a local indoor ice rink. This is a great way both to get out and be active in the winter, and to create fun memories with your au pair.
3. Visit a Local Museum
Winter days are the perfect time to take your kids and au pair to a local museum. See if any museums or galleries are open in your community and take a day trip there. If there aren’t any close-by, you could always take a driving tour to point out local spots of historical significance.
Au pair Amanda cooks with host family in Georgia
4. Bake and Cook Together
Spend a chilly afternoon baking and cooking some of your favorite recipes. Similarly, you could pick up some ingredients for one of your au pair’s favorite dishes too and discover a bit more about their unique culture. If your children are old enough, they may love making one of these recipes with you and your au pair.
5. Plan a Winter Wildlife Watch
Learn about the winter critters in your area during a winter wildlife watch! Grab a journal and some binoculars and go for a walk to explore what creatures live around you during the winter. Then, come back inside and research the wildlife you saw. Not only is this a great activity for children, but it also is a fun opportunity for you and your au pair to explore your local area together.
6. Have a Snow Sculpture Competition
Not sure what to do with the snow piled up on your lawn? Have a snow sculpture competition with your family and your au pair! Bring everyone into the yard and split into teams to see who makes the best sculpture. While the snow may melt, the fun-filled memories from a night like this could last for years to come.
7. Host a Game Night
Pick a few of your favorite card or board games and host a friendly game night! Your au pair may have never played some of these games before, which will make it even more exciting.
8. Make Indoor S’mores
Even after all of these fun winter activities, you may still be left craving a taste of summer. If that’s the case, share an American summer tradition with your au pair: make indoor s’mores! Roast marshmallows over the grill, your fireplace, or in the microwave. Then, grab some graham crackers, layer on chocolate bars, and enjoy summer a few months early.
Do you have any tips about fun activities to do with your au pair? We’d love to hear them! Click here to share your story today – you could be featured on our blog and social media pages.
