Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Winter wonders: 12 ways for families to enjoy the festive season
The cold, cosy evenings have arrived and our winter coats, hats and scarves have returned. Primary Times explore some fun-filled ideas for making the most of the winter months…
1) Make your own Christmas decorations
Get creative with some coloured paper or card, ribbon, glue, felt, artificial snow, and plenty of glitter! Have a go at making a handprint wreath and some sparkly stars. You could create some pretty snowflakes or a decorative paper chain to celebrate the winter season.
2) Take a trip to the theatre
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to go and see a show! Visit a family-friendly performance at your local theatre, community centre or concert hall, or why not go and see a pantomime to get you all in the true holiday spirit?
3) Cook a roast dinner as a family
Make a tasty meal together! Chicken, beef, lamb, or a nut roast – the choice is yours! Enjoy some seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes and lashings of gravy. Pie and mash or a hearty traybake are great options during the colder months too.
4) A winter walk
Get outdoors and take in the natural beauty all around at this time of year. Spot the icicles dangling from trees or if there’s snow, make fresh footprints. You might even see a robin or some deer! Take a flask with you and your hot drink of choice!
5) Write a letter to Santa
Have your pens and pencils at the ready! Children could write and tell Santa all about how nice (or naughty!) they’ve been this year, things they’ve been working hard at, or include a list of things they’re grateful for as well as something they might be wishing for. This is a lovely feel-good activity.
6) Go ice skating
Embrace the cold and spend the day practising your pirouettes! This frosty and scenic activity is great for a more active afternoon.
7) Make a gingerbread house
This is a creative activity that the whole family can get involved in. Construct from scratch or make use of a ready-made kit that should contain everything you need. Go wild with the icing and candied sweets! Best of all, you’ll have a yummy treat afterwards to enjoy together.
8) Fundraise or volunteer in your local area
Try to give back to your local community where you can. Donate some items to charity, volunteer to help out at a food bank or soup kitchen, or get involved in a sponsored walk or fundraising night to help out a good cause.
9) Movie marathon
Organise a movie night and keep warm indoors! Dig out your household’s favourite festive films, or some holiday classics. Don’t forget to wear your slippers, festive jumpers or matching family pyjamas!
10) Bake cookies
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly-baked cookies on a winter’s day? Add in some toffee or orange flavours for that seasonal taste. Try out some Christmas tree shaped cookie cutters, or make your own snowflake or snowman cookies!
11) Visit a museum
Nearby museums may be hosting festive activities, family-friendly events, winter crafts and more to get involved in. You never know, if you’re lucky, you may even get to meet Father Christmas!
12) Host a party
Put your twinkly lights and seasonal décor to good use and have a friendly get together with some great music, company and food. Throw a festive Christmas party or invite your nearest and dearest over to celebrate and bring in the New Year!