Keeping children entertained in autumn and winter
With shorter daylight hours and colder weather, we asked Terry Wiseman, nursery manager at Grandhome’s first nursery school, Banana Moon, to help us create a list of tips and activities to inspire our days and keep children entertained at home over the next few months.
Outdoor activities
It is important to continue to spend time outdoors even when it’s colder weather so why not wrap up and make the most of the fresh air by getting out for a family walk? Activities like outdoor rhyme times are great ways to encourage children to take in their surroundings and be engaged while out for walks.
Enjoy the outdoors and autumn/winter flora and fauna by following our Grandhome Scavenger Hunt or Flora and Fauna Calendar on your walks – keep your eyes peeled and see how many you can tick off.
Indoor activities
There are many family friendly games to play indoors that don’t require lots of resources. Challenge your family to a timed race to find household objects in specific colours. For older children and adults, you could add in a letter to the mix, e.g. ‘orange objects starting with the letter ‘O’.
Board games are another good way to keep the family entertained. Make it fun for all the family and try out some traditional favourites like charades and Pictionary.
Get crafty – these could even double up as homemade Christmas presents for friends and family. Take a look through the odd sock drawer to create some sock puppets, or get ready for Christmas with some salt dough decorations.
Virtual events
There are many exciting virtual events taking place with local companies over the next few months for the whole family to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Keep an eye out for events on Society Magazine, Raring2Go! and Visit Aberdeen websites and social media channels.
Wreath making is a fun winter event so if you’re feeling crafty, why not get involved? Udny-based Paper Petals is hosting virtual wreath making workshops over the Christmas period. This one is for the adults, as they’ve teamed up with the City of Aberdeen Distillery to provide gin miniatures for those taking part, but why not learn the tricks of the trade and then pass on your skills to the little ones with their very own Christmas wreaths?
Book Week Scotland takes place from 16-22 November. This year, a host of digital events will be held to suit all ages and tastes. From children’s storytelling, activities and workshops to panel events and discussions for adults, there’s something for all of the family.
Whatever you do, be sure to tag us in your pictures and visit the Grandhome Community Facebook page for more ideas.