Whether your charges are off school for the day or if you’re looking after pre-schoolers as the ‘Beast from the East’ arrives this week, here are the best things to do and places to see for children when the snow settles in the capital.
Snowy Walks
Wrap them up nice and warm, and go out walking! Our favourite winter wonderlands are Richmond Park, the Diana Memorial Playground at Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park and Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury. Here you’ll find plenty of space to run off some energy, and there are some beautiful sights to be seen. Bring a sledge, make snow angels, or build a snowman. Don’t forget to stop for a reviving hot chocolate at a nearby café on the way home!
Indoor Den Building
If it’s simply too cold to brave the great outdoors, use cushions, blankets and rugs to build a cosy indoor den for the day. Make a big bowl of popcorn, grab their teddy bears, and let them snuggle down for story time as the snow falls outside.
Make Play Dough
“Half the fun is in the making here!”
- 8 tbsp plain flour
- 2 tbsp table salt
- 60ml warm water
- food colouring
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the water, a few drops of food colouring and the oil. Pour the coloured water into the flour mix and bring together with a spoon. Dust a work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough. Knead together for a few minutes to form a smooth, pliable dough. If you want a more intense colour you can work in a few extra drops of food colouring. Store in a plastic sandwich bag (squeeze out the air) in the fridge to keep it fresh
Snow Graffiti
Fill empty kitchen spray bottles (or small, travel toiletry bottles) with water tinted with different food colourings, and let them loose on the snowy garden – with parental permission, of course! The beauty of this type of ‘street art’ is that it will disappear without a trace when the snow melts.
Other ideas:
☑ Make an indoor obstacle course
☑ Write, stage and perform a play
☑ Make hot chocolate together
☑ Play tennis with balloons
☑ Create snowflake garlands
☑ Playdates
☑ Pyjama partys
☑ Bake savoury muffins or rice crispie cakes
What are you and your charges up to during this snowy spell? Do let us know your tips for keeping little people occupied on snow days – come over to our Facebook page and share your best ideas!