I grew up in Alaska.  North Pole Alaska to be exact.  It’s a small town just outside of Fairbanks Alaska. This week, Fairbanks got the honor of being chosen as the number one coldest place in the United States.  This time of year, the weather usually is around – 35 degrees below zero. I don’t care what anyone tells you but wet cold or dry cold, it is just crazy cold.

I have a little sister who is much much younger than I, and with working parents it was my job to babysit and entertain her.  When it is -15 to 0 degrees, I could bundle her up and take her on dog sled rides (yes we had a dog sled) or put her in a sled and pull her along.  But when the thermometer dipped as low as -40, there is no way you would go out and I would be stuck with a bored and whiny toddler.  You can only stick the kiddo in front to watch videos for so long.  I can still recite and sing every song in the movie, The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Time to  think of fun stuff to do indoors.

Let me share some ideas with you.

Zippy Sponge Painting

What could be better than a contained painting project that will keep your toddler’s hands clean! You’ll need some Gallon size ziplock bags, a sponge, paper, and kids paint. Put the paper in the bag. Then take a moist sponge and cut it into smaller pieces. Press each piece of sponge into a different color paint and then put them all inside the bag and close it. Then put the bag on the table and let your toddler squish down on the sponges and see how they put the paint on the paper. Let him shake the bag to move the sponges around and squeeze down on them again. Then when he’s done take out the paper and let it dry! No mess!!!!

Supplies Needed-
- dishwashing sponge
- kids washable paints
- paper

 

 

We Love:  Melissa & Doug Jumbo Watercolour Set
There’s a depth of color in the eight pots of non-toxic paint in this jumbo sized watercolor set. Contained in a sturdy carry case, the lid doubles as a mixing tray! Deluxe brush included!

 

 

 

Blocks In, Blocks Out!
Take an empty oatmeal container and get some of your toddler’s blocks or small toys. Then cut a square in the lid that will allow a block (or small toy) to fit through. Next cut a rectangle about double the size of the opening in the lid on the side of the container. Then have your toddler start to put the blocks in the opening on the lid. When she has put in a few, let her roll the container slowly along the floor and see the blocks fall out through the side opening. Let her do it again and again.

Supplies Needed-
- Oatmeal container
- scissors or utility knife
- blocks or small toys

Tips/Suggestions-
- As your toddler is putting things in the opening count them with her!
- Mention what letters are on the blocks as she picks them up, or what pictures are on them.
- Make it a game and sit a few feet from each other. Have her put a few blocks in and then roll the container to you! Then you put some block in and roll it back. See how many blocks fall out while you roll it back and forth!

We love: Melissa and Doug Wooden Blocks
Hours of timeless block play await your toddler! This is a wonderful set of 50 traditionally styled alphabet blocks with hand-painted artwork. Featuring solid wood blocks with a colorful collection of pictures, letters and numbers for recognition, matching, stacking and sorting. A tremendous value that will last for years! Conveniently stores in an included pouch.

 

 

Toddler Yoga Time!
Put a blanket or yoga mat on the floor and do the exercises with your toddler. Have some fun, stretch and get some exercise! To do the tightrope you can even put a long piece of tape on the floor/rug and see if your toddler can walk on it! Or let your toddler bring a stuffed animal and have it do the yoga exercises! HAVE FUN!

Shake Shake Shake your Booty!
Put on a favorite CD and shake a tail feather!  Put your hands in the air, and wave them like you just don’t care!  Dance with your toddler,  sing along with the lyrics or make up your own lyrics!

 

 

We Love: Babies Go Music CDs
Rock On, Get Down and Chill Out with Babies Go!
Babies Go titles are instrumental melodies of your favourite artists.

 

 

 

Post-nap Surprise
Here’s something fun to do, as a post-nap activity. While your toddler is sleeping, take all of your child’s toys and line them up on the couch. Or put them in a big circle on the kitchen floor. Just be creative and line them up somewhere that your toddler wouldn’t expect it.

It is fun to take all of one thing, like trucks, or little playing people, or animals, or dolls, or cars and line them up somewhere.  When your toddler sees them all together she/he’ll be amazed at how many there are!  So when he wakes up, tell him that it seems like some of his toys were having a party while he was napping and he needs to go see what’s going on.  Then let him find the toys all grouped together and watch his face light up!  Time for some fun!
Supplies Needed:
- a little creativity
- your toddler’s toys

Tips/Suggestions:
- When your toddler finds all the toys lined up, go ahead and count with him to see how many trucks are there.
- Or talk about how some of the trucks are alike (in color, shape or size) and how some of them are very different.

 

We Love: Hape Bamboo Racer
Start your engines, this new Hape Mini Racer is raring to go! Don’t worry about the gas bill, this stylish car runs on imagination

 

 

 

 

Hopefully it is warmer where you are, but no matter the weather, at least you have a few ideas to keep the kids occupied!