Kids holiday activities for winter fun with the family

Keeping kiddies busy during the holidays is one thing, but getting them excited and away from the screen is another! We know the importance of building healthy bonds with little ones, through stimulating their minds and working on dexterity. And we just can’t get enough of working on fabulous kids holiday activities.

Happy holiday hacks

Navigating those long days of school holidays is easier with fun how-to guides to get you and your little one crafting! For a winter twist, we curated this great list of crafts that will cue them rolling their little sleeves up, and you can also explore activities from our Easter and Christmas break lists, perfect for your little one to do with you. 

Festive fun with kids holiday activities

Try these three exciting activities perfect for a winter afternoon indoors with family and friends.

Homemade Candles 

Craft gorgeous DIY candles that will give light and fragrance, plus add atmosphere to any room. Welcome in a relaxed ambience for a cold winter’s evening at home or giveaway as wonderful gifts for loved ones.

Materials

• Essential scented oil or liquid colouring dye (optional) 
• Mason jar or container
• Wick
• Hot glue gun and hot glue
• Pencil or drinking straw
• Any candle wax (paraffin, soy, beeswax) 
• Double boiler
• Wooden spoon
• Scissors

Method

1. Dab a bead of hot glue on the bottom of the wick and stick it on the bottom centre of the jar. Ensure the wick is upright, then roll the remaining length sticking out of the jar around a pencil. Secure and balance the pencil on the rim of the cup.

2. Cut up your block of wax to fit inside the large mason jar. You'll need between 140 to 230 grams of wax for your container.

3. Fill a saucepan with 2.5cm of water and boil. Then, place the mason jar in the boiling water and place the wax inside the jar. Reduce to a simmer and melt the wax. Stir the wax occasionally for 15 minutes before removing it from heat.

4. To design coloured candles — add a few drops of liquid dye. Add the liquid dye until the wax’s colouring is as rich as you desire it. For a fragrance, mix in drops of essential oil to the melted wax.

5. Pour the melted wax into the jar and leave about 0.6cm of room at the top.

6. Cool the wax for at least 30 to 40 minutes.

7. Lastly, unwind the wick from the pencil and trim it to 1.5cm. Light and enjoy!

Homemade Snowglobe

Think of dreamy snowglobes and get transported to a whimsical, magical world in the palm of your hand. Bring back childhood memories with this nostalgic craft. A perfect project for you and your little one to work on during the height of winter weather.

Materials

• Clean jam jar
• Any waterproof, plastic or resin, figurine (one that fits inside the jar once sealed tightly)
• White modelling clay (air-drying)
• Strong clear glue
• 2-3 tsp glycerine
• ½ -1 tsp glitter

Method

1. Take the air-drying clay and mould it to a circular puck shape — just smaller than the jar opening. Check that the jar will fit closely around the shape. See pack instructions and leave the clay to dry (about 24 hours). Alternatively, you can try to bake it in the oven. Place it on parchment paper and use the lowest heat setting for 2-3 hours. 

2. Once the clay is dry and cool, glue the figurine onto the puck shape. Glue the moulded puck with the figurine into the centre of the jar lid and dry completely. 

3. Next, to create the snowglobe portion — pour the 2-3tsp of glycerine into the jar and slowly fill it with water, leaving a small gap at the top. Add the glitter and stir.

4. Line the rim of the jar with strong clear glue. Then, flip it upside-down and place the figurine in the water. Screw on the lid tightly and let the glue dry. 

5. Turn your jar over to test for leaks.

6. For the fun part — decorate the base of your snowglobe with paint, ribbon or stencils.

7. Place the snowglobe on a safe surface for the occasional flip and admiration. (Be sure to supervise when young children handle it). 

Snow Slime

The biggest craze to hit the youngest generation? Slime. From kits to fully themed birthday parties, this activity is a new favourite pastime. For a holiday hoot, shake it up with a snowy twist for a lovable stretchy and squishy novelty. Kiddies will get tactile with its texture in between their little busy fingers, moulding it into wintry shapes or creating scenes with figurines. 

Materials

• 2 tablespoons liquid starch 
• ½ cup of white school glue
• 2 cups shaving cream
• ¼ cup of artificial/ plastic snow 
• Mixing bowl

Method

1. Take the mixing bowl and add in the artificial snow and white glue. Mix them together. 

2. Then, add in the shaving cream and liquid starch. 

3. Knead the materials until you reach your desired consistency. 

4. After mixing up the slime, you can always add in more snow!

Keep your kiddies crafting

We wish you and your little one hours of fun taking on these wintry kids holiday activities. For more fun away from home, contact us for self-accommodating destinations.