7 Winter and Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Simple Christmas Activities to Do with Your Kids

Winter is here! Oh, and Christmas is also just around the corner! Not only do kids love this time of year, but so adults do too! Even the most mature people in society can’t help but get a little giddy when it’s snowing outside and the bells are ringing! Christmas brings out everyone’s inner child. Of course, winter means it’s time for fun, family, holiday activities and lots of them! Read on for 7 simple winter and Christmas activities to do with your kids.

Seven Simple Activities to do with Kids during Winter Season

There's no need to spend a lot of money or stress over making glorious holiday decorations and delectable cookies to achieve the perfect Christmas with kids. Simple winter and holiday activities make the best, long lasting memories. Why not start a new family Christmas tradition with these simple activities for family time with the kids.

1. Decorate your whole house with fancy lights

Winter isn’t the holiday season without fancy lights. 

From the colorful to the vibrant, get creative and beautiful LED fairy lights to your favorite rooms. Make sure to get the kids involved by allowing them to have input on which lights go in which location. LED lights don't get hot like those old fashioned Christmas lights so go crazy this year!

To get some amazing Christmas lights, as well as other cool bulbs and lamps, go to powerpointelectrics.co.uk. Be a clever mom or dad by ordering your lights now before it’s too late! The more lights, the merrier the holiday season. Your kids will treasure this family tradition, so go make it a thing!

2. Spend a day at your local slopes

Fingers crossed; it’s going to snow this winter! When it does, the entire family should wrap up nice and warm and head down to your local slopes. They’ll probably be lots of other families and kids there, too, which will make the occasion extra memorable. In Indiana, you can also do some stellar snow toboggan sledding at Pokagon State Park.

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3. Create paper snowflakes

Kids love to get creative during winter and Christmas time. A great winter holiday activity idea is to create snowflakes out of paper. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from Martha Stewart. Make sure to carefully guide your kids through the steps, and don’t forget to be extra careful with sharp scissors! Once you’ve created your paper snowflakes, scatter them around your home for a special winter holiday decoration.

Here are some more fun snowflake activities from the Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos.

4. Read Christmas stories

It's impossible to count the abundance of classic Christmas stories. So, this winter, give your kids freedom of choice when it comes to which stories they want to hear. Maybe it will be The Polar Express, or – wait for it - How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Click here for some great holiday books for kids that you may not of yet read!

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5. Go on a Netflix marathon with the family!

Usually, the weather is freezing cold during the winter months in Indiana. Of course, this means that a lot of time is spent indoors (preferably with marshmallow.)

When your family is relaxing around the house during the holiday, load up Netflix and go on a movie-watching marathon! Elf, anyone? If you need extra help, here are 37 of the best Christmas movies for kids available on Netflix. 

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6. Have a cozy fire in your backyard

Bonfires don't have to be just for fall! If you have a nice spacious backyard, you should have a cozy (and safe) fire. You’ll even be able to toast some marshmallows, have some hot chocolate, and tell your best Christmas stories. While you're at it, make some savory s'mores!

Don't miss these holiday recipes!

7. Build igloos and snow forts

When it snows, it’s only right that the entire family has a huge snowball fight! When you do, make sure to build some igloos and forts to make it extra exciting. You can even make indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight!

Recommended:

Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

Christmas Party Games

What Are the Best Classroom Games for Keeping ADHD Students Engaged?

Keeping ADHD Students Engaged with Games for the Classroom

Many teachers wonder how to keep students with ADHD focused and participating in the classroom. These students often face unique challenges with attention and impulse control, making it necessary to use specific strategies and engaging techniques. The best classroom games for keeping ADHD students engaged are interactive, hands-on, and designed to stimulate focus while allowing movement and creativity.

Understanding how ADHD affects learning can help educators better support their students and adapt activities to their needs. Games that blend structure with flexibility, such as educational scavenger hunts or memory-based challenges, encourage active participation and make learning more accessible. Choosing the right games can truly make a difference in classroom engagement for students with ADHD.

The information here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any medical questions.

Key Takeaways

• ADHD can make classroom engagement more challenging.

• Interactive and movement-based games support engagement.

• Tailoring activities to ADHD needs leads to better outcomes.

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Classroom Engagement

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly shapes how children participate and learn in classroom environments. Challenges with attention, activity level, and impulse control require thoughtful strategies to keep students engaged and supported.

Common Symptoms Affecting Classroom Participation

ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can make it difficult for students to focus during lessons, follow instructions, and stay organized. For example, a child might frequently lose track of assignments or become easily distracted by minor sounds or movements.

There are different types of ADHD, such as predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentations. In the classroom, symptoms may appear as daydreaming, excessive movement, or impulsive actions like calling out answers. Even brief group tasks can be disrupted if a student struggles to regulate impulses. These symptoms not only disrupt academic performance but also affect peer relationships and self-esteem. Early recognition and understanding of these behaviors allow educators to provide appropriate interventions.

Unique Learning Challenges for ADHD Students

Children with ADHD face unique difficulties related to executive functions, such as organizing tasks, managing time, and remembering instructions. This makes transitions between activities and complex assignments particularly challenging. It is common for these students to require repeated directions or help breaking down multi-step tasks.

Academic performance can suffer if learning activities rely heavily on sustained attention or passive listening. Written instructions or purely verbal explanations may be missed or forgotten. Many students with ADHD benefit from visual schedules, hands-on activities, and frequent reminders. Socially, students may also struggle to interpret cues or manage frustration during group play. These learning barriers require approaches that emphasize structure, clarity, and positivity.

Key Principles for Supporting Students with ADHD

Supporting children with ADHD starts with recognizing their needs for movement, structure, and immediate feedback. Effective strategies include breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, and providing clear, concise instructions. Teachers can use behavioral classroom management—such as reward systems and daily report cards—to encourage positive behaviors and engage students in their learning.

Regular physical or sensory breaks are valuable. Building in opportunities for fidgeting or movement can help students channel excess energy productively. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement help build confidence and motivation. By creating an environment attentive to their needs, teachers foster better participation and support academic success.

Best Classroom Games and Strategies for Engaging ADHD Students

Engaging students with ADHD requires activities that support movement, sensory input, and structured focus. The use of interactive games, hands-on learning, and targeted activities helps improve executive functioning skills, attention, and self-regulation.

Interactive Movement Games

Movement games break up long periods of sitting, offering students much-needed active breaks. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, and short yoga routines are simple ways to integrate physical activity while enhancing listening skills and impulse control.

Teachers often use brief “brain breaks,” such as guided stretches or energetic clapping patterns, to maintain concentration and reduce disruptive behavior. These breaks help reset attention and provide dopamine boosts that benefit working memory and organization. Incorporating movement breaks supports transitions and helps students refocus on academic tasks. Relay races and team challenges add opportunities for collaboration and positive reinforcement. Activities like these align with classroom management strategies recommended by the CDC for ADHD, as they allow students to expend energy in a productive manner.

Hands-On Learning and Sensory Activities

Hands-on activities help address sensory needs and keep engagement high. Using items like building blocks, modeling clay, or fidgets helps students channel energy constructively while supporting fine motor development and creativity. Sensory bins or textured materials offer tactile stimulation, which can calm or activate students as needed.

Interactive projects such as science experiments, art tasks, and sorting games encourage active participation. They also support organizational skills and executive function by requiring following steps and planning. These activities provide a structured learning environment with clear expectations and visual schedules, which foster a more supportive atmosphere for students with ADHD.

Conclusion

Selecting effective classroom games for students with ADHD requires a focus on engagement, movement, and clear structure. Incorporating activities like Jeopardy-style review games, hands-on learning, and rotating stations can help sustain attention and support participation.

Students with ADHD often benefit from games that include visual aids, simple rules, short-term goals, and opportunities for physical movement. Teachers can also encourage participation by providing frequent positive feedback.

Recommended Reading:

Art Develops Critical Thinking Skills

Sensory Play Aids in Childhood Development

7 Creative New Year's Crafts and Activities for Kids fun for boys and girls

7 Easy New Year Activities for Kids for Boys and Girls

These 7 New Year's Crafts are creative and easy enough for little ones to do. The anticipation of the suprise package and the enjoyment of the other activities will help make it the best new year's ever. Enjoy!

 New Year's Crafts and Activities for Kids.

Click the titles for How to Make New Year's Crafts for Kids.

Festive Rocket Popper Blaster

Rocket Popper Activity for Children.

Fill this with confetti or feathers.  Ours is filled with colorful, recycled silk flowers from a craft lei project. Perfect for New Years, VBS, or, a Fourth of July Party.

Silver Surprise Package

Midnight Care Package New Year Activity.

We used a tiny jewelry box.  Tag reads, "Do not open until Midnight - 12/31/12". Fill this with a fun gift for the kiddos or make it a Midnight Care Package by filling it with a noise maker/kazoo, a pair of silly glasses, and a party hat.

Ring in the New Year Bell

Make a bell from a paper cup.

Recycle a paper cup, plastic spoon, holiday ornament or that jingle bell necklace into a fun kid-crafted bell noisemaker for the year-end celebration.

Snow Globe or Eye Spy New Year's Time Capsule Ornament

7 New Year's Decorations.

A clear glass or plastic ornament makes a fun party favor.

New Year's Necklace/Medallion

New Year Medallion a recycled Christmas decoration.

Paint an old, plastic holiday ornament with sparkles and the New Year date.  Insert a shiny ribbon or string and you've got a fun, memento.  Boy's like to wear necklaces too so this is a fun project they can personalize anyway they want.

Easy, Sparkly Ornaments to Deck the Halls

Transform Christmas Balls to sparkly New Year Decorations.

Give that Gold or Silver ball ornament new life.  Add a sparkly, spiraled pipe-cleaner to hang and paint with glitter glue.  We added a gold leaf from an old, holiday decoration to give it a little whimsy.

Fun Ball Drop Whirly-Gig Silent Spin Drum

Fun New Year activity for kids. 
Craft a whirly-gig with preschoolers.

Popsicle sticks and styrofoam make for fun!  Paint a styrofoam ball of any size, paint any color you like (be patient paint takes forever to dry on styrofoam).  Add glitter.  Pop in the stick and decorate to your hearts content.  We added a silver pipe-cleaner and silver, star garland to hang.  Add feathers and spin in your hands like a spin drum or hang upside down in the doorway as a festive replacement for mistletoe.  The kiddos can pretend to let the ball drop if you attach a long string over a hanger.

Tip:  Add tiny pieces of mirror (Find sticky back pieces at Craft Stores) to a styrofoam ball to make a Disco Ball decoration.


Recommended Reading:

P. Bear's New Year's Party: A Counting Book*

The Night Before New Year's*


Grafix 9-Inch-by-12-Inch Adhesive Backed Film Silver, 3-Pack*

More New Year's Craft and Activities






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Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities

• Solar System Lesson and Activities

• So many Solar System Activities, so little time! In these universe lesson plans, we've rounded up the most unique solar system projects and shared them in this online Solar System Lesson with fun, free games. Scroll down for activities for each grade level. Enjoy!

Universe Lesson Plans: Solar System Activities.

• This Solar System activity is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Of course, even older kids will get a kick out of making a hat and parading around the classroom!
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Find this Solar System Activity at Primarythemepark.com

Younger children will enjoy Astronomy Ad Libs with Curious George.

NASA has many universe related lessons, but this one on how to estimate star size is pretty cool and targeted for kids in grades 6-9.

NASA comparison of Star Sizes chart.

• 
  

Is there life on Mars? Brainpop.com has a free video on Mars with quizzes, games, and activities. Subscribers can watch a video on the SOLAR SYSTEM and one on the OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM too! Be sure to read the FYI's for interesting solar system facts, and do the online activities.

Want to size up the universe? This free interactive universe game from Smithsonian is a fun way to learn through edutainment!

Click the image for Sizing up the Universe from the Smithsonian.

Practice Solar System Grammar and Vocabulary with this Hangman Game from eslgames.com.

Click the image to play Solar System Hangman.

For more solar system language arts, do these Space Libs.

Solar System Switcharoo is a fun game from NASA.

Interactive Science Space Game.




Recommended:



Solar System Activities from AIAA

Learning Resources Giant Magnetic Solar System*

Moon Lesson Plan

Solar System Planetarium*

Futuristic Craft for Kids

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space *

Fun Patriotic Party Ideas and Activities

Red, White, and Blue Party Decor for Fourth of July

Red, white, and blue decorations make these fun patriotic party ideas and activities special! If you are looking for simple party decor for an indoor or outdoor party, these star spangled holiday decorations fit the bill. We found gorgeous Fourth of July bunting and more from Oriental Trading. Read on for ideas and activities for a patriotic theme party that works for birthdays, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Labor Day, or Independence Day celebrations and backyard barbecues. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links and was sponsored by OTC.

Oriental Trading gave us our choice of products for review for this party post. The kids have summer birthdays just before and after the Fourth of July. American flag theme decor decorates our rustic country living and dining room, so these items are a welcome compliment to the decor. With the great prices at OTC, you will be ready to celebrate a party or backyard barbecue without breaking your budget.

Have the Best Patriotic Party with these Ideas from Oriental Trading

What says Independence Day more than red, white, and blue bunting? Okay, fireworks do, but the second best answer is definitely bunting. We found several kinds of bunting for decorating for a patriotic party. Below, the flag bunting is durable and outdoor friendly. Tie knots every few feet to give it and old-fashioned flair.

Outdoor red, white, and blue bunting for Fourth of July party decor.

Hang bunting in a twisted swag for a simple outdoor holiday decoration.

Galvanized buckets make a festive flatware caddy.

Traditional Fourth of July bunting used as a window valance.

Rustic American flag burlap table runner.

Americana dining room with red, white, and blue holiday party decorations.

Celebrate Independence Day with Fun Activities like these:

Most Independence Day parties involve fun outdoor activities. We found patriotic inflatable pool noodles (perfect for pool jousting) and inflatable USA boxing gloves. Mayhem is ready to rumble.

Inflatables for fun Fourth of July party activities.

Fun, inflatable boxing gloves from Oriental Trading.

No outdoor party is complete without a bounce house. You can purchase small ones for the backyard from OTC or go all out with a big bouncy castle like this one from Moonwalk Madness in Plainfield, Indiana.

Recommended:

United States Homeschool Lesson

Safety Tips for Fourth of July

Patriotic Dessert for Party

Backyard Barbecue Cookbooks

Easy Independence Day Activities and Crafts from Pinterest

Red, White, and Blue Kid Kabobs

Fourth of July Craft

Outdoor Games and Activities for Independence Day

Summer Beach Theme Party

Halloween Party Ideas from Oriental Trading

Oriental Trading (affiliate)