Are you looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the holidays? Then check out these ideas!
Do you love spending time outdoors with the family? This holiday season, spend quality time together and enjoy the winter weather while playing fun games in the yard. From snowman building to sledding, there are lots of things you can plan to do in the backyard this Christmas.
A Snow Christmas Tree
Instead of building a traditional snowman, why not have the kids build a snow Christmas tree! They’ll get to decorate it however they want, then add their favorite ornaments and decorations. You can also use food coloring to add dabs of bright colors here and there. You can also decorate it using pine cones and other natural materials.
Sledding In A Winter Wonderland
If your kids like to play outside, they will definitely be excited about sledding down the hill on Christmas Day. If you don’t have one, you can buy an inexpensive plastic sled from any store that sells toys or get creative with any rounded pieces of plastic like well-cleaned garbage can lids or even inflatable pool tubes. My brother-in-law loves to dig out intricate luge paths in his backyard that the kids love!
You could even create a course using decorative candy canes as markers for the path. Decorative candy canes often go on sale at retailers before Christmas comes, so you might even get them at a great price!
Pine Cone Birdfeeders
A lot of people think that bird feeders aren’t very useful in the winter, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, winter is when birds need the most help finding food because their natural sources of food such as insects and berries are far more scarce. Pine cone bird feeders are a fun, frugal, and somewhat messy activity that is best kept in the backyard. Spread some peanut butter on the pine cones, roll them in bird seeds and hang them from the trees to give our feathered friends a hand!
Snowball Fight – An Unforgettable Holiday Party
You can make snowball fights much more exciting by adding in a little bit of creativity. For example, creating various covers for the kids to hide behind, or incorporating points into the snowball fight. Of course, you can always go old school and just fire away!
Snow Art – Bringing Color To The Holiday Season
You can do a lot with a little bit of food coloring. By putting some in spray bottles and diluting with water you can make spray bottle “paint sprayers.” You can also be more direct and just put the coloring directly onto the snow or put diluted food coloring into condiment squirt bottles. Just make sure the kids are wearing clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit stained.
Christmas Backyard Scavenger Hunt
The Christmas season is upon us, and we’re all looking for ways to make the holidays extra special. This year why not host a backyard scavenger hunt? It will be so much fun! Who knows, perhaps it will become a new Christmas morning family tradition. The scavenger hunt can be for natural things like pine cones, rocks, leaves, and pine needles, or you can hide Christmas-related times for your kids to find.
A Tent For A Backyard Camping Adventure
Setting up a backyard tent is a sure way to create memories with your little ones. You could consider doing it on Christmas eve and that will allow for Santa Claus to put the presents under the tree without the concern of being spotted by the little ones. A backyard campsite is also a great way of introducing your kids to camping while not venturing too far from the comfort of home.
Romantic Christmas Dinner By The Candle
Whatever the reason, if you are simply enjoying Christmas alone with your spouse this year, then why not set up a romantic Christmas dinner in the backyard? Candles, a bonfire, your favorite Christmas music, and your favorite foods. It’s even more ideal if you have a covered porch. Set a table with a few votive candles and pillar candles to provide light and warmth. It sounds like a lovely way to celebrate the most whimsical time of year.
Give Kids Outdoor Toys To Plan Ahead
If you want the kids to be outside on Christmas day, then make sure you and Santa plan ahead by giving them gifts that will encourage them to be outside. Some ideas include:
- Ice skates
- Swingsets
- Sleds
- Playhouses
- Snow molds
These ideas are sure to keep your kids busy while enjoying the outdoors.
Backyard Coffee With Your Spouse
While your kids are overjoyed with their new toys, clothes, and candy, you and your spouse can enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa while watching your kids enjoy. Use a candy cane as the stirring stick to add a little festive fun to your cup!
Wreath Toss: A Spin On A Classic Backyard Game
Ring toss is a classic backyard game that’s perfect for family fun and entertaining. But instead of buying an expensive (and plain) ring toss game, why not make it more festive by turning it into “Wreath Toss!” It can be played by kids of all ages, but it’s especially great for older children who are old enough to throw the wreaths around. The objective of this game is simple: get your wreath as close to the target as possible.
You can get inexpensive wreaths from most retailers, but make sure they’re plain and not full of decorations that can come off easily. A better option is to have the kids make their own wreaths as a fun indoor activity using natural materials like thin, flexible branches. Here’s a great tutorial on making natural wreaths. Add a bit more festive fun by setting up decorative candy canes as the stakes.
Wrapping Up These Ideas and Putting A Bow On Them
Christmas is so much more fun when you experience winter with it fully. It’s nice to be warm, but how much nicer is a cup of hot cocoa after playing in the cold all day? Make Christmas memories that will last a lifetime by having a great time in the backyard.
