Entertaining babies, kids and teens is not for the faint of heart and during winter…. I think this can really test a parent’s patience. At FASTA we have some incredible parents who we have posed the question “how do you entertain your kids during winter, on a budget?” This is what they have to say:
Question 1: How Old Are Your Kids?
Jason:
Has a 8 month old
Guy:
Has a 5 year old
Karen
Has two, 13 and 15
Myrim
Has 3 year old twins
Songezo
Has three, 5,7 and 9 month old
Justin
Has three, 13,16 and18
We have a full spectrum of activities and ideas from helpful parents!
Question 2: What are some indoor activities or games that your kids enjoy during the winter months?
Jason:
Playing his drum set and mostly educational activities.
Guy:
Drawing and crafts. Building blankets forts and lego
Karen:
My son loves gaming, Fortnite is his ultimate go to. My daughter watches Instagram reels and random TV series like Hell’s Kitchen or The Rookie. Every now and then they play board games like Cluedo, Monopoly and Apples to Apples. Or Uno. Or Bananagram.
Myrim:
They prefer play centres or indoor activities at home
Songezo:
Colouring Books and Puzzle games.
Justin:
Indoor padel, Action soccer, Indoor rock climbing, Museums, Laser tag, Board games, Video games, Movies, series
Question 3: Are There Any Local Indoor Play Centres Or Activity Spots That You Recommend For Keeping Kids Entertained In Winter?
Jason:
Going to theAquarium.
Guy:
Going to the Trampoline warehouse and playdates with her friends from school.
Karen:
Rush trampoline park,CityROCKindoor climbing,Total Ninja
Myrim:
Songezo:
Going to wonderland gaming in Canal walk and gaming in Somerset west mall
Justin:
Johannesburg based,
Meyersdal Action Sports Arena,Top Padel,Ultimate BattleZone Adventure,Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Question 4: Do You Have Any Favourite Winter-Themed Crafts Or DIY Projects That You Do With Them To Keep Them Busy?
Jason:
Indoors are mostly educational things like reading to him and showing pictures of different animals and other things
Guy:
Making gift cards and boxes for friends, helping dad with a DIY, and Lego
Karen:
Unfortunately my teenagers don’t enjoy crafts or DIY projects anymore. Best DIY for them – make your own bed!
Myrim:
We paint and build various puzzles
Songezo:
Colouring books
Justin:
They tend to gravitate towards gaming.
Question 5: How Do You Handle Screen Time Limitations During The Colder Months While Still Keeping Them Engaged?
Jason:
We limit him to only an hour a day and take his toys out to keep him busy.
Guy:
We take the opposite approach, we put the tv on when she asks and now my daughter self limits TV and will walk away and start an activity.
Karen:
Giving them the freedom and flexibility to choose when they want screen time and being super strict about the amount they have. When it gets challenging we set timers to make sure they listen!
Myrim:
My kids don’t have access to tablets or phones, but have the TV on in the background. There is no TV allowed after 6pm
Songezo:
Has not been a concern! TV has been the best way to keep them indoors and entertained.
Justin:
As a general principal, screen time is limited regardless of season. It’s okay to be driven to boredom as they often find a way to be more creative than engrossing themselves in mindless content – this includes cleaning out their rooms to find clothes that no longer fit or used to donate to the less fortunate.
Question 6: Are There Any Special Winter Events Or Traditions That Your Family Looks Forward To Each Year As A Way To Entertain The Kids During The Season?
Guy:
Winter markets and plays and shows at century city. Also getting wrapped up warmly and going to ride bikes in the cold is also fun.
Karen:
Day trips to places we’ve never been to before, whale watching in Hermanus, cosy nights in front of the fire at home.
Songezo:
Visiting different malls duringschool holidays, even when we are not planning to spend any money.
Justin:
We do enjoy boardgames sundays, always get competitive!
Conclusion
There is no “right” way to keep your baby, kid and teen entertained.. Keep those toes indoors and minds engaged, whether it’s on abudgetat an activity or inside by the fire with a board game, a happy kid is a happy parent and that’s what we love to hear.
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