Because alfresco trumps the kitchen table. Even in winter.
Does the thought of winter camping makes your toes curl in anticipation of turning blue? Hankering to get outside and shake off the cabin fever? Pack up your sled with well-stocked picnic basket (or insulated backpack) and head outside! There’s a freedom and excitement in eating outdoors, no matter what the weather is. Here’s what to pack to turn your winter picnic into a party:
THE NECESSITIES
Before we get started on the fun stuff, there are a few basic items you should have on hand. Blankets are optional if you’re wearing snow or slush pants, but spreading a blanket out really means a picnic. Don’t forget to bring lots of napkins for runny noses and a garbage bag for any waste. If it’s a sunny day, you may want to apply some sunscreen on the face before heading out. Read more...
We’ll proudly shout how cool these monster mitts are from the snowy rooftops
Kids loathe being sheathed in winter garb. It’s sweaty, itchy, cumbersome, and full use of the arms is impossible when your arms are about the length of a foot long sub. These mitten alternatives are guaranteed to make your kids smile. An easy, cheap sewing craft, kids can help cutting out felt features and choosing colours. Don’t be fooled by their whimsical appearance: These mitten-characters are meant for fighting back at Jack Frost!
1. We know, this is by now just common sense, but we need to remind kids about sunscreen. It seems the teens are too cool for it. Maybe that’ll all change when today’s 6-year-olds are teens. Don’t those teens know that sun damage causes premature aging??
Making fiendish outdoor footprints is a great way to play with snow.
If you happen to be surrounded by snow (we’re jealous if you are), unleash your little one on that white landscape to make a big impression. This winter activity provides an easy way to get outside, romp around in the snow, and freak out your neighbors. Get ready to take snow-shoeing to the next level!
You’ll need:
A big piece of paper
a big piece of cardboard or polystrene plastic
an extacto knife
a screwdriver
1 metre long piece of string
fierce attitude!
1. Draw a simple outline of a monster footprint on a piece of paper. The footprint for a kid should be about 12.5 inches by 17 inches (32 x 43 cm). Cut it out. Read more...
These heart-warming books are ideal for reading aloud and holding up the pictures
1. Thomas’ Snow Suit by Robert Munsch (1989)
Thomas hates his snow suit and we don’t blame him. Being covered head to toe in sweaty padding sucks, no matter how old you are. The fights that erupt between Thomas and his mother, his teacher, and principal will give you and your little winter warrior a relatable laugh.
2. White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt (1947)
This beautifully illustrated gem captures the wonder that unites a community during the first blizzard. The lyrical story follows adults as they dash around battening down hatches and weatherproofing things, and around them animals make warm homes and kids rejoice, dancing and playing in the streets.
How to build a safe snow fort using an old patio table
As mentioned, today is a snow fort and frittata kind of a day. So we were stoked to learn about this safe and easy snow fort building technique from super awesome Bunchland dad, Jason Cavener. Just take a table (Jason and his daughter H. used an old patio table) and heap snow on top of it. Presto! You’ve got a cave-in proof snow fort. This technique is also good for those of us who have no particular aptitude for the building of snow forts.
One of the best things about a frittata is that they’re a simple way of cleaning out your fridge. Just grab whatever vegetables and assorted goodies you have on hand, mix them with a little egg and you’ve got breakfast. Need some ideas? Babbycino Kids recommends adding onions, spinach, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, or bacon.
