Mom in Alaska: Ideas for Keeping Kids Entertained During the Winter

By Staff Writer

Mom in Alaska: How I keep kids entertained in winter

1. Embracing the Environment

The Alaskan winter is a truly iconic landscape, the perfect backdrop for all kinds of fun and adventure. Many think that the extreme temperatures we experience here could limit our activities, especially for the kids. However, it can actually provide unique opportunities that you won’t get elsewhere.

Living in Alaska has made me resourceful and creative when — quite literally — dealing with ice and snow. Despite these icy conditions, there are tons of activities my kids love to go on during winter. So, let’s dive into it!

As an example, try turning your backyard into an amusement park. We’ve done this numerous times! Among our favorites are creating ice sculptures and making snow angels or igloos. Building an igloo can be both an entertaining and educational activity as you can weave in lessons about architecture and Eskimo history.

Build a simple snow fort or an elaborate multi-room igloo.
Create snow sculptures of animals or imaginary creatures.
Make a winding path through the snow for foot races or sledding.
Compete with family and friends in a friendly snowball fight.
At night, torchlight tours can also add an exciting twist.
For a quieter time, observing the stars can become a wonderful astronomy lesson.

2. Indoor Creativity

Another approach to entertain kids in the winter involves transforming your home into a bastion of creativity. Seasonal changes should not limit your child’s imagination nor their innate desire to explore.

Indoor activities don’t necessarily equate to “boring”. In fact, they can provide opportunities to develop skills and learn new things. From arts and crafts sessions to science experiments, the possibilities are endless.

Take this activity we did a few weeks back. My children and I decided to bring the Alaskan wildlife in. We spent the day drawing and coloring native Alaskan animal species, thus making an “Alaskan Zoo” on our art wall. This also doubled as a teaching opportunity about local wildlife.

Start a scrapbook or family journal for them to exercise their writing and drawing skills.
Puzzles and board games can entertain while improving cognitive abilities.
Science experiments from kitchen supplies are fun and educational.
Old-fashioned activities like hide-and-seek never lose their charm.
Cooking and baking together can be lots of fun.
Have a book reading club that encourages reading and sparks imagination.

3. Engaging Activities Around Town

My final tip to keep your children entertained during the winter months is to take advantage of community resources around you. Despite the frigid temperatures, many towns across Alaska have resources designed to provide amusement all year round.

Your local community could offer various winter programs that your kids will absolutely love. Checking out special exhibits in libraries and museums, participating in local events, or joining after-school clubs are some of your best bets.

One such instance occurred when the local library organized a week-long Winter Book Festival last year. It was a series of storytelling, book readings, craft sessions, and more! My children not only had a blast but also benefited greatly from the intellectual stimulation.

Visit the local library for reading sessions or movie nights.
Explore local museums and cultural centers available in your city.
Join after-school programs such as art, dance, or music classes.
Participate in community service activities.
Winter festivals and seasonal events often have child-friendly activities.
Take part in winter sports or learn a new one.

	Activities
Outdoor	Ice sculptures, snow angels, igloos, foot races, sledding, snowball fight, torchlight tours, star gazing
Indoor	Scrapbooking, puzzles, board games, science experiments, hide-and-seek, cooking club, reading club
Community-based	Library events, museum trips, after-school programs, community service, local festivals, winter sports