Any other mommas out there counting down the days until spring? Our family will be planting a vegetable garden this year, and we are bursting at the seams to feel the warm sun again and spend more time together outside.
As the cooler temperatures stick around a little longer than we would like, I will share with you three creative ways to keep your little ones moving their bodies indoors (and away from the television for a little while!).
1. Indoor Obstacle Course
This activity requires a little more effort on your part, and yes, you will have to move things around in your house. If you’re willing to swallow the mess for a little while, you will find that an indoor obstacle course can quickly become a favorite activity! Here are a few items you can use to create that true “obstacle course” feel:
- Place couch pillows on a rug that you can leap on to avoid the lava floor
- Line up dining chairs and cover them with a blanket for a quick tunnel to crawl through
- Use painters’ tape across a hall to make an “avoid the laser” effect
- Line up books or toys to jump over or crawl around
- Use a blanket or towel to scoot on hardwood floor
- Roll a ball to knock over toilet paper rolls before moving on to the next obstacle
As you can see, you can use ANYTHING in your house! Older siblings can help to create new obstacles for little ones, they can time each other through the course, and clean-up will take a little time as well as everyone works together.
Bring some Jesus into it!
Talk about what obstacles in our lives could hinder us from following Jesus with our whole hearts. Then, discuss steps on how as a family you can work together to overcome those hurdles.
“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”
Psalm 86:11
2. Puzzle Scavenger Hunt
I truly adore this indoor activity, because it uses a plethora of skills for our little ones to practice. For very little preschoolers, use a large wooden puzzle, “hide” the pieces in plain sight, and make sure to help them place pieces in the correct spot. Make sure to really encourage and celebrate when the puzzle is complete!
For older preschoolers, use a larger puzzle and hide pieces around a few rooms to get them moving more. They will collect all the pieces and as they put the puzzle together, they will figure out whether they need to keep searching for more pieces! Siblings can use teamwork and practice cooperation skills, too.
Bring some Jesus into it!
Ask your child, How did it feel to search all over for the puzzle pieces? How did you feel when you finally found one? Discuss how searching for Jesus is WAY easier than searching a whole house for tiny puzzle pieces! All we need to do to “find” Jesus is seek Him and talk with Him daily!
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
3. Life-Size Portraits
For this indoor activity, you will need a large roll of paper and markers/crayons. First, have your little one lay down with their arms and legs a few inches away from their bodies. Trace their outline, and then have them stand up! Brainstorm together what kind of clothes they would like to draw, what color their eyes and hair are, etc. For very little ones, help them place where their eyes, mouth, and nose are correctly. Talk about what makes their face special and unique! For older preschoolers, let their imaginations run wild. Make sure to not hover or help too much. The goal here is not perfection. Let them color and decorate their portraits however they like!
Bring some Jesus into it!
Discuss how beautiful God made each of us! Have your little ones tell you what they like about themselves, and celebrate your differences.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139:13
Remember, warmer days are coming! With a little effort, you can create meaningful memories with your little ones indoors and point it all back to Jesus. The warmth you are creating in your hearts and homes can make any cold day seem more manageable.
