Winter break is great fun, and kids look forward to all the celebrations that take place at this time of the year. For parents who work full-time, it can be difficult to juggle kids and work. Some kids find it boring to stay at home all day. We understand this at Inspiring Minds Preschool, so we have come up with some great ideas for things to do both indoors and outdoors. Alternatively, you may consider enrolling your child in a winter break camp.
Outdoor Ideas
South Florida is a melting pot of cultures, all of which have their own traditions for celebrating the holiday season. Here are some outdoor activities you may find enjoyable to do with your preschooler over the winter break:
Beach Days
Even during winter, South Florida’s beaches can be very pleasant, so how about a visit to Pompano Beach to build sandcastles, collect shells, or simply enjoy the waves.
Flamingo Gardens
The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary at Flamingo Gardens looks after permanently injured animals that cannot be released back into the wild. Marvel at the massive aviary containing 250 birds that represent 45 plus species that are indigenous to Florida. See also the bird of prey center and Josh the black bear. Visit the flamingo pond and after that, go and see the Bobcats, otters, and other animals.
Butterfly World
This is a mesmerizing outing. Butterfly World has around 20,000 butterflies, often more. On most days, you could see 50 species, but if you visited every day of the year, you would see over 150 species. Enjoy the beauty of these colorful tiny creatures and learn about their life cycle. Did you know that most butterflies live for only around 7 days when in the wild, although a little longer in the aviary?
Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Boynton Beach
Mix it up with a farm visit and let the kids pick their own strawberries, perhaps enjoy a hayride and some seasonal treats.
Boat Parade
Because South Florida is surrounded by water, boats and other vessels are decorated with holiday decorations, fairy lights, and other festive ornaments during the holidays. Popular boat parades kick off with Winterfest and continue throughout the holiday season.
Indoors Activities
Hands-on, interactive activities are great for preschoolers. By engaging their developing minds, you’re helping keep them entertained, but also helping them grow, too.
Broward Theatre in Fort Lauderdale
Delight the kids by taking them to see one of the great performances this year, such as The Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid, and for the aspiring young ballerinas, the Nutcracker Suite performed by the Miami City Ballet.
Museum of Discovery and Science Fort Lauderdale
This awesome facility has something for everyone like Sprouting STEM, for preschool-aged children up to 6 years old and older. Your pre-schooler and their older siblings will love it.
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Use popsicle sticks, glue, and glitter or paint to create winter snowflakes. The snowflakes can be simple or intricate and can make a lovely front door homemade wreath.
Handprint Art
Using non-toxic paint, children can make hand prints on brown or white paper. Turn them into animals, trees, or even winter-themed characters. Just the hand prints look lovely, and then you can use the paper for wrapping gifts.
Bake Together
Simple recipes like sugar cookies can be fun. Using festive cookie cutters. create stars, gingerbread men, or Santa shapes. Mix up some different colored icing and let the kids loose to decorate the cookies with the icing, sprinkles, and candies.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Make salt dough at home using one of the many recipes online. Let the kids learn about weighing ingredients, measuring water, and kneading. They can then mold bits of the dough into shapes and bake them in the oven, and once they are cooled, they can be painted and decorated.
Homemade Snow Globe
Use a clear plastic or glass jar. On the inside of the lid, glue a plastic animal or figurine. Then fill with a ratio of 1 cup of water to 3 teaspoons of glycerin (or use vegetable or baby oil). Add 3 teaspoons of glitter and shake. The more oil you add, the slower the glitter will fall. Tape or glue the lid shut if you are worried about it opening.
Inspiring Minds Preschool In Tamarac, Florida
At Inspiring Minds Preschool, we provide a close-knit learning environment for all students enrolled with us. Our child-centered approach offers parents peace of mind and kids with first-class learning.
Check out our preschool enrollment options or for more information, call us at 954-933-2982. If your child would like to spend some or all of their winter break playing soccer, basketball, dancing, or any other of our wide range of extracurricular, speak to our partners at All Sports Kids.