How to make the jars:
1) Line up Three Empty Jars
Or bowls, cups, vases, vessels, etc. Because I'm so not a Pinterest mom, ours are plain glass Mason Jars, each simply labeled with "Inside," "Outside" or "Road Trip." I encourage you to make them your own. Paint them, bedazzle them or draw from plain paper bags. This is a project you can customize from start to finish.
2) Brainstorm Ideas With Your Kids
A cursory glance through our activities from last winter is a little like a trip down memory lane. Our indoor activities include Yoga and Just Dance because my daughter was into them, and Simon Says-Exercise Edition because my son liked to tell us what to do. The more ideas your kids have the better.
3) Sort the Activities
While we use three jars, you could have two or four or more. Include a jar that only has free activities or one for special occasions that you draw from as a reward. We use Indoor, Outdoor and Road Trip because it fits our family. Make your system fit yours.
4) Place the Jars Somewhere Obvious
This is the opposite of "out of sight, out of mind." You want these placed front and center so your kids remember they are there and filled with fun ideas.
5) Draw!
The next time you're pulling your hair out, wishing your kids could go outside? Draw a slip and play!
Need some inspiration? Here are a few things I've learned over the years to keep it fun and easy:
Include things that everyone enjoys. It's OK (and I might even argue good) for kids to do something they don't love, but make sure everyone has something to look forward to in each jar.
Be specific. Rather than something like "Go to the park," include a detailed plan. One of our favorites last year was "Design and run a crazy relay at the park." Did this work out better some days than others? Sure. Was it funny every time? Absolutely. It often segued into the more general "Play at the park," but it was the draw of the relay that got us out the door.
For road trip options, include things like times and prices on your slip. For example, our rock-climbing slip has the open climbing times. There's not much point in using that one on a Tuesday night if the wall is only open to the public on Wednesdays. It's also important for us to include prices because this is meant to increase family activity, not just family spending.
Most of all, be creative and have fun. Try out your kids' crazy ideas. In our house, those are some of the best ones.
Find activities for kids near you.
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