20 activity ideas for children over the festive period
11.12.2017
Translation: machine translated
For children, the festive season can be hellish. The adults spend hours behind the cooker and then sit at the table for ages. But what do the little ones do in the meantime? We have 20 activity ideas to reduce children's boredom.
1. ball track
In the tried-and-tested model of the marble run, the balls roll from left to right and back again. However, there are now also sophisticated versions that can be put together individually, glow in the dark or work with physics. Choose the appropriate model for the respective age and the little ones will be kept busy for a while.
2. card or board game
Card games such as "UNO", "Black Peter" and "Halli Galli" or board games such as "Labyrinth", "Eile mit Weile" and "Lotti Karotti" have already provided many families with hours of fun. So why not bring out games like these for the festive season? Maybe the adults will even lend a hand.
3. books
The classic par excellence. Books come in all shapes, colours, materials and sizes and are not always just for the eyes. Sound effects or additional CDs included flatter the musical ear. Opening doors, pull-out parts and haptic elements ensure a good sense of touch. There should be dozens of them on the shelf for all ages.
Children's books
27-Button-Soundbuch - Mein grosses Tierliederbuch - 27 bekannte Kinderlieder zum Mitsingen
German, Phoenix International Publications Germany GmbH, 2023
4. play kitchen
Let the kids cook their own dinner. Shopping for groceries in the shop and cleaning the house before the guests arrive are of course also part of this. Afterwards, they can take care of the preparation. With the multifunctional kitchens, not only can they bake and cook, they can also do the washing up after the meal. So if the mini chefs don't get their kicks!
5. build a cave
In addition to blankets and cushions, you can also use duvets and sheets for a cave. Simply stretched over the furniture, the children will have a little retreat corner in no time where they can let their imagination run wild. Another alternative is to use an existing play tent. However, this is only half as much fun as the new construction.
6. LEGO / LEGO DUPLO
I personally don't know anyone who didn't play with LEGO or DUPLO as a child. Houses, castles, knights' castles, parks, zoos - with the colourful building bricks and cute little figures, the little ones create great adventure worlds just like they used to and can then sink into the fantasy world.
7. dressing up box
Dressing up is always fun! Why not give the children the dressing-up box? The fun role-playing games can be followed by a photo shoot. That way, you'll all have something to smile about afterwards when you look at the photos. And if you don't have a box? Then the wardrobe will do. The children will find what they're looking for there too. However, tidying up is then very likely the order of the day.
8th walk
The snow is falling softly! With a bit of luck, the weather will treat us to a white Christmas. Then it's time to get outside with the kids. As mum or dad stays at home to clear the table and do the washing up, the Christ Child can bring the parcels in the meantime. Two birds with one stone.
9th Punch and Judy and puppet theatre
"Tri-tra-trallalla, de Chaschperli esch do!". Encourage the children to come up with their own story, which they can act out for the adults after the meal. This not only stimulates the imagination, but is also super cute for the parents to watch. All you need is a mini theatre, a curtain and hand puppets.
10th Carrera race track
If the kids are a bit older, you can organise a race with Carrera cars. The winner gets to unwrap the first package, for example. The loser has to help the parents wash up. Either way, this activity idea is not just for the little ones, but for all generations. Who will win the "grandfather versus grandchild" duel? [[productlist: 6432461]]
11th Pie Face Duel
If we've already found something cross-generational, here's another idea. Put the cream on, put your head down and off you go. Who has the cream on their face at the end? The game is not for the faint-hearted, but can be played by anyone. However, a good sense of humour is a prerequisite.
12th audio book
Is everything too loud? Then take the kids to their room or cosy corner, pop in a CD and start the audiobook. This audiobook classics box set (The Jungle Book, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, The Rain Druid, The Secret Garden) is sure to have something that all listeners will love.
13th Christmas film to watch
Alternatively, the children can watch a film. But if it's going to be TV, choose at least one Christmas film! Because the mood should not suffer because of the digital device. In addition to classics such as "Kevin - Home Alone" or "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella", the Christmas Film Collection also offers you twelve other films to choose from.
14th crafting / drawing
Get out the craft box and let the kids get to work. Crafting, modelling, painting, gluing, cutting - each child should come up with something and let their imagination run wild. Perhaps you have beads, toilet rolls, corks, cardboard, stones or small pieces of wood available. Then hand them over, because these materials can be wonderfully integrated into the works of art.
15. set the dining table
If your children are a little older, you can of course get them involved in cooking and decorating the dining table. For example, they can make their own menu cards, napkin holders or name plates in advance or decorate them with beads, for example. It takes some of the pressure off you and keeps the kids busy at the same time. They will always be proud when they receive praise from everyone for their fantastic decorations.
16th course
In order to get rid of the nervousness before the baby Jesus, the visit or simply the excess energy, it might be worth having an obstacle course in between. Set up various posts around the home. Depending on the size of your home, the course can be larger or smaller. Do a somersault on the mattress, then through the play tent, on to the skipping rope, over to throwing a ball, jump five times and start again. The aim is to get through the whole course faster or more often.
17. rehearse the magic trick
"Abracadabra, Simsalabim". Practising magic tricks is also a very good activity. This can also be ideally incorporated into a dinner evening as a show. This makes magic fun right from the start and trains motor skills and concentration at the same time.
18th Brio train
This manufacturer promises a construction full of action. Brio tracks are quick to assemble and can be extended almost endlessly. If it gets too boring, simply swap the rails and the train moves on to another track. The extended equipment now offers even more variety and fun.
19. make music
Create a new house band together, rehearse a song and then provide great evening entertainment. Whether it should be a Christmas song or something more novel is up to the artists. A keyboard or microphone is a good choice for a solo entertainer.
20th table football match
Last but not least: table football! A table football match not only makes the youngsters sit up and take notice, but is also a must-have for entertainment in many offices. No other game gets everyone so excited so quickly and gets both young and old jumping up, swearing and energetically hitting the ball. It gets everyone sweating and automatically lightens the mood.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
Family
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
News + Trends
From the latest iPhone to the return of 80s fashion. The editorial team will help you make sense of it all.
Show all