I don't know about you, but January felt like the longest two years of my life. Especially for us moms. We had holiday break and then January swept in with its snow, MLK Day, and for our school - parent teacher conferences allowing for two additional days off. It felt like my kiddos only went to school two days in the month.
Cue the creative mamas! We needed something to keep these littles occupied throughout those long winter days. In all honesty, I've grown to enjoy January. The "hygge" the month offers and the necessity of slow, relaxing days after the busyness of the holiday season. I've come to embrace the simplicity of having nowhere to go and watching the snow fall from the window as I make my own their favorite hot chocolate.
While most days were lower key this month, we kept busy with arts, crafts, and indoor play. One particular sensory activity I was excited to share as it occupied my own for over an hour: The Penguin Habitat.
I offered a fun penguin-themed day during a snow day. I purchased a Penguin puzzle and these cute little guys from Amazon. I made my own DIY sensory bin with some water, blue food coloring and ice cubes and let the Penguin figurines have fun in their Polar habitat. I gave the kids measuring cups to have light water play and they were consumed for over an hour. I also gave them a Penguin printable craft and had them fill the Penguin's belly with cotton balls. We did our puzzle and watched a cute Penguin documentary during snack time. It was an easy hit.
On a separate snow day, I found this cute Snowman Kit on Amazon and the kids had fun making clay snowmen followed by outdoor snow play. I've also grown to love Camilla Crafts playdough kits. I was introduced to them from another mom and loved how the kits are scented and include sensory playdough pieces. I snagged a couple to keep us busy through the winter months – perk that it’s another locally, mom-owned business!
Winter Indoor Play Spots:
As for our indoor play options this month we’ve personally ventured to The Pottery Place in Bethel Park for our first visit, Sky Zone in Canonsburg, The Upper St. Clair Library has been amazing in offering weekly craft nights, and we’re always a fan of Liliput Town Center in McMurray.
February Family Bucket List:
- Mommy & Me GALentine’s Event on Feb 10th at Only Mood Party. Really excited to check out this new kid-friendly party venue in Bethel. I’ve been stalking them on IG and they have the cutest things!
- Monster Trucks. My son always looks forward to the Monster Truck show every year. Like clockwork, it’s become a family tradition.
- Paw Patrol LIVE.
- Jurassic Quest is held the same weekend as the Monster Trucks but also gets equal hype. This will be our first year there!
Even though the cold and snow can hold us in, those inside days really do end up just as memorable as the summer moments. I hope you take time to relax more this winter and embrace the season of stillness. January and February call for indoor forts, hot chocolate, wet snow clothes, and happy faces experiencing all the magic that winter brings.
