candy cane

PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Winter break is looking a little different for many of us this year. We may not be able to visit with family we usually see, or travel, or do some of our “normal” traditions. But maybe we can all look at it as a time to start new traditions! 

Here are a few fun activities to do as a family during this winter break:

Graham Cracker House

Supplies:

  • Honey Maid Graham Crackers – 5 per house

  • Royal icing 

  • Paper plate or cardboard

  • Bread knife or serrated knife

  • Disposable piping bag or sandwich bag

Candy Cane Hunt 

This fun, and cheap, activity can turn hanging out at home into an adventure! Pick up a box of candy canes, hide them around the house, and let your kids go hunting!

 

Fizzy Dinosaur Eggs

Makes approximately 5 eggs, depending on the size of your dinosaurs.

Supplies:

  • 1 cup of baking soda

  • 2 Tbsp. of water

  • Gel food coloring

  • Small plastic dinosaurs

Directions:

  1. Mix baking soda, water, and gel food coloring in a glass bowl until you're able to press the mix together without it falling apart. (If it's too wet, add more baking soda. If it's too dry, add more water.)

  2. Mold the mixture into egg shapes around a small plastic dinosaur.

Lay them out to dry on a piece of cardboard, a paper plate, or even in an egg carton. Once they're dry, your kids can find creative ways to get the dinosaur eggs open to reveal the dino surprise inside! Here are four ideas on how to release the dinosaurs:

  • Chisel them open. Use tools safe for your kids to use, of course!

  • Spray them with vinegar and watch the eggs fizz.

  • Drop them in water -- like a warm bath -- and watch them disintegrate.

  • Fill small squirt guns with vinegar and shoot at the eggs -- this is best done outside. Remember to rinse the squirt guns after use.

Decorate a Pinecone

Pine cones fall during late autumn, so the timing is perfect for a fun Christmas activity involving art for your kids. Whether you collect some pine cones off the ground or purchase them at the local craft store, your children are bound to have some fun making them their own. Some decorating tools include:

  • Glitter

  • Glue

  • Colorful cotton balls

  • Paint

  • Ribbon

  • Beads

  • Googly eyes

 

Winter Snow Globe

Supplies: 

  • Empty container

  • Tape

  • Glitter glue

  • Glitter stars

  • Hot water

Directions:

1. Combine glue, glitter, glitter stars, and hot water. The more glue you add, the slower the glitter will flow. 1/4 glue + 3/4 water is a good proportion to start.

2. Seal the container with heavy-duty tape.