Hobbies And Interests
KEVA Planks
Construction toys are popular and KEVA Planks are identical blocks made of maple wood that are surprisingly stable when stacked. KEVA Planks have the edge on construction sets that require specially shaped pieces to make different projects -- they are all the same so there is no need to waste time searching for the right part or block. This building set is popular with kids and adults alike. It allows players to build items such as spiral towers or mansions. There are some helpful leaflets with suggested projects included in the set, but children tend to be creative with the blocks, inventing their own versions of houses and bridges.
Treasure Hunt
A holiday treasure hunt provides a fun-filled highlight for children and adults. Form teams and number the "clues" or designate some for each team -- which prevents rival teams from stealing each others' clues. Small tokens or clues are hidden in strategic places around the house, garden or even throughout the neighborhood. Don't make clues too easy and don't spread them so far apart that the players quickly become tired. Each team receives a set of clues and the first to find the treasure is the winner. The best thing about a treasure hunt is that it can be held indoors or outdoors as holiday weather allows.
Articulate
Articulate is popular with all ages and may be adapted to include even the smallest children. Articulate, a team game, requires each team member to take turns describing a word printed on a selected card to fellow team members, without mentioning the actual word. The team must guess the correct word within 30 seconds and points are totaled at the end of the game.
Birdseed Snow Angel
Amusing kids in winter is not as easy as it can prove during summer, but creating a birdseed snow angel provides hours of fun and helps feed wild birds in harsh weather. The materials needed are cups of varicolored birdseed, such as corn kernels, sunflower and safflower seeds, as well as some pine branches. This angel is a mosaic made of birdseed and placed in the snow in your back yard. First, lay in the snow, arms outstretched to make a template for your angel. Pour different types of seeds into the impression left in the snow. Use the pine branches for "wings" and let the kids be creative with the pattern for the angel's dress and face. As the birds feast on the seeds, parts of the angel disappear. More fun can be had replacing the eaten sections.