Below you’ll find the best December activities for kids. I love the build-up to Christmas and I have lots of ideas for festive activities you can do with your children. This post is part of my series of posts on Seasonal activities for kids.
If you’re struggling with gift ideas then scroll to the bottom where all my gift guides are listed. I have ideas for gifts for outdoor families, creative kids and encouraging a love of reading. You’re sure to find the perfect gift. These are all great Winter activities for kids.
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If you love seasonal activities and getting kids outdoors then scroll to the bottom and join me for my weekly bonus email full of seasonal content straight to your inbox or how about joining my Facebook group Wildling Explorers? We’re building a lovely group of parents who enjoy spending time outdoors with kids and love to share inspiration with each other.
December outdoor activities
It’s certainly starting to get chillier here. Dropping temperatures can make the prospect of going outside with young children less appealing. I find the key is good waterproof and warm clothing.
We still need to get children outside as often as we can, wrapped up warm and enjoying themselves. You might find it easier to stay closer to home and go out for shorter periods. It might be as simple as going on a short family walk (and I have lots of tips for keeping kids happy on a walk).
Why not join my email list to get this beautiful free, printable winter scavenger hunt? Then print it out and take it on your next walk. Find out more in this blog post – Winter scavenger hunt printable or simply enter your email address below to get your pdf.
Another great thing to do on a walk with kids this month is create a journey stick. My kids love this simple nature craft.
If you are looking for more outdoor activities for kids in winter then you need this post which is packed full of ideas for all ages.
One of our favourite outdoor activities in December is to wrap up warm after dinner and head out for a walk around the neighbourhood to see all the festive nights. Why not make a lantern to take with you? Find my simple lantern in the indoor activities section below.
This year I’ve put together a guide of simple ways to spend time outdoors at Christmas – Outdoor Christmas activities for kids
December on the bookshelf
I love reading seasonal books with my children and December is a perfect time. I love setting up a book advent calendar. We use a mix of Christmas books and beautiful winter books too.
Here are my favourite winter children’s books
Find more ideas for beautiful Christmas books here. I started with a book advent calendar when my eldest was a baby. If you want some ideas for fantastic Christmas books for babies, then click through.
December ideas for creating and playing
There are lots of opportunities for craft and play in December. If you’re not quite ready to start Christmas-themed play then you will love this Winter sensory activity for toddlers. Best of all, it’s relatively mess-free.
These are my favourite Winter painting ideas for kids
December is a great time for exploring the outdoors with young kids. Why not try this DIY paper lantern craft for toddlers (or older kids) and take it on a walk around the neighbourhood after dark.
One of my favourite festive activities for young kids is this Christmas tree play dough. Or perhaps you’d like to make your own Christmas cards using this DIY marbled Christmas card activity.
Find lots more ideas for Christmas cards for kids to make. Making Christmas cards is such a fun activity to enjoy with kids this month. What’s more grandparents and other family members love receiving handmade cards.
Here are some more ideas:
Create your own snowman handprint ornament
Set up a Christmas sensory bin
This feed the reindeer sensor bin is my favourite
Find more reindeer crafts and activities for kids here
Create your own felt gingerbread man
Find more gingerbread crafts and activities for kids here
New year’s eve ideas for families
Celebrating new year’s eve with kids is a bit different but there are so many ways you can have fun as a family. Find lots of ideas here – New year’s eve ideas for families
Gift guides
If you are starting your Christmas shopping then I have lots of ideas for you. I love wooden toys, toys that promote imaginative play, STEM skills and creativity as well as books and gifts to encourage a love of reading and of course of nature and spending time outdoors.
- Find the perfect gift in my outdoor families gift guide
- Find lots of ideas for Christmas gifts for outdoorsy kids here.
- Find loads of ideas for stocking fillers for outdoorsy kids | AD here
- Find ideas for kids aged 4-8 years old here – Christmas gifts for kids
- Find Christmas gifts for 3-5 years olds
- Find gifts to encourage children to love reading here.
- Find the best Christmas gifts for babies here.
- Find the best new books to gift this Christmas here.
December family events in North West England
- New years eve family events North West – the best NYE parties for families
- The best Christmas days out in the North West
- Where to see Father Christmas in the North West
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