Five Days of Fun during Winter Break

Happy Holidays from all of us at CARE Actor!

If you’re at home with the kids or need some holiday fun -- don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Try out some of these ideas for creative play and arts enrichment around the D.C. metro area:

1. Show off your colorful personality with Wacky Self-Portraits

Celebrate all things whimsical, CARE Actor style. The whole family can enjoy this Wacky Self-Portrait art project.

Photo credit: CARE Actor student Wacky Self Portraits

Supplies:

- Paper
- Crayons, markers, or paint
- Creativity

Encourage your family members to be expressive with their Wacky Self-Portraits and to incorporate some of their favorite things into their drawing (ex. chocolate chip cookies for eyes).

Use our photo -- of CARE Actor student Wacky Self-Portraits -- as inspiration for your masterpiece(s)!

2. Explore the arts by seeing a live show

KidFriendly DC has a pretty exhaustive list of plays, live music, and other live entertainment in the D.C area. If you are busy or out of town during the holidays, you can still find some great stuff to do in January, February, and March.

3. Go out . . . on an indoor adventure

Also from KidFriendly DC, here’s a great list of indoor outings throughout our region, for those days when you have to get out of the house but it’s too cold for outdoor activities. From museums to nature centers to indoor playgrounds and pools, our area has a lot of indoor fun to offer.

Photo credit: Smithsonian Archives

Aerial Photograph of National Mall during William J. Clinton Presidential Inauguration (depicting Smithsonian Castle and National Museum of Natural History), 1993, by Carl Hansen, Ektachrome print, ID# 2003-0102, Smithsonian Institution Archives.

4. Get messy with winter art: Icy Salt Paint

We love this winter art project from Hands on as We Grow because it’s so simple yet so fun. Make “icy paint” by combining epsom salt and glue! You might have both on hand already. This project is labeled a toddler project on the website, but we tried it out and think older kids will like it too. Playing with the goopy, salty, gluey paint is also a great sensory exercise.

Photo credit: CARE Actor

5. Indulge your sweet tooth with super simple recipes

Our mouths are already watering as we read Kid Activities Blog’s list of 25 cookie recipes that feature three ingredients or less. Yes, please!

What about you? Do you have cool ideas for winter fun? Please share in the comments!