As a mom of a hyperactive ADHD child, I have learned a thing or two. Ever since he was diagnosed at the age of 3, I’ve looked at life completely differently. I’ve had to realize what can work and what just can’t — and that it’s OK when things don’t work.
Let’s talk about winter. Have you seen your kids become stir crazy and experience cabin fever? Try living with us. I never knew what hyperactivity was really like until seeing it in my son. Unless we’re on vacation or out and about, things are just dang hard, ya’ll. We never get the in between, where a kid will sit during screen time or do a craft for 10 or 15 minutes. Instead, we get the need to have the TV/tablet on while juggling a whole bunch of other things simultaneously. Having a kid who despises crafts or seated projects indoors is definitely hard, especially when it is super cold like Boston can be. Activities with continuous movement are what we need. So today I am sharing 10 winter activities to do in Boston with kids who have ADHD, autism, or even a smidge more hyperactivity than normal.
1. Visit Legoland Discovery Center
We love visiting the Legoland Discovery Center in Somerville. The center helps keep all the littles busy. From the games, free play, and even 4D movie theater, they have it all. One day we were there for five hours, and my son was begging to visit again.
2. Go sledding
3. Try snow tubing
A couple of weekends ago, my father-in-law brought my son snow tubing, and he loved it! They visited Loon Mountian in Lincoln, NH. Bonus — they have the most affordable pricing.
4. Make DIY kid-friendly face masks
Face masks aren’t just for the ladies. My son loves them so much we started making our own so he could face mask with me.
5. Create a video
Maybe it’s the blogger in me, but once I get my DSLR camera out, my son is all over me to take a picture of him. A couple of weeks ago I posted my “Clean Beauty Tuesday” face mask on my personal blog, and my son had to be in it. The face mask company loved it so much they shared it to their Instagram account and even said how cute he was!
6. Make homemade snow
I saw a video on Facebook about creating fake snow, and my son was so excited to make his own.
7. Go swimming
Head to your local YMCA or the neighborhood hotel for a swim. My son is a fish, so he loves being in the water. This will use up most of the energy for the day!
8. Make a hot cocoa bar
What kid isn’t a chocolate lover?! Creating a DIY hot cocoa station after those cold days outside is a special treat.
9. Go ice skating
There are so many kid-friendly ice skating spots, with many providing helps for balance. My son has been in “learn to skate” since he was 3, prepping him for hockey. It took a while to get used to, but now he’s a champ. By the end of the day, he is so tired! Some local schools offer public skate certain days of the week.
10. Build a fort
One thing that will give my son wonder for hours is a fort made of cardboard, blankets, you name it. Plus, he will sit and draw on it all day! It helps keep his focus, and I love that it’s a creative way of learning.
What are some activities that help your hyperactive or ADHD child? Share your best tips with us!