10 Fun Activities to Help Your Child with ADHD Thrive in the Late Winter Season
It’s almost officially “shoulder season” in Alberta! This means the snow is starting to melt, the sun is getting stronger, and the days are getting longer—good news! Except, perhaps, for a child or teen with ADHD.
The in-between weather can be frustrating—it’s no longer ideal for sledding, skating, or skiing, but it’s also not quite time to break out the bikes, rollerblades, or trampolines. For a child or teen who craves activity, novelty, and spontaneity, this season can feel like torture.
Here are some fun ideas to help your kids (and you!) get through this transition—and even enjoy it!
Step 1: Brainstorm Activities Together
Start by having a family brainstorming session. Gather markers, a big whiteboard, a large piece of paper, or slips of paper to toss into a jar. Consider categorizing activities by type (music, crafts, games, physical activities) and by how many people they require (solo, two-person, or group). This helps children with ADHD practice organizational skills, planning, and thinking ahead.
Step 2: Estimate Time for Each Activity
Once you’ve listed activities, discuss how much time each will take. This helps children with ADHD develop time management skills. If they choose an activity that takes two hours but you have to leave in one, guide them in problem-solving: should they pick something shorter, or can they modify the activity to fit the available time? Encouraging problem-solving builds independence and adaptability.
Step 3: Plan for Supplies
Make a note of any supplies needed for each activity. Children with ADHD can be impulsive and may struggle with waiting. By involving them in planning, they learn patience and organization—essential life skills. Instead of dealing with last-minute requests to go shopping for supplies, encourage them to think ahead about how to gather what they need.
Step 4: Prepare for Success
At our Training in Core Social Skills programs, we use a strategy called “Prepping” before group activities. Before starting, we ask three key questions:
“What do we need to do to make sure this activity goes well for everyone?”
“What problems might come up?”
“How can we solve those problems so that everyone feels comfortable?”
This helps children anticipate challenges, practice planning, and learn behavioral organization—leading to more success in social interactions.
Fun Activity Ideas
1. Scavenger Hunt
For energetic kids, hide small objects (like bottle caps) in slightly tricky spots and see who can find the most. Adjust the rules based on your child’s needs—for example, add or remove time limits if necessary. Ask your child to find a few when you cook dinner so they are occupied and using their visual perception skills! Teens with phones can take pictures of found items instead of collecting them.
2. Fort Building
Choose a room where a little mess is okay, then use blankets, pillows, and clothespins to create a cozy fort. Once built, your child can use it for reading, drawing, or playing with Lego.
3. Cooking/Baking
Find simple recipes your child enjoys and involve them in every step. Print the recipe, have them check off available ingredients, and note what needs to be bought. This teaches organization and responsibility. Then gently, and patiently, stand by their side teaching how to make the dish! Don’t forget the apron! Ensure to introduce them to the “clean as you go” method!
4. Dance Party
Create a playlist or find a dance party video online on the YouTube App. Add fun challenges like “dance like a monkey” or “slow-motion dance” for extra excitement.
5. Hide and Seek
A classic favorite! For older kids, add a flashlight for a fun, spooky version in the dark. Even pets can get involved—some dogs can be trained to “seek” hidden family members (remember to use treats as an incentive)! Many kids love this game, they love the attention of a parent or anyone “searching” for them.
6. Sardines
Like hide and seek, but in reverse—one person hides, and as each seeker finds them, they quietly join in the hiding spot. The last person to find the group loses that round! The important thing is to choose a spot that has enough room for everyone playing.
7. Crafts
Choose age and developmental-appropriate crafts to avoid frustration. Explore hobby store aisles, Instagram Reels or Pinterest for ideas. If something sparks your child’s interest, talk about it, learn what’s involved.
Local “Buy Nothing” groups can be great for finding free supplies! I once got almost all the materials to make beeswax wrap for food with our adult children for free off our local site! So grateful.
8. Obstacle Course
Set up an indoor course (ideally in the basement) using furniture, ropes, or hoops. Add fun challenges like hopping on one foot or reciting a song backwards to keep things interesting. Create 2 similar courses if you’d like some competition, or just use one course and a timer to see who can get the best score.
9. Virtual Sports
Games like Wii Sports or online interactive sports can be a great way to burn energy and bring the family together for friendly competition. Kids love an opportunity for their parents to play with them.
10. Hot and Cold Game
Determine a “searcher” to leave the room while the other person hides an object and guides the seeker by saying “cold” (far away), “warm” (getting closer), and “hot” (very close). Adjust for younger kids by making the object easier to find or using fun words instead of “hot” and “cold.”
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With a little planning, this tricky in-between season can turn from frustrating to fun. By engaging kids in brainstorming, planning, and problem-solving, you’re not only keeping them entertained but also helping them build essential life skills.
Let us know which activities your family enjoys the most!
