With cold, short days that are oftentimes miserable, winter always gets a bad reputation, especially for children. However there is always a silver lining behind every cloud, and winter can be a wonderful time for you and your family, if you know where to look.
Hit the Slopes
Think of winter and the first thing that comes to mind is snow. Of course, being in Australia, snow isn’t very easy to come by. Except for Australia’s own alpine region, a mountainous region that stretches between Victoria and New South Wales, which transforms into a veritable winter wonderland every winter.
This mountainous region is home to the Southern hemisphere’s best winter destinations such as Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Selwyn, and Mt Baw Baw. These winter destinations are ideal for a whole host of fun activities with your children such as tubing, tobogganing, building a snowman, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Due to its popularity these places are often booked out weeks or even months in advance, so if you have a winter getaway on your mind, plan well ahead.
Visit the Outback
If your child doesn’t enjoy snow or wintry conditions, don’t worry Australia’s great Outback becomes a warmer and drier getaway destination over winter. Usually unbearably hot with treacherous conditions during summer, the Outback transforms into a more hospitable place during the cooler winter months.
The Outback is also home to some of the most incredible sights in the region. Places like Darwin, The Kimberley, and the Red Centre have natural wonders that are a sight to behold and experience. An experience that your children will definitely remember for life. If you are looking for a balmy adventure, don’t overlook the idea of visiting Australia’s wonderful heartland.
Though visiting the Outback is far safer during winter, you still need to be mindful of the region’s vastness and the remoteness of its towns. If you are driving your own car, please make sure that it is properly serviced, loaded with enough fuel, and that you pack enough water for everyone.
Your Home Can be Fun too!
With many cold and wet days expected over winter, getting out of the house could be a chore. Don’t despair, there are plenty of activities to keep your children from catching cabin fever. All you have to do is to apply some imagination with some easy to attain household items.
Fancy a game of bowling? Make your own bowling alley by lining up used plastic bottles and knocking it over by tossing bundled up socks. You can let your child become the next Picasso by freezing paint in a popsicle and letting them paint away on a piece of paper as it melts.
Other novelties like board games and jigsaw puzzles are a great way for the family to get together and bond at home. Find one that they like and you can keep them engaged for hours!
Get Creative at Home!
Don’t you just love a child’s imagination and how they can be immersed in it? Why not foster it and build a blanket fort as their little hideaway in their own home. You can use cushions and empty boxes to make imaginary structures and even create your own treasure hunts at home.
Give your children the opportunity to flex their imagination and you will be surprised at just how much fun and enjoyment they can get out of it.