On Boxing Day the entire province of Ontario was locked down yet again. Most small businesses will be closed. No more movies at the theatre and no large gatherings. Not all is lost, though. We still have things to do. Especially if you live in the country! Here is a list of 10 things you can do through this lockdown, with kids.
Go exploring! That big forest really isn’t that scary once you get inside of it. If you’re lucky you already have trails to walk down. It is a little more difficult in the winter. Try taking a snowmobile down the trails first to pack the snow down. If your lucky you will find some treasures, old glass bottles or maybe an old coin. We once found a really old pocket watch! While you’re exploring, gather some crafting supplies. Twigs, pine cones, etc. Kids love making crafts.
Target Practice! My son really likes to take his air rifle out and shoot tin cans. Its a lot of fun. During the winter your hands will get cold so be sure to bring some nice thin gloves. Or, do what we do. Set up a tent
Build a snow hill! If you have a snow blower, plow or even a shovel you can do this. Pile snow as tall as you like and the kids will have fun for hours. It doesn’t take to long with a snow blower and you can make it really big. You can also get creative and make snow slides. Think bobsled. The sky’s the limit. I don’t know one kid that doesn’t like to be king of the mountain!
Baking! Who doesn’t like fresh pumpkin bread? My kids love baking, even the little ones like to mix the dough and decorate the cookies. And after its all done, you get a nice treat!
Scavenger hunt! This one takes some planning and time, but its really fun. Make 10 or more “clues” and hide them around your yard. Each one leading to the next “clue”. Even my teenager liked this. Have a treasure chest at the end or at each clue. You decide.
Skating and sliding! Everyone knows about these, but when was the last time you went to the big hills? I know we don’t get out enough. Now is the perfect time!
Make Pizza! This is my favorite one. You can get a pizza kit or make the dough from scratch. It doesn’t really matter. The kids will love it. Just a warning, grate up more cheese than you need. Lots will disappear to fast little fingers. That goes for pepperoni too.
Board Games! Most kids these days seem to be on video games or cell phones. Always looking at a screen. Dust off the Monopoly or ants in the pants
Astronomy! If you have a telescope or a pair of binoculars you’re set. My older kids love looking at the sky. I’d suggest getting a couple books
Photo albums! Dig out all the old photo albums you have and start looking. The kids will laugh forever, at your old clothes and the hair you use to have. If you have the time, you can also scan some into your computer and share them with family and friends online!
Well, there you have it. 10 things you can do with kids during the lockdown. It is a tough time right now, for everyone. But if you have the yard for this, you and your family can have a lot of fun! Stay safe and wash your hands.
Thinking About Leaving the City? Try This 30-Day Homesteading Challenge FirstApril 14, 2025Thinking about ditching city life for something quieter, simpler, and a whole lot more hands-on? My free 30-Day Homesteading Challenge is the perfect way to test the waters—no acreage required. With one doable task each day, you’ll get a real feel for homesteading life before you commit. Grab the free printable and give it a shot! […]
Dandelion Season: Syrup, Jelly, Fritters & MoreIn CookingApril 12, 2025Dandelions aren’t just stubborn lawn invaders—they’re edible, medicinal, and downright delicious. In this post, I share my favorite ways to turn those bright yellow blooms into syrup, jelly, fritters, and more. Learn how to safely harvest, preserve, and appreciate one of spring’s most underrated gifts, straight from the weedy wilds of Northwestern Ontario. […]
What Is Cottagecore and How It Connects to Real-Life HomesteadingApril 6, 2025Cottagecore may romanticize rural life, but actual homesteading is where the aesthetic meets reality—mud, bugs, fresh bread, and all. In this post, I break down what cottagecore is, how it overlaps with homesteading, and why real-life slow living is messier, sweatier, and way more satisfying than any Instagram filter. […]
Sustainable Snacking: Things I Forage, Dry, and Stash for Later (Instead of Buying Crinkly Plastic Packs)April 5, 2025Why buy shrink-wrapped snacks when nature’s pantry is overflowing? I forage wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs, then dry and stash them for year-round snacking. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and tastes way better than anything in a plastic pouch. Here’s how I do it—and a few hilarious fails along the way. […]
How Foraging Ruined Grocery Shopping for Me ForeverApril 4, 2025Foraging changed how I eat, shop, and see food. After tasting wild asparagus and berries, store produce just doesn’t cut it. From plastic-wrapped lettuce to bland mushrooms, I’ve happily swapped fluorescent aisles for forests and fields—and I’m never going back. Here's how the wild completely ruined me (in the best way). […]
Foraging with Kids: Chaos, Curiosity & CattailsMarch 31, 2025Foraging with kids is equal parts wild adventure and total chaos—but it’s also one of the best ways to teach them about nature, food, and curiosity. From picking dandelions to asking 400 questions about mushrooms you’re not eating, here’s what actually works (and what doesn’t) when you take little humans into the wild to find snacks. […]
Spruce Tips: The First Foraged Flavor of SpringMarch 27, 2025Spruce tips are one of the first wild flavors to appear after the snow melts. Learn how to forage them, what they taste like, and how to use them at home. […]
Chaga Hunting Around McGinnis Creek: A Very Cold, Very Canadian AdventureMarch 24, 2025I went chaga hunting around McGinnis Creek, armed with snowshoes, a saw, and a thermos of tea. Between faceplants and squirrel arguments, I found a few golden treasures growing on birch trees. This solo foraging trip reminded me why I love the bush—even when it's -12°C and the snow tries to eat your boots. […]
Coming Soon: The Forager’s Notebook (Yes, I Wrote a Book and No, It’s Not a Plant ID Guide)March 21, 2025The Forager’s Notebook is coming soon—and no, it’s not a plant ID guide. It’s a journal for recording your wild finds, tracking seasonal growth, and making sense of your foraging life one mushroom at a time. With 135 entry pages and 20 wild food recipes, it’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves wandering the woods and wondering what’s edible. Funny, practical, and made by a fellow homesteader who’s been there (and sometimes gotten stung). […]
Bartering and Trade on a Homestead: What Skills and Items Are Valuable?March 16, 2025Bartering is a way of life on a homestead, where skills and goods hold more value than cash. From fixing small engines to trading eggs for firewood, knowing what’s worth swapping can save you money and build strong community ties. Here’s how to make fair trades and get the best deals. […]