Suggestions for making winter nice for teens

[CharlotteMaytimes]

Still young teens, but far too old for grottos and not that bothered by light-up Wonderlands. Any suggestions for making Nov/Dec/Jan exciting and special for young teens in these dark and cold days, either at home or trips out? They love films, reading, walking, nature, making stuff, cooking, but I’m struggling to think of a few extra-special things to do with them. Thanks x

theatre shows if you can afford it - there's a Narnia one doing a tour at the moment. Ballet, pantomime etc. Are there any illuminated woodland walks near you? We have a couple. Ice skating? How about something nature related to do with hibernating - any online live cameras set up at animal dens you can look for on You Tube? Also, how about identifying a couple of box sets that would be suitable and appeal that haven't watched before and do mini binges with hot chocolate, popcorn etc.

Costa/Starbucks and shopping for decorations or presents for their family/friends.

Making hot chocolate bombs at home.
Open air ice skating.
Watching Christmas movies.

You sound like a lovely mum. I must admit that now DS is 13 I don't really tend to make much of an effort to do special thing, certainly not in the way I did when he was little. We have film and takeaways night at the weekend, we'll watch chritmas films in the run up. We're still going to a panto this year but he's bringing a friend. I did recently buy him fleecy bedding which has been a huge hit (not the kind of idea you're after though I don't think). Have you got a snowdome near you for sledging or tubing?

Ooh, yes, ice skating and box sets (with snacks) are great, thank you.

They'd love the idea of a live nature camera, too, will look into that, and theatre maybe for January.

Are they into wildlife? We go to Donna Nook to see the seal pups every November. We take a big flask of hot chocolate and will stop for a nice lunch on the way.

I'm in the same boat with DS(13) we're going to attempt to make chocolate slabs like the pic & he'll give them to his big sisters as part of their gifts.

We do movie nights, daytime walks to Starbucks/costa for a hot choc & the local Christmas markets.

We also have an independent department store & they have a fab Christmas section so we go there for a nose & pick up a few new bits.

We'll do panto like we do every year & a shopping morning to pick up the gifts he needs.

He's never been into visiting Santa so we've had to find alternatives but it's getting more difficult the older he gets.

Donna Nook looks great, I'll see if there's anything closer like that!