On the colder days when going outside isn't an option, consider creating winter-themed crafts with your preschooler. In addition to providing an avenue for your preschooler to learn about winter, making crafts provides an opportunity for him to use his creativity and hone his fine motor skills.

According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, students who take part in extracurricular activities are three times as likely to make higher grades in math and reading than kids who don't. In addition to academic benefits, students also get an opportunity to experience teamwork, learn new skills and make friends through after-school activities. From middle school through college, opportunities for student participation in extracurricular activities vary widely to accommodate student interests.

Preschool children are naturally curious about the world around them. By providing your preschool-age tot with engaging and educational activities, you can encourage her to mix some learning in with her play. These activities are easy to implement and will likely keep your kiddo interested from start to finish, making the task of entertaining you rambunctious child easier -- at least temporarily.

Almost any activity you do with your child can be an opportunity for him to learn something. Taking your child shopping can help him learn to add amounts or to select healthy food. Cooking with your child can teach him basic chemistry as well as how to be safe when handling sharp or hot items. Look for teaching moments in everyday activities you do with your children as well as planning special activities.

When your kid next comes to you with the common complaint, "I'm bored," give him something productive to do by presenting him with a free activity book. An array of activity books are available to parents that feature activities that not only fill up some time but also help your child build his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These activity books are an ideal, and free, way to break your child away from the grasp of the television set or keep him satisfied while you drive around town, running errands.

Science homework projects give students the chance to explore the world around them and learn about the basics of nature and technology. Through the completion of these hands-on projects, your kid will have the opportunity to expand his science knowledge while having some fun. Not only do these projects offer learners the opportunity to demonstrate their science knowledge, they also give them the opportunity to exercise their creative muscles.

Make a craft with children that they can proudly put on display, either by hanging it from the wall or hanging it in a window. You do not have to be an expert on crafting to make most projects, and most are suitable even for young children. As always, supervise kids when they are handling scissors or other sharp objects. You may need to be the one who cuts things if your child has difficulty or is too young to handle scissors properly.

Long before paper was made in large manufacturing plants, paper was made by hand. Parents can take their children back in time and enjoy the art of paper-making with their children. In addition to creating a hand-made craft, making recycled paper provides an opportunity to teach children the importance of reusing, renewing and recycling.

Water games entertain children of all ages. Whether you have only a hose, a bucket of water or a whole swimming pool, you can mix structured and unstructured play and water activities to amp up the fun factor. Young children often find water play calming. Older children use water and swimming to sharpen their skills, while teenagers see water as a setting for socializing. No matter what water fun you plan, provide a variety of simple floating, fishing, bobbing and tossing tools to integrate into games.

When you think of games for kids, your favorite childhood board games might come to mind. Popular games such as Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Memory and Go Fish have spanned generations of families. They're the board games children cut their teeth on before playing more complicated games such as Monopoly and Scrabble. But there are also many fun games that don't come in a box.