Polar Post: Fun Activity Ideas

Become an explorer like Reese and Dean! Create your own 'ancient' secret map of your home or yard and lead your family on a thrilling treasure hunt to find a hidden prize.

Instructions:

1. Create the 'ancient' map by carefully crumpling a piece of paper, then smoothing it out.

2. Gently dab the wet tea bag all over the paper to give it an old, stained look. Let it dry completely.

3. Draw a map of your house, backyard, or a specific room. Use symbols for furniture or landmarks.

4. Mark a big 'X' on the map where you will hide the treasure.

5. While the treasure hunter closes their eyes, hide the prize at the 'X' spot.

6. Give the hunter the map and watch them follow it to find their treasure!

You will need:

• Paper

• A wet tea bag

• Markers or crayons

• A small 'treasure' (like a snack or small toy)

The pirates wanted a secret map, but you can create a secret code! Work together to invent your own alphabet and write coded messages to each other.

Instructions:

1. On a piece of paper, write out the letters A through Z.

2. Next to each letter, create a symbol, a number, or a different letter to be its code.

3. This paper is now your 'Code Key'. Make a copy for each person playing.

4. Use the key to write a secret message on a separate piece of paper.

5. Swap messages with a family member and try to decode what they wrote!

6. Start with simple words and make them more challenging as you get better.

You will need:

• Paper

• Pencils or pens

Reese and Dean had to navigate the icy Arctic. Learn the basics of navigation by making a simple, working compass at home with just a few household items.

Instructions:

1. Magnetize the needle: Firmly rub the needle in one direction (not back and forth) along the side of the magnet about 50 times.

2. Carefully place the magnetized needle on top of the cork slice or leaf.

3. Gently place the cork/leaf into the center of the bowl of water so it floats.

4. Watch as the needle slowly turns. One end will point North!

5. You can check its accuracy with a real compass or a compass app on a phone.

You will need:

• A sewing needle

• A strong magnet

• A small slice of cork or a leaf

• A bowl of water

Cozy Arctic Fort Challenge

Ages 7-11

Work together as a family to build an 'Arctic' fort out of blankets, pillows, and chairs. It’s a great way to practice the teamwork and family bond themes from the book.

Instructions:

1. Gather all your building supplies (blankets, pillows, chairs) in one area.

2. Plan your fort together. How can you arrange the furniture to create a strong frame?

3. Work as a team to drape sheets and blankets over the chairs.

4. Use clothespins or clips to secure the 'roof' and 'walls' of your fort.

5. Fill the inside with pillows and cozy blankets to make your 'Arctic' den warm and inviting.

6. Bring in a flashlight and the book for a special reading session inside your fort!

You will need:

• Blankets and sheets

• Pillows

• Clothespins or binder clips

Inspired by the siblings' teamwork, design a simple indoor or outdoor obstacle course that requires two people to complete together, tied loosely at the wrist with a ribbon.

Instructions:

1. Using pillows, chairs, and blankets, create a simple obstacle course. Examples: crawl under a chair, weave around a line of pillows, walk along a blanket 'balance beam'.

2. Loosely tie the parent's and child's wrists together with a soft ribbon or scarf.

3. Explain that, like Reese and Dean, you must work together to navigate the course.

4. Communicate and cooperate to get through each obstacle without the ribbon coming untied.

5. Celebrate your amazing teamwork when you reach the finish line!

You will need:

• Pillows

• Chairs

• Blankets

• Soft ribbon or scarf