When winter keeps kids indoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn everyday moments into learning experiences. Want an easy (and surprisingly fun) way to do that? Turn your kids into Energy Detectives and challenge them to find places where energy might be wasted around the house.
This activity keeps kids engaged, builds awareness, and helps families develop smarter energy habits, all while saving money.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Explain to your kids that energy is what keeps your home warm, how the lights stay on, and their devices running, while also explaining that wasting energy can make bills higher. Their mission is to help the household use energy wisely by spotting clues and fixing problems.
You can even create a simple “Energy Detective Badge” or give them a checklist to make it feel official.
Step 2: Start the Investigation
Mission #1: Hunt for drafts
Ask your kids to place their hand near windows and doors. Do they feel cold air sneaking in? Drafty spots are clues that energy may be escaping.
Mission #2: Light patrol
Have kids walk through the house checking for lights left on in empty rooms. Each switched-off light is a “case closed.”
Mission #3: Electronics check
TVs, game consoles, and chargers can use energy even when they’re off. Encourage your kids to unplug devices or turn off power strips when not in use.
Mission #4: Thermostat teamwork
Show kids how the thermostat works and explain why wearing a cozy sweater can help avoid turning the heat up too high.
Mission #5: Door duty
Make kids the official “door monitors.” Their job? Make sure doors stay closed when it’s cold outside to keep warm air indoors.
Bonus challenge:
Create an Energy Detective scorecard and reward kids for each energy-saving clue they find.
