The most obvious project is to grow something. In a sunny window, kids can sprout seeds beneath a roomy plastic dome with vents. Try easy-to-germinate seeds of edible plants such as lettuce, spinach or basil. Or try oat grass for the family pets. Most cats and dogs enjoy some fresh grass in winter.

Children can also grow easy bulbs on their own windowsills. Both paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis can easily be potted in soil or pebbles. Just add water and they'll flower in a short time. They put on new growth every day, so kids can anticipate the opening of the flowers.

A tabletop fairy garden makes an intriguing project for some kids. Using small herb plants, create a miniature landscape complete with arbors, benches, wheelbarrows and tiny watering cans and tools. Add gnome and fairy figurines to populate the magical gardens. This idea can be adapted to also accommodate dinosaurs or action figures. In that case, add carnivorous plants such as Venus fly trap.

Hang a bird feeder by the window. All winter long, it will be visited by many kinds of birds. Use the opportunity to learn about the species of birds that call Colorado home. Underscore the importance of feeding birds, who eat insects and beautify our gardens with their motion and song.

Products and plants shown in this segment are courtesy of Tagawa Gardens.