Winter break is an exciting time for kids, filled with holiday magic, family gatherings, and a well-deserved break from school. For parents, however, the extended time at home can be a challenge, especially as the excitement of Christmas fades and the days stretch out. To help you survive the winter break and keep your kids entertained (and yourself sane!), here’s a survival guide full of fun, engaging ideas for activities that will keep boredom at bay.
1. Create a Holiday Craft Station
Crafting is a great way to keep kids busy and spark creativity. Set up a designated space with supplies like construction paper, glue, markers, holiday stickers, glitter, and pom-poms. Encourage them to make holiday-themed crafts like paper snowflakes, homemade ornaments, or cards for family and friends. Not only does this keep them occupied, but it also helps them create keepsakes and decorations for the season.
2. Host a Family Movie Marathon
A cozy movie marathon is the perfect way to enjoy a lazy day at home. Pick a theme—like holiday classics, animated favorites, or adventure movies—and let each family member choose a film. Set up blankets, popcorn, and hot cocoa for a true movie theater experience at home. Some great holiday movies for kids include The Polar Express, Elf, and The Grinch.
3. Plan Outdoor Winter Adventures
If you’re in an area with snow, bundle up and head outside for some winter fun. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding together. Even if you don’t have snow, taking a winter nature walk to explore the season’s beauty can be refreshing. Let kids collect pinecones, rocks, or leaves along the way, then use them for a crafting session at home.
4. Set Up a Christmas Book Corner
A cozy reading nook filled with holiday-themed books can be a fantastic winter break activity. Stock up on classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! or The Polar Express, or add a few new holiday books to your collection. Let kids choose a book each night for family reading time, creating a peaceful and festive bedtime routine. You can use our blog for Christmas books to stock up here.
5. Go Visit Santa!
If you haven’t already done so, take the kids to visit Santa! Visiting Santa is a magical part of the holiday season that gives children a chance to share their Christmas wishes and get a festive photo. You can make a reservation by visiting www.whereissanta.com to make it a seamless process! To make it extra special, let the kids dress up in their favorite holiday outfit, and bring a small snack or book to keep them entertained in line. This visit can become a cherished tradition and give you a sweet photo memory to look back on each year.
6. Plan a Game Day
Get out your board games, and card games, or even try new ones to bring out some friendly family competition. From classics like Uno and Monopoly to kid-friendly games like Candy Land and Connect Four, a game day is an entertaining way to spend time together. You can even create a small prize for the winner to make things more exciting!
7. Put Together a Puzzle
Working on a large jigsaw puzzle can be a calming, screen-free activity for everyone to enjoy. Choose a winter or holiday-themed puzzle and set it up on a table where family members can stop by and work on it whenever they like. The puzzle becomes a relaxing way to spend time together while also developing focus and patience.
Make Winter Break a Season of Memories
With a little planning, winter break can be a time full of memorable family activities, laughter, and cozy moments. By setting up engaging activities and encouraging creativity, you can make this holiday break enjoyable for everyone in the family. Whether it’s a fun day outside, a movie marathon, or a quiet night with a book, these winter break ideas will help keep your kids entertained and make your home feel like a holiday haven. Don't forget to book your Santa visit by going to www.whereissanta.com.
