With the long winter months just around the corner, you’ll probably spend a lot more time with your children. But if you’re out of ideas on how to keep your kids occupied over the holiday break, don’t fret!
From quality baking time to fun dance parties, at-home spa days, and family movie marathons, here are nine ways to keep your kids entertained this holiday season.
1. Have Some Outdoor Fun
If the weather outside isn’t too bad, there’s no reason why your kids should stay cooped up in the house throughout the winter.
Invest in good-quality outwear, bundle up your kids, and head outside. If you live in a place cold enough to snow, hit up the slopes for fun sledding or skiing trips. Have a snowman-making competition and record fun reels of your children making snow angels on the ground.
Outdoor activities are the perfect way to let your kids blow off some steam and incorporate exercise, fresh air, and fun all in one trip.
2. Bring Out The Games
Want to channel your child’s competitive spirit this winter? Bring out the board games! From cards to Go Fish, Twister, Lego, and beyond, a family game night is perfect for when the weather’s a bit too gloomy to head outside.
Not only will they keep your kids occupied and happy, but they also make for some quality family bonding time. Plus, board games are a great way to teach your little ones new skills like counting without making it seem like hard work!
You can check out these sales on Lego to get the best value for money.
3. Host A Story Time
There’s nothing quite like a family story-time to pass the dreary winter nights. If your child isn’t a fan of reading, there are still some ways you can make story-time activities a little more exciting.
Grab a bunch of blankets and cushions and make your own reading-fort with your kids. Bring in your child’s favorite stuffed toy, hang up some fairy lights, and cuddle in with a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy winter feels.
4, DIY Spa Day
If the dry weather is taking a toll on your skin, set up an at-home spa day to pamper yourself and your kids. Lay out some fresh beach towels on wicker back chairs and give each child their very own salon bed.
Chop up some cucumber slices, mix in a DIY face mask, bring out your favorite robe and dress up your little ones in their comfiest pajamas. Give them a fruity drink or some warm tea to sip on while they soak their feet in a hot tub and play some relaxing music for the ultimate spa feel.
5. Bake Some Warm Goodies
Nothing keeps the winter blues at bay like a hot cup of cocoa, freshly-baked muffins, and gooey chocolate chip cookies. If you’re whipping up some warm treats for your kids during the winter, you can make an activity out of it!
Bring out the fun aprons, head to the kitchen with your little ones, and bake some delicious goodies for your family. Not only will your kids love mixing up the batter, cracking eggs, and piping bright-colored muffin tops. This is also a great way to let your kids get hands-on in the kitchen and pick up some handy baking skills.
6. Have A Dance Party
If your little ones are too restless and energetic for a quiet storytime or spa day, set up a fun and friendly dance-off in your living room!
Have them choose their stage name, play their favorite beats, and give them their very own star moment to show off their dance skills. This is a great way to let them have a romp-about and get some exercise while at home.
7. Get A Little Craftsy
If you’re stuck inside in bad weather, one of the best ways to kill time is to bring out the arts and crafts box. Set up a space in your kid’s bedroom where they can bring out their inner artist. Give them a supply of glitter, crayons, cardboard, or glue, and watch them quietly work away for hours on end.
You can even make this into a family activity by setting up a “gift exchange” where each member makes a little trinket for the other — think bookmarks, photo frames, or beaded bracelets. This can be a great way to channel the holiday gift-giving spirit and help your child explore their creative side.
8. Indoor Treasure Hunt / Obstacle Course
For the ultimate indoor adventure time, set up a treasure hunt or obstacle course for your kids. Wrap up some treats, money, or presents and stash them around the house for your kids to find.
You can even add a fun twist by making them solve riddles or complete chores to receive a clue revealing where the prize is hidden.
9. Family Movie Night
If you can schedule a trip to the local cinema, buy tickets to an upcoming movie your kid is excited about, and surprise them with an impromptu cinema night.
But if you cannot go in person, you can easily recreate the magic at home! Pop some popcorn in the microwave (or make it on the stove-top the old-fashioned way), and set up cushions and blankets in your living room. Press play on some fun holiday movies and cuddle in with snacks and a hot drink.
If you want to revisit the good old days, the old Home Alone series or a Harry Potter marathon are perfect ways to experience the true winter spirit.
