Winter break is officially here! With school out for K–12 students starting tomorrow through mid-January, it’s the perfect time to slow down, make memories, and keep kids engaged without the pressure of a school-day schedule. Whether you’re looking for cozy indoor ideas or ways to burn off extra energy, here are 20 fun and family-friendly things to do this winter break with kids.
1. Visit the Local Library
Libraries are a winter-break lifesaver. Many offer storytimes, craft days, LEGO clubs, reading challenges, and quiet spaces for kids to explore books at their own pace.
2. Try a Paint or Art Studio
Let kids tap into their creativity at a paint studio, pottery workshop, or art center. Look for open studio times or kid-friendly guided classes.
3. Go Roller Skating
Roller skating is a classic winter activity that works for a wide range of ages. Many rinks offer daytime sessions perfect for families.
4. Ice Skating
Bundle up and hit the ice! Whether it’s an indoor rink or seasonal outdoor skating, this is a great way to get moving during cold weather.
5. Explore a Sports Complex
Indoor sports complexes often offer open play, climbing areas, turf fields, or drop-in activities during school breaks.
6. Plan a Movie Day at Home
Create a winter movie marathon with themed snacks, cozy blankets, and your family's favorite movies. Let each child pick a movie for the lineup.
7. Build a Winter Reading Fort
Use blankets, pillows, and chairs to build a fort, then fill it with books, flashlights, and quiet reading time.
8. Visit a Children’s Museum or Hands-On Exhibit
Interactive museums are ideal for curious minds, providing learning disguised as play.
9. Take a Winter Nature Walk
Even in winter, nature has so much to offer. Look for animal tracks, collect pinecones, or bring a scavenger hunt along.
10. Attend a Community Event
Check local calendars for winter festivals, family nights, holiday events, or pop-up activities happening during break.
11. Bake Together
Choose simple recipes kids can help with: cookies, muffins, or homemade bread. Bonus: it fills the house with cozy smells.
12. Have a Game Night
Board games, card games, or puzzles are great for family connection and friendly competition.
13. Try an Indoor Play Space
Indoor playgrounds and play cafés are especially helpful for younger kids who need to move when it’s too cold outside.
14. Go Bowling
Bowling is fun for all ages, and many alleys offer bumper lanes and family deals during school breaks.
15. Create a Winter Craft Day
Gather supplies for snowflake crafts, painting, clay creations, or DIY decorations, and let kids create freely.
16. Schedule a “Nothing Day.”
Not every day needs a plan. Leave space for rest, free play, and boredom; it often sparks the most creativity.
17. Volunteer as a Family
Look for age-appropriate ways to give back, such as donation drives, kindness projects, or simple acts of service.
18. Get Outside for Fresh Air
Even without snow, kids benefit from outdoor time. Visit a park, take a neighborhood walk, ride bikes, or explore a local trail to get some movement and fresh air.
19. Try a New Restaurant or Bakery
Make it an adventure by trying a new family-friendly restaurant or bakery. Let kids pick a treat, rate their favorite dessert, or learn how food is made by chatting with local owners.
20. Plan a Day Trip
Visit a nearby town, museum, zoo, or attraction for a change of scenery and a mini adventure.
Winter Break Tip for Parents
Winter break doesn’t have to be packed with activities to be meaningful. A balance of outings, creativity, movement, and downtime helps kids recharge before heading back to school. Here’s to a fun, flexible, and memory-filled winter break!
If you are not already subscribed to our FREE weekly newsletter, you can do so here. Each week, I enter 20 free or low-cost family-friendly events, making it even easier to plan your days beyond winter break.
Are you a business looking to sponsor this article, which means a sponsorship shout-out at the start of the article, a Facebook post shout-out, or to be featured? Please send me an email at audreannab@macaronikid.com.
