Winter break is a magical time filled with joy, but when the weather keeps everyone indoors, it’s easy for kids to get restless. Luckily, there are countless kids activities and home activities for kids that can turn a simple day into a delightful adventure. Whether you’re looking for creative projects or active play ideas, here are things to do when you’re home to keep the whole family entertained.
1. Create a Winter Wonderland Craft Day
Kick off the holiday fun with a festive crafting session! These hands-on kids’ activities let their imaginations run wild while creating winter-themed decorations:
- Paper Snowflakes: Teach kids how to fold and cut intricate snowflakes. Add glitter for extra sparkle.
- Sock Snowmen: Use old socks, rice, and buttons to make adorable snowmen.
- DIY Holiday Cards: Set up a station with colored paper, stamps, and markers to create heartfelt cards for loved ones.
Where to shop: Stock up on craft supplies from Hobbycraft or check out The Works for affordable materials.
Why it works: Crafting offers activities that combine creativity, fun, and fine motor skill development when you’re home.
Free-to-use-image sourced from Pexels
2. Build an Epic Blanket Fort
Transform your living room into a cozy retreat with an epic blanket fort. Use pillows, chairs, and fairy lights to make it magical.
Fort activities:
- Enjoy a family movie night inside the fort.
- Host a snack picnic with hot chocolate and cookies.
- Encourage imaginative play like “castle adventures” or “campfire tales.”
Tip: Pick up fairy lights from Argos to add a touch of magic.
Why it works: Blanket forts are classic home activities for kids that foster creativity and provide hours of fun.
3. Host a Baking Bonanza
The kitchen is the perfect place for fun-filled kids’ activities that result in delicious treats. Let your little chefs take charge with these ideas:
- Decorate gingerbread cookies with icing and sprinkles.
- Make cupcakes with colorful winter-themed toppers.
- Create individual mini pizzas with a variety of toppings.
Where to shop: Get baking supplies from Lakeland, including themed cookie cutters.
Why it works: Baking is one of the most enjoyable things to do when you’re home because it combines learning, teamwork, and tasty rewards
4. Organize an Indoor Treasure Hunt
Turn your home into a treasure map adventure with clues leading to hidden surprises. This exciting home activity for kids is easy to set up and promises endless excitement.
Tips for success:
- Write winter-themed clues, like “Find the next treasure where it’s as cold as snow” (hint: the fridge).
- Hide small treats or toys as rewards.
- Add a storytelling element to make the hunt even more immersive.
Idea: Use treasure hunt kits like those from Party Pieces to make setup easy.
Why it works: Treasure hunts are interactive kid’s activities that blend problem-solving with active play.
Free-to-use image sourced from Pexels
5. Experiment with Science at Home
Turn your kitchen into a laboratory with fun and educational experiments! These home activities for kids double as learning opportunities:
- Baking Soda Volcano: Watch “lava” bubble and flow in a fun chemistry experiment.
- DIY Slime: Combine glue, water, and borax to create stretchy, gooey fun.
- Ice Excavation: Freeze small toys in water and let kids “excavate” them using salt and warm water.
Where to shop: Science kits from Science Mad are perfect for kid-friendly experiments.
Why it works: Science experiments are perfect home activities that spark curiosity and teach valuable lessons.
6. Have a Family Game Day
Board games are timeless home activities for kids that unite the whole family. Plan a full day of friendly competition with classics like:
- Monopoly
- Scrabble Junior
- Uno or Exploding Kittens
For younger kids, try simpler games like Candyland or matching games.
Where to shop: Find a range of family board games at Smyths Toys.
Why it works: Family game days teach teamwork, strategy, and patience while offering plenty of laughs.
7. Bring the Outdoors Inside with Indoor Camping
There’s no need to brave the cold—bring the camping experience indoors! Set up a play tent or make one using chairs and blankets.
Camping activities:
- Tell spooky or silly stories around a “campfire” made of fairy lights.
- Make s’mores in the microwave for an authentic camping treat.
- Sing campfire songs or read books by flashlight.
Where to shop: Check out affordable indoor tents from Decathlon.
Why it works: Indoor camping is one of the most creative kids’ activities for winter, offering a cozy and imaginative escape.
8. Hold a Winter Sports Tournament
Turn your living room into a sports arena with these active home activities for kids:
- Sock Skating: Glide across hardwood floors in socks to mimic ice skating.
- Paper Snowball Fight: Crumple up paper into “snowballs” for a safe, fun battle.
- Mini Curling: Use bottle caps or toy cars for a makeshift curling match.
Why it works: Indoor sports burn off energy and provide fun things to do when you’re home with the whole family.
Free-to-use image sourced from Pexels
9. Host a DIY Talent Show
Encourage your kids to showcase their unique talents with a family talent show. Whether they sing, dance, perform magic tricks, or tell jokes, every performance deserves applause!
How to make it special:
- Create a “stage” with a blanket backdrop.
- Use a flashlight as a spotlight.
- Film the acts to create a fun keepsake.
Why it works: Talent shows are home activities for kids that build confidence and encourage creativity.
10. Explore the World Through Books and Stories
Reading is one of the simplest yet most rewarding things when you’re home. Make it extra fun with these ideas:
- Themed Reading: Choose books about winter, adventure, or faraway lands.
- DIY Storytelling: Let kids create their own stories using puppets, drawings, or costumes.
- Reading Nook: Set up a cozy corner with pillows and blankets for uninterrupted reading time.
Book recommendations: Find winter-themed books in the Book Depository.
Why it works: Reading together offers quiet fun for family moments and takes kids on magical journeys without leaving home.
Tips for a Stress-Free Winter Break
Keeping kids entertained during winter break is easier with a little preparation. Follow these tips to make every day enjoyable:
- Plan Ahead: Stock up on craft supplies, board games, and books before the break starts.
- Involve the Kids: Let them help choose activities for the day.
- Mix It Up: Rotate between active, creative, and relaxing home activities for kids to keep things interesting.
Why These Activities Are Perfect for Winter Break
Winter break is the perfect time to relax and enjoy quality moments with your family. These activities offer several benefits:
Educational Value: Many of these activities teach valuable skills while keeping kids entertained.
Quality Time: Create lasting memories that you’ll cherish long after the holidays.
Screen-Free Fun: Encourage children to unplug and engage in real-world adventures.
With these suggestions for things to do at home, your winter break can be filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. By trying out these ten ideas, you can keep your kids entertained, happy, and full of wonder throughout the winter break. Which activity will your family try first? Let us know in the comments!
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