The winter holidays are a wonderful time for families to be together, but keeping the kids entertained during their time off from school can be a challenge. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can fill their days with fun activities that will create lasting memories without breaking the bank. In this simple guide, we’ll provide some tips to keep your kids happy and engaged so you can relax and enjoy quality time with them.
Planning Fun Days Out
One of the best ways to entertain kids during the holidays is to get them out of the house for excursions and activities. Kids love an adventure, so take them on outings that will spark their curiosity and get them moving, such as a trip to the trampoline park in Rapid City. Here are some other ideas for planning fun days out with the kids:
- Bowling alley – An afternoon at the bowling alley is fun for kids of all ages. Make it special by letting them pick fun bowling alley snacks like hot pretzels and slushies.
- The movies – Catch a family-friendly matinee to enjoy popcorn and a show together. Look for theaters with discount days to save money.
- Swimming – Hit an indoor pool for swimming and water slides. Pack snacks, goggles, towels, and pool toys to maximize the fun.
- Skating rink – Lace up your skates and hit the ice for an active outing. Look for rinks with special discounts and free skate rentals during holiday public skating sessions.
At Home Activities
Fill downtime at home with crafts, games, baking, and other engaging projects. Set up stations around the house for making ornaments, playing board games, conducting science experiments, or hiding scavenger hunt objects. Bake holiday treats together. Let their creativity shine through holiday craft-making and talent shows.
Smart Screen Time
Embrace limited screen time over the holidays to share special movies, shows, video games, and online activities. Curl up with classic holiday films and age-appropriate educational programs. Allow gaming as a treat and join in for family bonding. Supervise online activities that are fun and enriching.
Keeping your kids smiling over the holidays is achievable with at-home projects, community outings, and a dose of screen time. A little planning goes a long way to create an entertaining and memorable break from school.
Incorporate Learning
Blend education into holiday fun to keep kids’ minds active. Visit museums and historical sites to spark curiosity about new topics. Try science experiments and baking that incorporate STEM skills. Play educational games and choose enriching shows and movies that teach lessons. The holidays can be a chance to explore new subjects in a fun way.
The holidays present a prime opportunity to bond with your kids through fun activities that tap into their creativity and sense of adventure. With imagination and budget-friendly planning, you can fill their days with new experiences and lasting memories. Use this time to connect as a family, make traditions, and kick off the new year with a sense of joy and togetherness.
