You might be familiar with the popular tune “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again” – but the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s don’t have to be a waiting game until the school bus comes to the rescue. It can be the most magical time of the year, filled with laughter, bonding, and a treasure chest of memories. Here are our top 10 favorite family activities to make this winter break truly memorable:
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Audiobook Adventures:
Winter break is the perfect time to get into the habit of listening to audiobooks together. Whether you snuggle up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa, or follow your favorite hero’s adventures in the car – audiobooks, with their captivating narrations, allow everyone to immerse themselves in enchanting stories. Choose tales that cater to various age groups, ensuring that each family member is engaged. Whether it’s the magical world of Harry Potter or heartwarming classics like “Winnie the Pooh,” audiobooks bring families together, creating lasting memories. Our current favorite? The Wingfeather Saga, written and read by Andrew Peterson, is sure to take you on an epic adventure that will make the time fly by. We’re not lying when we tell you that we’re all enthralled, from the 9-year-old to the 49-year-old.
2. Get Outside
Beat the winter blues by heading out for some fresh air every day. Whether it’s a short visit to the zoo or park (bring a ball, a frisbee, or send your fleet of toy trucks down the local playground slide) or a multi-mile loop through the woods, our Pacific Northwest home boasts a plethora of breathtaking outdoor spaces that help you come alive, rain or shine. And who are we kidding – post-adventure hot chocolate tastes better if you got rained on a little bit, wouldn’t you agree? Make it interesting by incorporating a fun Scavenger Hunt, or challenge your teens to an award-winning outdoor walk photo contest.
3. Puzzling Pursuits
Challenge your family’s problem-solving skills with an assortment of puzzles. From jigsaw puzzles depicting winter scenes to brain-teasing riddles and “Escape Room” games, these activities provide hours of wholesome entertainment. Set up a dedicated puzzle station in your living room, complete with comfy cushions and blankets. As you piece together the puzzle, you’ll also be putting together cherished moments and fostering teamwork among family members.
4. Family Time Capsule
Create a family time capsule by gathering items that represent your current interests and activities. Seal them in a box or container and decide on a future date to open it together. It’s a unique way to capture memories and reflect on how things have changed over time.
5. Indoor Obstacle Course:
Design an indoor obstacle course using household items. Set up challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or balancing on a designated line. Time each family member as they navigate the course, and see who can complete it the fastest.
6. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling
Create a makeshift bowling alley in your living room using glow sticks. Set up empty plastic bottles as pins, activate the glow sticks, and use a soft ball as the bowling ball. Turn off the lights and enjoy a glow-in-the-dark bowling experience.
7. Cook Up a Storm
After all the Holiday sweets, do you crave something salty, tangy or pickled? Yep, us too. Now’s a great time to get a head start on your new year health goals, and maybe pick up a new skill or two. As for us, we can’t make up our minds whether to first quick-pickle the night away or explore the secrets of lacto-fermentation. Probably, both. Yum.
8. Create a Family Art Piece
Invest in the biggest canvas you can find, agree on a style and color palette, then set it all up in the garage and produce a family collaborative art project to display in your home. Trust us. Chances are that you will be amazed by the outcome, and each family member will fondly remember the fun time you had over winter break. (Don’t forget to hid your names in your masterpiece.) It will be a piece of heart, soul and memory.
9. Have a Family Sleepover in the Living Room
Have everyone set up their bedstead in the living room and celebrate togetherness. Whether you watch a movie, or pretend there’s a power outage and tell scary stories by the glow of the flashlight – the point is to enjoy a little adventure together. PS: This is not about quality sleep 😉 but it’s sure to be a sleepless night you’ll cherish to remember.
10. Go Get ‘Em Tiger
Why not spend some time discussing what each family member is looking forward to next year, and how you can help support each other? Goals can help us get motivated and stay focused, which in turn supports a positive mindset. Looking forward to a big trip or event? Training for a new accomplishment? Share it with your loved ones. Setting individual and family goals helps create stronger bonds and deeper relationships through accountability, encouragement and celebration.
