The countdown to holiday break is here. What are you going to do for the 10+ days at home…inside…together? As the kids grow older, we start to lose our “coolness” and our ideas “get dumber”. It can be difficult to find activities that requires them to look up from their screen.
One of my goals every holiday break is to find one or two activities that create a memory, some fun, and laughter.
As you read this list, please don’t jump to the conclusion that I am the queen of family togetherness and fun. I am human. I am a parent. As the kids grow older, creating family fun has been more like pulling teeth. However, I know that with a little creativity and a little playfulness on our part, we can break through any adolescent resistance and have fun together.
It is my hope that this list of ideas will be a springboard to new family fun and memories.
Ideas to Create {Healthy} Family Fun with Your Kids this Holiday
- Take a cooking class together.
Cooking with kids doesn’t have to be messy or chaotic. It can be full of learning opportunities and great fun. Cooking with kids, tweens, and teens has many benefits including: reinforcing family togetherness, teaching vocabulary and concepts, problem solving, planning and organization, teamwork, social skills, and cleanliness.
Check out the Breakfast To Go workshop for moms and daughters coming up on December 29th!
- Go for a walk
A child (who are we kidding… and adults) who has run around in the fresh air is so much nicer to be around. But persuading a child away from a screen into the cold outdoors for a walk can be tricky. Here are a few tips: take the dog, go sledding, build a snowman at different locations in the neighborhood, bring the camera – kids love to take pictures, bring a few water bottles full of colored water and “draw” holiday pictures in the snow.
- Put together a family puzzle.
Go to your local thrift store and you can pick out a puzzle for less than $5! A family puzzle is like a magnet, even the most resistant tween or teen can’t resist from joining in.
- Create Vision Boards for the New Year.
The highlight of creating vision boards is having each person share the special meaning of their images. It’s amazing how much you can learn about each other.
- Make indoor s’mores.
This is a memory I have from my childhood. You can either roast the marshmallows over a gas stove (parent supervision required) or heat one graham cracker square, with chocolate and one marshmallow in the microwave for 15 seconds. Then top with the other graham cracker square.
- Set up a hot chocolate bar.
More chocolate?! Yes, chocolate is healthy… it is good for the soul. And you’d be surprised how much kids will open up when they are relaxed, having fun, and sipping hot chocolate. Don’t forget the marshmallows, whip cream, sprinkles, candy canes, and other fun toppings!
- Do a Random Act of Kindness.
Buy a gift or toy for a family in need. Find a local store where you can drop off coats, toys or food for those in need.
- Go out for breakfast.
There is something special about breaking the routine of breakfast at home and going to a local cafe or family restaurant.
- Bust out a board game.
Everyone has a favorite board game – bring out the old family favorite or try one of the newest rage! Here is a list of the newest family games.
When you’re planning a fun family activity, don’t get discouraged if they aren’t excited right away. Lead with having fun and you might just be amazed at how they jump on board.
Don’t forget to register for the Breakfast To Go workshop for moms and daughters coming up on December 29th!