How to Keep Your Kids Occupied During Winter Break
You can almost hear the teachers and kids whooping in excitement at the start of winter break. Now it's your turn to keep the kids entertained until school resumes in January. The cold and sometimes frightful weather during winter break means you can't simply shove the kids outdoors, but you'll all go crazy if you stay inside. Taking advantage of community events, using your creativity and venturing outdoors safely helps everyone enjoy winter break without you losing your sanity.
Instructions
Write the holiday activities you have planned, such as family gatherings or parties, on a calendar. This helps you plan the rest of your time. Spread out the major activities throughout the break so you don't exhaust yourself at the beginning and get bored at the end. Review local calendars to find activities over the break. Many community attractions offer special events during winter break. Look for special library story times or special events at local museums, zoos and other family attractions. Mark those events on your calendar. Set up play dates with other friends or neighbors who have kids. Plan to meet at a local spot, such as a mall play area or children's museum. Home play dates are another option that keep you out of germ-infested areas during the winter months. Plan creative activities at home, such as winter-themed crafts or cooking projects. Choose a theme for winter break, such as snow or the holidays, that helps you plan those activities. Play with new toys your kids get as holiday gifts. Try out a new game, or help your kids put together a new building set they received. Having you play along with them makes the new toys more enjoyable. Bundle up and head outdoors. You don't have to say inside just because it is cold or snowy. Try sledding, cross-country skiing or ice skating. Take a winter nature walk around the neighborhood. Make a snow sculpture in the backyard. Wear lots of layers, including hats, mittens and boots, to keep warm.
