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8 Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Winter Break

Make the most of winter break by spending time together

By Shawn Hall - Macaroni KID of Greensboro - High Point - Jamestown December 23, 2023

The holiday season brings lots of fun with friends and family, but after all the seasonal fun has passed, you may wonder what to do with the kids for their winter break. Even though boredom is good for kids and encourages creativity, you may want to have a few options on hand to give yourself a break. These ideas will help you make the most of your kid’s winter break ... and give you a chance to make a few memories along the way. First, check the Macaroni KID of Greensboro - High Point - Jamestown to see what events I have highlighted. Then explore these ideas.


1. Visit your local library and challenge their minds. 

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Take the kids on a trip to your local library. This is a great way to encourage them to read over the break and get them out of the house for the afternoon. Children should read to expand their knowledge. Reading is a sense of freedom and exploring. 


2. Have a holiday movie marathon with family. 

Spend some time bingeing on all your favorite holiday movies. Let the family pick a movie, grab some snacks, and cozy up. Here is a great list of family movies to watch. 



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3. Host a playdate or two. 

Playdates over winter break will allow your kids to see their friends and give you a break ... win-win! Here is a list of over 70 play-date ideas from What Mommy Does. I like this list. 


4. Get in the kitchen and make some memories while celebrating family traditions. 

Growing up, one of my favorite things was baking with my mother. Not only is it fun, but it is also an excellent way to pass on family recipes and traditions.  Here is also a list of 69 kid-friendly recipes kids can do all by themselves from Taste of Home.



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5. Make appointments and make it happen. 

This might not be considered fun, but winter break is a good time to take care of any necessary appointments, from physicals to the orthodontist, and use up those health spending accounts.  Using this time now means less time off from school and work later.     


6. Get outside and enjoy really enjoy yourself. 

Bundle up, if you need to, and head to a local park or playground. You can even enjoy the last of the holiday events around the city. Nothing’s better than a little fresh air and exercise from playing outside, even if it's chilly!  Here are a few.

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7. Donate or volunteer at a local shelter.

Donating old toys and clothes to charity helps teach your kids to appreciate what they have. It also helps make room for any new holiday gifts they may receive. You can also find out if any local shelters or other nonprofits could use a helping hand! Many can find ways for kids to volunteer with a parent. There is always a local animal shelter looking for volunteers so definitely check with them also. 


8. Go bowling and have great family fun!

An afternoon at a bowling alley is always a great time! My two favorites right now are Bourbon Bowl, Sparetime, and Round1USA. Bourbon Bowl is locally owned so it truly holds a special place in my heart. 


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I hope these ideas keep your kids engaged and make lasting memories during their winter break! Happy holidays to you all.