articles

Fun Ideas for Winter Break

By Dana Reich December 5, 2023

Winter break is a magical time for children, filled with the excitement of the holiday season and the prospect of free time away from school. As parents, guardians, or caregivers, it's an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories with the little ones. Here are some delightful and engaging activities to ensure that your children's winter break is filled with joy, laughter, and a sprinkle of winter wonder.


  • Winter Crafting Extravaganza: Gather the kids around for a winter crafting session. Create snowflakes from paper, make handprint snowmen, or design personalized holiday cards. Not only does this activity boost creativity, but it also provides an opportunity for quality family time.  One great idea is to make a Pinecone Gnome - instructions can be found on the website by clicking here!



  • Baking Bonanza: Turn your kitchen into a winter bakery and involve the kids in making delicious treats, including Christmas Cookies (click here for three recipes from our website!). From decorating cookies to crafting gingerbread houses, the kitchen can become a hub of creativity and culinary delight. Let the little chefs experiment with shapes, colors, and flavors.  

  • Outdoor Adventures: Bundle up and venture into the winter wonderland outdoors. Whether it's building a snowman, having a snowball fight, or going ice skating, there's a plethora of activities to enjoy. Encourage exploration and appreciate the beauty of winter landscapes together.

  • Movie Marathon: Create a cozy movie night at home with a winter-themed movie marathon. Classics like "The Polar Express," "Frozen," or "Home Alone" can be a perfect way to unwind after a day filled with activities. Prepare some popcorn, hot chocolate, and let the cinematic adventure begin.

  • Winter Reading Retreat: Curl up with a good book under warm blankets. Encourage your children to explore winter-themed literature or embark on a reading adventure together. Take turns reading aloud or create a mini book club within the family.

  • Indoor Obstacle Course: Transform your living room into an obstacle course using cushions, blankets, and household items. Challenge the kids to navigate through the course, fostering physical activity and creativity. This is a great way to keep them active, even when the weather outside is frightful.

  • Science Experiments: Engage in simple and safe winter-themed science experiments. Create snowstorms in a jar, make frost on windows, or explore the science behind ice melting. These experiments not only entertain but also educate, making learning fun during the break.  Check out some of the science experiment ideas that can be done with candy on our website by clicking here!





  • Holiday Lights Tour: Take an evening stroll or drive through our local neighborhoods to enjoy the festive holiday lights. I've created a guide with lots of decorated homes right here in Yorba Linda, Placentia, Fullerton, and Anaheim Hills - click here to access the Macaroni KID 2023 Holiday Lights Guide!  Many communities decorate their homes with twinkling lights, and it can be a magical experience for children. Consider making it a family tradition to explore the dazzling displays.

  • DIY Winter Decorations: Get creative with DIY winter decorations for the home. From crafting paper snowflakes to making homemade ornaments, involve the kids in sprucing up the house with their handmade creations. It's a wonderful way to infuse the holiday spirit into your home.

  • Family Game Night: Gather around for a family game night with board games, card games, or even winter-themed trivia. This is an excellent way to foster friendly competition, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, create lasting family bonds.

Winter break is a special time for families to come together, make memories, and celebrate the joy of the season. Whether indoors or outdoors, engaging in these fun activities with your children will not only keep them entertained but also create a sense of warmth and togetherness that will be cherished for years to come. So, bundle up, embrace the winter magic, and enjoy the break with your little ones!