The holidays are a wonderfully festive time, filled with food, family, and fun. But they can also be stressful. You have family coming over. Kids are on vacation from school, and they’re spending all of their time at home. It’s easy to give yourself a break and let the kids have some playtime on their devices. Are there any screen time alternatives for your kids to occupy their time? Not to worry. We’ve curated some fun, screen-free activities from trusted sources across the internet.
Here are 10 holiday activities for kids away from the screen:
1. Board Games
This one is an oldie but a goodie. Board games are one of the best ways to encourage healthy competition in a fun, family-friendly way. It’s also indoors, which can be a bonus if weather outside is temperamental. Playing board games have many benefits to growing children and can be a great way to spend time together as a family. Check out these winter-themed holiday games for a fun, seasonal twist.
2. Plant a Small Garden/Play Outside
Gardening and growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a great way to show kids where their food comes from. Gardening Know How has a fun guide for winter gardening with kids. If the weather outside doesn’t permit gardening, here are some kid-approved indoor gardening projects.
3. Baking and Decorating Holiday Cookies
Depending on your comfort level letting your children into the kitchen, this can be a fun way to include them in the holiday prep. There’s lots of potential here! Choosing what kinds of cookies to make, measuring ingredients, and especially fun holiday cookie decorating are all ways you can get your kids involved in holiday baking fun.
4. Visit Your Local Library
Your local library is not only a great place to let kids explore their imagination and grow, but it’s a wonderful resource for renting music, shows, and movies! Check out our blog for some ideas on kid-appropriate, holiday-themed media titles to explore this holiday season.
5. Draw Chalk Decorations on the Driveway/Sidewalk
Holiday lights and decorations are a huge part of the holiday spirit, why not add some colorful chalk designs on your driveway or sidewalk as well? Draw Santa Claus, elves, presents, or even a giant Christmas tree!
6. Hold A Fashion/Talent Show
Use the enthusiasm and holiday spirit in the air to throw a holiday-themed fashion or talent show! Use whatever you have lying around the house (towels, bedsheets, etc.) to create your outfits, and see which character you can come up with. You can even make the final show a family event and invite neighbors and loved ones to watch and participate.
7. Making Holiday Cards
Who doesn’t love receiving a cheery holiday card? It’s a fun part of sharing the festivities of the season, and a great way to involve your kids. Arts and crafts are a reliable kid-friendly activity – use the occasion to make some cards to send to friends and family! Sitters has some great kid-friendly holiday card ideas to get started.
8. Clear out Toys and Donate to Orphanage/Charities
It’s never too early to get into the giving holiday spirit, or a good cleanup. Celebrate the holidays by giving to those in need, and use the opportunity to declutter your home and show your child a valuable experience in giving unconditionally. Start small. Sort the toys together that your child is happy to part with, and take them with you to donate the proceeds to a child in need.
9. Make and Decorate a Scrapbook/Family Album
The season is all about sharing moments and making memories. So many photos captured are on our devices these days, and not displayed physically. Why not use the opportunity to create a scrapbook or holiday family album together with your kids? They can decorate, and you can add in stories and snippets about each family member. Child Development Institute has some great tips on scrapbooking with your kids.
What holiday activities do you do with your kids? We’d love to hear. Tell us in the comments below!