50 Things Kids Can Do During Winter Break

Winter break: that magical time when kids celebrate their freedom from school, and parents start strategizing how to fill the days without endless screen time. As a mom of a tween and a teen, I’ve had years of practice navigating these weeks off, and one thing’s for sure, keeping everyone engaged takes a little planning. That’s why I love putting together a mix of budget-friendly activities we can do as a family, from building snowmen and sipping hot cocoa to exploring free museum nights. If you’re looking for ideas to make the most of winter break, I’ve got you covered! Let’s get into some fun ways to keep kids active, entertained, and not completely glued to their devices.

Here are 50 ideas to keep your kids entertained, your budget intact, and your sanity somewhat intact, too!

1. Embrace the Great Outdoors

There’s nothing like fresh air and rosy cheeks to tire kids out in the best way possible. Bundle up and try these activities during winter break:

Build the ultimate snowman (don’t forget the carrot nose and scarf).
Have a snowball fight—parents vs. kids, anyone?
Go sledding at a local hill.
Visit a skating rink or try skating on a frozen pond (check safety first!).
Take a family hike or nature walk—winter trails are enchanting.
Create a snow fort or igloo and let their imaginations run wild.
Try geocaching in your area for an outdoor treasure hunt.

2. Get Creative Indoors

For those extra-cold days during winter break, bring the fun inside:

Build a blanket fort with fairy lights for a cozy hideout.
Host a family movie marathon with classics like Home Alone or Frozen.
Bake cookies or cupcakes and let the kids go wild with decorations.
Try DIY crafts like paper snowflakes, gingerbread houses, or hand-painted ornaments.
Host a living room talent show—encourage silly costumes and performances.
Break out the board games and have a tournament.

3. Explore Local Fun

Sometimes a change of scenery works wonders. Check your community for these budget-friendly outings:

Visit a free museum night (many offer free or discounted days during the holidays).
Explore a library and stock up on books and DVDs for cozy days at home.
Check out holiday light displays around town.
Attend a winter festival or holiday market.
Head to a community pool for a fun swim.

4. Keep Them Active

Burn off that holiday energy with these ideas:

Sign up for a drop-in yoga or dance class.
Try an at-home fitness challenge (jump rope, hula hoop, or kid-friendly workouts on YouTube).
Organize an indoor obstacle course using furniture and cushions.

5. Relax and Recharge

Let’s be honest: winter break is also the perfect time for some well-deserved downtime.

Encourage kids to start a new book series or audiobook.
Have a tech-free day where everyone plays old-school games.
Enjoy a hot cocoa bar at home with marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream.
Spend a lazy morning making waffles or pancakes together.
Introduce them to a classic holiday puzzle—it’s surprisingly addictive!

Make it A Winter Break to Remember

With a little planning, winter break can be a time of joyful memories and family bonding instead of cabin fever chaos. Whether you’re braving the cold for outdoor adventures or snuggling up indoors, these activities will help keep the kids entertained and happy.

So grab a mug of cocoa, share this list with your fellow parents, and get ready to tackle winter break like a pro. Let the countdown to the New Year—and the return of school—begin!

What’s your go-to winter break activity? Let me know in the comments or share this post with other parents looking for inspiration!

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Emily Smith

Emily Smith, Editor of The Best of This Life, has been crafting lifestyle content and delicious recipes for over a decade. Featured on platforms like BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine, she writes about family, food, home, and wellness, inspiring readers to live well and savour life's beauty. Based in Ottawa, she shares her adventures with her husband, two beautiful kids, and their mischievous cat, Zoro.