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8 Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Winter Break

Make the most of winter break by spending time together

By Ariel Chamberlain, publisher of Macaroni KID Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss. December 21, 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.    

1. Visit the library

Take the kids on a trip to the library. This is a great way to encourage them to read over the break and get them out of the house for the afternoon. Check the Macaroni KID event calendar for library events!

2. Have a holiday movie marathon

Spend some time bingeing on all your favourite holiday movies. Let the family pick a movie, grab some snacks, and cosy up. 


Ketut Subiyanto | Canva

3. Host a playdate

Playdates over winter break will allow your kids to see their friends and give you a break ... win-win!

4. Get in the kitchen

Growing up, one of my favourite 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.  


 Jyliana | Canva

5. Make appointments 

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. Using this time now means less time off from school and work later.     

6. Get outside

Bundle up, if you need to, and head to a local park or playground. Nothing’s better than a little fresh air and exercise from playing outside, even if it's chilly!  


Studio Turkey | Canva

7. Donate or volunteer at a local non-profit or charity

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.

8. Go bowling

An afternoon at a bowling alley is always a great time!      


Skitterphoto | Canva

I hope these ideas keep your kids engaged and make lasting memories during their winter break!

Ariel Chamberlain is the publisher of Macaroni KID Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.



Macaroni KID Chestermere is a free local event and activities calendar, weekly e-newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Chestermere, Langdon, Indus and surrounding rural areas. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused local businesses, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more.  




Are we missing something? Please use our Submit an Event form to send us all the details! If you have original recipes, crafts, or family fall fun ideas that you would like to share with our Macaroni KID community, please email kimmcrae@macaronikid.com. Be sure to include a poster or image if you've got one!