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10 Winter Break Ideas for At-Home Stays

By Union County MacaroniKID December 18, 2023

Winter break can drag on if you are not traveling! 

Here are 10 great ideas you can do at home: 

  1. Board Game Marathon: 
    How to Play: Gather your family and friends for a board game marathon. Choose a variety of games that cater to different interests and skill levels. This is a great way to enjoy some friendly competition and bonding time.
  2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt: 
    How to Play: Create a list of items for a scavenger hunt around the house. Make it more challenging by including riddles or clues. Kids can work individually or in teams to find all the items within a set time limit.
  3. Puzzle Challenge: 
    How to Play: Choose a challenging puzzle and make it a family project to complete over the winter break. Set up a designated puzzle area and work on it together, taking turns to fit the pieces into place.
  4. DIY Escape Room: 
    How to Play: Create a DIY escape room with puzzles, clues, and challenges. Designate different rooms or areas of your home for each puzzle. The family can work together to solve them and "escape" within a specified time.
  5. Home Movie Theater: 
    How to Play: Turn your living room into a home movie theater. Select a few family-favorite movies, make some popcorn, and enjoy a cozy movie marathon. Encourage everyone to pick a film to add variety.
  6. Baking Challenge: 
    How to Play: Have a baking challenge where each family member or team is tasked with making a unique dessert or snack. Once everything is prepared, have a tasting session and vote for the tastiest treat.
  7. DIY Craft Day: 
    How to Play: Set up a crafting station with various art supplies. Let your creativity flow by making holiday decorations, personalized cards, or other crafts. It's a fantastic way to engage in creative expression.
  8. Family Karaoke Night: 
    How to Play: Host a family karaoke night with your favorite songs. Create a playlist and take turns belting out tunes. This is a lighthearted and entertaining activity for the whole family.
  9. Card Games Tournament: 
    How to Play: Organize a card games tournament featuring classics like Uno, Go Fish, or Crazy Eights. Keep track of points, and the winner can be crowned the family card game champion.
  10. Lego Building Challenge: 
    How to Play: Have a Lego building challenge where each participant or team gets a set amount of time to create a unique structure. You can set themes or just let the creativity flow. Display the finished creations for everyone to admire.

These at-home games are not only enjoyable but also provide an opportunity for family bonding and shared memories during the winter break. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to suit the preferences and ages of your family members.