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 your local library
Take the kids on a trip to your local 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 your Macaroni KID event calendar for library events!
Here are a few of the great kid-friendly library events going on during winter break:
- Movie Matinee - Snow Buddies at Sayville Library
- Snowman Cake Pops at Connetquot Library
- Winter Candy STEM Challenge at Brentwood Library
- 'Noon' Year's Eve for Grades K-3 at East Islip Library
- Drop-in Canvas Painting for Teens at Central Islip Library
- Winter Recess Daily Drop-Ins at Bayport-Blue Point Library
2. Have a holiday movie marathon
Spend some time bingeing on all your favorite holiday movies. Let the family pick a movie, grab some snacks, and cozy up.
Or get out of the house and catch a showing at Sayville Theater!
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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 favorite 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.
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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!
Take a stroll through Connetquot River State Park Preserve or visit Bayard Cutting Arboretum. If we're in luck and there's snow, head over to The Grange for some great sledding hills.
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7. Donate or volunteer at a local shelter
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!
Head out to East Islip Lanes or Bowlero Sayville for some family fun.
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I hope these ideas keep your kids engaged and make lasting memories during their winter break!
Samantha Herr is the publisher of Macaroni KID Bay Shore - Brentwood - Central Islip, NY.
Ariel Chamberlain is the publisher of Macaroni KID Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.
