Do you have time off but lack the budget to travel? Are your kids dying to spend more quality time with you and make new memories right in their own hometown? Are you wanting to give them the world but in the comfort of your home? Well, here is the good news; winter staycation is here to stay! There is a plethora of activities you can plan with your kids during your staycation, even in the winter.
Like Christmas staycation tips, there are many ideas you can get creative with this winter. From building a snowman to making homemade hot chocolate to shoveling the driveway, sledding down the hills, and checking out the little cozy restaurants… there is no shortage of things to do in your own little town and your home over the winter holidays.
Below are the top 15 winter staycation with kids plans for you!
1. Build a snowman, make snow angels, or create an igloo
You want to embrace the snow! I mean it only lasts a couple of months out of the year. Why not get out and make some fun art. Build a snowman with your cozy gloves and then take it apart with a giant snowball fight. Roll around in the pristine snow and make snow angels. Then, decorate them and fill your wings up with feathers.
Watch a YouTube video on how to make a successful igloo in your own yard and try to recreate it. There’s something about being huddled together in the cold that really brings a family together. It brings you back to your survivor roots, instead of materialism and shows you who matters.
2. Make homemade hot cocoa in winter staycation
Stay cozy during the blizzard outside, whip out your biggest pot for the stove, and mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk, vanilla, and any special ingredients for your hot chocolate. The aroma of chocolate in the air will make you all giddy and joyful. Don’t forget the marshmallows or whip cream on top too!
3. Shovel the driveway
Someone has got to do it! Make it a game. Whoever can scoop up more snow gets an extra cookie with their hot cocoa. Whoever makes a bigger pile of snow after 30 minutes gets to pick the movie for the night! Not all chores have to be boring!
4. Sled down the hills in your neighborhood or take a little journey to the closest mountains and ski
If you’re a mountain lover and want to climb up a little hill with your kid, go for it during this indoor camping party. It can be any place in your neighborhood where you can easily go and walk around.
The adrenaline of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding is one of a kind! Get all cozied up in your favorite snowsuit and make a day of it. Whether it’s going run after run or cuddling up next to your kid on the ski lift you’ll have a blast.
5. Have a bonfire in your backyard
Who doesn’t like s’mores and the smell of a kindling bonfire? Find the perfect wood with your kids and get the fire blazing. Warm-up and as you let it die down stick the marshmallows on the stick and watch them get all gushy and yummy for your favorite kind of sandwich, a s’more!
6. Have a family movie night or go to the movies
You’ve heard about that new movie with all your favorite actors…. well it is finally coming out and who doesn’t love a movie on the big screen with popcorn and coke? Enjoy a winter staycation with your kids at the movies and discuss your favorite parts, themes, and characters afterward. It’s another great way to bond!
7. Order in pizza or Chinese food during your winter staycation
If your kid loves pizza or Chinese food, order from a local restaurant and support a business you wish to this winter.
During a winter staycation, you don’t have to be active every second of the day. A nice lazy order at night can be fun and soothing for everyone. Rearrange the furniture, make a pizza fort and giggle into the night!
8. Bake cookies or brownies during winter staycation with kids
Who doesn’t love baking? Let the oven warm you up and the smell of sugar comfort your bones. Try out new recipes or make a generational favorite that’s been passed down. Gooey and crunchy goodness; whichever you prefer.
9. Play cards or your favorite board game
Rummy 500 takes forever, but it’s a great card game that really makes you think. There are also games like go-fish and uno that are a little more simple and family-friendly! Whatever the mood is, there’s a card game for you. Board games like Life and Monopoly can get you thinking and competitive. Let the competition break loose between the family during your staycation.
10. Read the same book and have a discussion
Book clubs…. are they fun? Yes, they’re a blast when you are all reading a book you have agreed to read. During your winter staycation, you can keep educating your kids without them even realizing it.
You can delve into character traits, plot, themes, setting, and more without even making it homework. Keep it light and fun and your kids won’t even realize they’re moving forward with their education.
11. Play truth or dare
Really get to know your kids during your winter staycation. Learn about their drive, their morals, and their wants. Listen. Take the time to hear out your kids and deepen your relationship. Dare them to do goofy things, and ask them serious questions to learn about who they are beneath the surface. Kids yearn to be understood by their parents.
12. Go shopping for Christmas gifts
Winter staycation can only mean one thing is coming up… Christmas! Go to the mall, try on fun clothes. Take pictures and mix and match your outfits. Buy fun little stocking stuffers or get little kits to make your own. Let your kids pick out presents for their grandparents and you can always give them a little lesson on budgeting when you go shopping too!
13. Make bracelets
Jewelry will never go out of style. Sit in the basement and make some fun beaded bracelets. You can order beads on Amazon or pick them up at Michael’s!
Find your favorite stone and make rose quartz bracelets, amethyst bracelets, etc. These bracelets can serve as your staycation souvenir!
14. Draw, color, paint
Get creative in your winter staycation. When you can’t go outside, go inside yourself. Buy some paints, get out your old sketchbook and draw your heart out. You could do a painting with a twist excursion or simply make abstract art. Whatever suits your fancy will be the perfect fit. It is always important to get out your creative energies!
15. Go ice skating
Even though it’s a winter staycation you can still go out! Get active and play on the ice. Rent some skates and take some laps. Learn to do a little twirl. Take pictures. Capture your progress. Ice skating is a great workout that doesn’t feel like one because it’s so fun. But, it is important to be active and healthy after all the cookies and hot cocoa.
Moreover, there are many benefits of staycations and you and your kids will have a wonderful winter staycation. The beauty of connection and appreciation to the place you live in and to your kids is extremely important. Photograph your staycation for the memories just like you would a vacation. Once it’s over make a scrapbook and peruse through it on a lazy Sunday afternoon with your future grandkids.
