How to Spend Winter Days Off With Kids

When the kids are home from school, don’t let the cold weather make for a boring, uneventful day. There are plenty of ways to keep kids, teens and college students happy and healthy during their time off from school.

 

Get outside
Even if it’s cold out, fresh air, sunlight and physical activity are always good. If it’s extremely cold, make sure to dress appropriately—hats, gloves, face coverings—to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

• Head to a local park for ice skating or sledding
• Build a snowman or a snow fort
• Take a winter hike or go snowshoeing 
• Play a game of ice hockey
• Go skiing or winter camping
• Help shovel snow for a neighbor or family member in need

 

Stay indoors
If it’s too cold to venture outside, use the time indoors to focus on creativity and mental wellness.

• Learn a new craft or restart an old one
• Tour a local museum
• Visit a local swimming pool or indoor water park
• Hold a board game tournament
• Have a digital detox
• Clean out closets and donate unwanted clothes to a local charity
• Volunteer at a local food pantry, soup kitchen or church

 

Be healthy
A break from school is also a great time to schedule yearly exams and checkups. Our Provider Finder tool can help you find a doctor that’s in our network.

• Schedule annual physical exams including any vaccines or screenings
• Get an eye exam
• Have your teeth cleaned
• Cook a healthy meal together and put each family member in charge of a different dish