How to Beat Holiday Break Boredom: Family-Friendly Indoor Activities

Kids will be out of school for the holiday break soon. This means they will have about two weeks for fun activities like playing with friends, skiing or snowboarding, sports mini-camps, and so on. Boredom could sneak in if they feel they have nothing else to do at home, so here are some thoughts and ideas for you to consider.

Get Kids Involved in Meal Prep

It is fun to get children to help with meal prep. It makes for quality time together and teaches them a life skill. They may eat better if they can see what they are making. Here are a few specific things your child can do to help with the meal:

Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks

2–3 year olds can:

• Wash hands
• Shuck corn
• Wash vegetables
• Tear lettuce
• Shape burgers or meatballs
• Throw items in the trash
• Set and clear their own place at the table

3–4 year olds can:

• Break eggs into a bowl (with supervision)
• Measure or mix ingredients
• Open packages
• Knead and shape dough
• Pour water
• Make a sandwich
• Toss salads</li
• Clear their own place at the table

5+ year olds can:

• Help make boxed cakes or cookies
• Use a blender or hand mixer (with close supervision)
• Help make pancakes, French toast or scrambled eggs
• Assist with more detailed steps in cooking—always under adult supervision

Imagination-Powered Indoor Fun

Here are some creative ways to keep kids engaged and active at home:

• Play indoor hide and seek.
• Make decorations, design a playlist and throw a family dance party.
• Try a new cookie or cake recipe. Better yet, set up a camera or smart phone and film it like a cooking show!
• Pretend camp in the living room.
• Play a board or a card game.
• Design and go on an indoor treasure hunt.
• Work on crafts and make friendship bracelets.
• Have an indoor picnic.
• Create your own bingo cards and have a bingo tournament.
• Do you have a long hallway or living room? Have a
  plastic-bowling tournament!