Fun, Screen-Free Ideas for Kids During Winter Break
Anyone else starting to panic just a little about winter break?
Kids are home, schedules are out the window, and even the most well‑intentioned “educational” screen time can leave everyone feeling a bit frazzled. We’ve noticed it too — after too much screen time, moods dip, energy spikes in strange ways, and the whole household feels a little… off.
We’ve been doing a deeper dive into what actually helps kids regulate their energy and mood (and we’ll share a full guide once the holiday chaos settles). But in the meantime, having a handful of screen‑free activities ready to go has been a total lifesaver.
Here are some of our favorite, realistic ways to keep kids entertained, engaged, and happy during winter break — without relying on a screen all day long.
Cozy, Independent Play (Low Effort, High Payoff)
Sometimes the magic isn’t the activity itself — it’s the setup.
A simple snack tray with a few favorite treats and a mug of hot cocoa can completely change the vibe, even for older kids. Pair that with an audiobook on airplane mode (Libby is our go‑to), and suddenly they’re happily absorbed for a solid hour.
It’s amazing how a little intentional coziness makes kids feel seen and cared for — even while you sneak in some work, laundry, or a quiet cup of coffee.
Hands‑On Creativity That Keeps Kids Engaged
These are the activities that pull kids in and actually hold their attention — no constant supervision required.
Holiday Car Decorating (Yes, Even for Older Kids)
Washable markers aren’t just for windows and mirrors. Last year, my 12‑year‑old turned our car into a full Christmas scene — messages, jokes, doodles, and all.
It’s completely novel, surprisingly calming, and feels just rebellious enough to be exciting. Best part? A quick rainstorm or car wash resets everything.
Oobleck: A Sensory Science Favorite
This simple sensory‑science activity never gets old.
How to make it:
2 parts cornstarch
1 part water
Optional: food coloring
Oobleck is solid when pressed and liquid when released, which makes it endlessly fascinating for kids of all ages.
Bonus idea: package extra oobleck in small plastic jars and gift it to friends or neighbors. Hobby stores and online shops make this easy.
Crafts With a Purpose
Try ornaments, paper snowflakes, or garlands with written wishes or kind notes for neighbors, shelters, or friends.
Adding a small element of giving gives these projects extra meaning — and often keeps kids engaged longer than purely decorative crafts.
Open‑Ended Arts & Crafts
Pull out leftover supplies: markers, paints, construction paper, glue sticks. No instructions, no expectations. We always find something that we forgot about and it’s like we have a whole new art kit to play with.
Even older kids enjoy creating independent holiday art when the pressure is off. And if you still have an elf around? Leaving their creations out to be “discovered” the next morning never gets old.
When Screen Binges Happen (Because They Will)
Let’s be honest — some days your kids are deep into Minecraft, Mark Rober, or a full movie marathon (mine included). And honestly? That’s what vacations are for.
Screen binges are allowed.
The key is a little setup so the experience stays fun — and doesn’t lead to the dreaded screen hangover.
How We Make Screen Time Feel Better for Everyone
Hydration matters. Gaming takes more talking and focus than you’d think. I set a hydrate timer and make sure a water bottle is nearby — no nagging required.
Balanced snacks help. This is a different snack tray than cozy audiobook time. Think easy protein, fat, and fiber: nuts, cheese, meat sticks, fruit. It keeps energy steadier and avoids the sugar crash.
Sunlight and movement as a buffer. We try to add some outdoor time or physical movement before or after screen binges. Even a quick backyard break helps reset everyone.
Clear start and stop times. Whether it’s a movie marathon (Elf → Home Alone → National Lampoon Christmas) or gaming, we keep screens firmly in the middle of the day — not creeping into bedtime.
Holidays are meant to be indulgent. A little structure just keeps the indulgence enjoyable.
Easy Games & Projects for Indoor Days
Perfect for cold afternoons when everyone needs something new.
Mini Indoor Challenges
Think marshmallow transfers with candy canes, sock races down the hallway, or tiny scavenger hunts. These work well for solo play or sibling teamwork. Instagram has tons of fun ideas.
Check out @raisingdragons, @thekwendyhome, and @crafty.moms for inspiration!
Simple DIY Projects
Snow globes in jars, mini LEGO builds, basic science experiments, or even beginner sewing projects all feel special without being overwhelming.
Storytelling & Creative Writing
Have kids write short holiday stories, create comic strips, or record their own “audiobook” for a younger sibling. It’s creative, screen‑free, and surprisingly engaging. We like to encourage something silly for the older kids to have any interest and then we present the creations over a treat. Nothing like hearing an absolutely ridiculous story about a snowman from space over peppermint brownies to bring the family together!
A Calmer Way to Do Winter Break
Winter break doesn’t have to feel like chaos waiting to happen.
With a few creative activities, cozy snacks, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, kids can stay entertained and independent — and parents can keep a bit of their sanity intact.
Stay tuned: after the holidays, we’ll be sharing our full guide on dopamine, serotonin, and daily rhythms to help kids thrive — screen‑free or not.