Fun, simple ways to keep kids entertained over the holiday break

The holiday season is in full swing, and while filled with joy and excitement, it means that schools and child care centers may be closed—a situation that can be stressful for parents trying to keep kids busy throughout the day.

With a little creativity and planning, the holiday break can be a time of bonding, laughter, and learning. Keep these tips in mind to make a manageable and meaningful holiday:

• Think routine with a twist. Over a break from school, maintaining a little routine, such as regular snack times and bedtimes, can help maintain order and reduce chaos.
• Remember that learning is fun. Keep the attention of young minds by turning activities into learning opportunities. Make a game of counting ornaments while decorating or practice writing skills by creating holiday greeting cards.

Read on for tips and ideas from the Office of Benefits & Worklife to keep children entertained, engaged, and unbored during the holiday break.

Set up a themed scavenger hunt

Hide little holiday surprises around the house (think mini stockings, candy canes, or even small toys) and create clues or riddles that lead to them. The hunt can be themed around Santa's lost presents or searching for reindeer.

Engage in active indoor play

Turn on some festive holiday music and have a dance-off in the living room. It's a great way for kids to burn off some energy.

A great resource for activities is Burnalong, which features thousands of online classes for all ages, interests, and levels. Click here to set up or log in to your free JHU Burnalong account. Search using the category Youth to find classes and playlists for kids. A few you'll find:

• Star Wars Lightsaber Training (playlist 7299)
• Christmas Yoga and ASL Signs (playlist 4860)
• Rainy Day With the Kids (playlist 4828)

Explore virtual activities

Check out what your community is doing to entertain the kids on break. Virtual events such craft workshops or holiday performances might be happening, and many libraries and museums offer online story time and classes for kids.

Set up a reading corner

Create a comfy reading nook with blankets and pillows and fill it with holiday-themed books. Select favorites from your own collection or take a trip to the library to allow your kids to discover new ones that pique their interest. After reading, encourage them to act out scenes from the books. You can even do a mini play or puppet show together.

Create a DIY puppet show

Have the kids make puppets using socks or paper bags, and then put on a show for the family. Encourage their imaginations to run wild. Let them choose a book from your home library to act out, or help them write a script to tell their own stories about talking reindeer or snowmen who come to life.

Head outdoors

Go on a nature walk through a park or nature trail to gather pine cones, leaves, or twigs to use later in crafts. Go on a family drive to look at festive holiday lights; make it an adventure by rating the displays or guessing what theme each house is going for.

Get crafty

Set up a crafts station with supplies for making holiday cards for family and friends. Kids can create tree ornaments using materials such as clay, paint, or reused materials like old holiday cards, toilet paper rolls, or empty plastic containers. Craft kits or simple supplies like Mason jars, glitter, and water can help kids create their very own snow globes.

The holiday season is a time for family togetherness, and keeping kids entertained doesn't have to be stressful. Don't worry about perfect execution—it's all about having fun, bonding, and enjoying the festive spirit together.

Visit the Benefits & Worklife website to see the latest updates on your benefits to support Families and Caregiving and Well-being.