12 Engaging Winter Break Activities to Keep Your Child Learning and Inspired

Winter break is a magical time filled with festive traditions, cozy family moments, and a chance to recharge after a busy school semester. At Windermere Preparatory School, we know how important it is to balance relaxation with opportunities to keep young minds active. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of fun, winter and holiday-themed activities to help your child stay engaged while enjoying their time off.

#1: Winter Science Experiments

Turn your kitchen into a festive lab with simple, science-based activities:

• Erupting Snow Volcanoes: Use baking soda, vinegar, and a little glitter to create an exciting snowy volcano.
• Crystal Snowflakes: Teach your child about crystallization by growing beautiful borax crystal ornaments.
• Ice Lanterns: Combine art and science by freezing water and creating stunning ice decorations using natural materials like berries and leaves.

#2: Winter-Themed Reading Challenge

Encourage your child to dive into holiday classics or winter-themed books. Create a fun challenge with rewards for each completed book. Some suggestions include:

• Lower School: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg or The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• Middle School: Greenglass House by Kate Milford
• High School: Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle and Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

#3: Holiday Baking and Math

Baking is a great way to sneak in math practice. From measuring ingredients to adjusting recipes, your child will sharpen their skills while creating tasty treats like gingerbread cookies or holiday cupcakes. Challenge them to double or halve a recipe for an extra brain teaser.

#4: DIY Craft Projects

Unleash your child’s creativity with holiday crafts:

• Create personalized ornaments or wreaths.
• Build a snowman out of paper mâché or recycled materials.
• Make handmade cards for family members or local nursing homes.

#5: Virtual Museum Tours and Winter Art

Take a virtual trip to explore museums that feature winter landscapes or seasonal exhibits. Follow up with an art project where your child creates their own winter masterpiece using pastels, paints, or mixed media.

#6: Outdoor Winter Scavenger Hunt

If you’re staying somewhere chilly, bundle up and set out for a nature scavenger hunt. Look for pinecones, icicles, or animal tracks in the snow. For warmer climates, adapt the list with seasonal flowers, birds, or unique holiday decorations.

#7: Holiday Movie and Discussion Nights

Pick a classic winter or holiday movie and turn it into an educational discussion. Talk about themes, historical context, or character development. For example:

• It’s a Wonderful Life for themes of gratitude and community.
• The Grinch for discussions on character growth and empathy.
• March of the Penguins for themes of resilience and nature.
• Frozen for discussions on teamwork and family.

#8: Family Game Night with an Educational Twist

Host a game night featuring word games, trivia, or strategy-based board games like Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, or chess help keep critical thinking skills sharp.

#9: Volunteer as a Family

Teach your child the joy of giving back during the holidays by:

• Donating toys or clothes to local charities.
• Volunteering at a food bank.
• Participating in community clean-up events or creating care packages for those in need.

#10: Plan and Budget for Holiday Gifts

Help your child practice budgeting and organizational skills by giving them a set amount of money to plan gifts for family members. They can create homemade gifts or find thoughtful, affordable options.

#11: Winter Coding Projects

For tech-savvy kids, explore holiday-themed coding activities:

• Use platforms like Scratch to create animated holiday cards or games.
• Build a digital snowman or design a virtual winter wonderland.

#12: Global Holiday Celebrations

Learn about how different cultures celebrate winter holidays. Try recipes, crafts, or traditions from around the world, like making a Yule log, learning a Hanukkah song, or exploring traditions from Lunar New Year or Diwali.

To conclude

By weaving these activities into your family’s winter break, you can create meaningful memories while keeping your child’s mind engaged and inspired. From all of us at Windermere Preparatory School, we wish you a joyful and enriching holiday season!

Interested in learning more about our school?
Get in touch with one of our Admissions Officers.