Winter Activities and Outings for School Vacation

Make this perfect cold weather activity a family affair. Kids movies can be entertaining and enjoyable for the entire family! Your child will love seeing her favorite characters on the big screen, and you can kick back, relax, and enjoy some quiet time. Besides, who can resist the popcorn?

Even if you live in an area that is subjected to snow in the winter months, there is always an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. If snow is in the forecast, bundle up and head to the closest ski area. You can rent the equipment, and a lesson from a professional ski instructor will have you gliding down the slopes in no time. Look for packages that include kids’ lessons, as well.

Don’t forget the local bowling alley when you’re looking for something different to do indoors on a cold day. Partake in a little friendly competition with your kids, and if your children are young, ask the bowling alley to supply bumpers for the lanes to avoid any gutter balls. And if you just don’t feel like leaving the house, try this at-home version for the little ones!

Nothing is better than curling up with a good book on a cold winter day. The local library is a great resource to utilize, with books for the entire family. Many libraries allow you to browse their books online, and if they don’t have what you are looking for, can get a specific book on loan from a neighboring library. Take your little one to story time, or bring your books home to read together. Best of all, it’s free!

With many holidays falling in the winter months, it is a good time of year to remember those less fortunate. Visit a sick person at the hospital, or bake cookies for an elderly neighbor. Your kids will have a blast and they’ll realize how good it feels to give back to the community.

If you live in a large city, or close to one, chances are you have a science museum nearby. Satisfy your child’s inquisitive side by exploring the array of exhibits, ranging from marine life to astrology and everything in between. Be sure to catch a lecture, live performance, or an IMAX showing for an in-depth look at fascinating subjects on the revolving schedule of shows.

Take a trip to the local aquarium and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported undersea. Your kids will love the bright, colorful tropical fish, and the penguins never fail to be a family favorite.

Dig out your old ice skates and brave the cold! Ice skating is a great way to get some exercise on those chilly winter days. Beginners will have some fun simply keeping their balance as they circle the ice, and more advanced skaters can enjoy practicing their moves or a game of pick up hockey.

Who doesn’t love a live professional sporting event? Support your favorite professional team with a family outing to the stadium. Hockey and basketball are two winter sports with a lot of action, and your kids will love seeing their favorite players in person.

Take your kids to the arcade, give them a couple dollars worth of quarters, and let them play video games to their hearts content. This is a great way to pass the time on a boring afternoon — they’ll have a blast playing all their favorite video games, and you’ll get a kick out of seeing your childhood favorites like Pacman!