Winter Break Boredom Busters: 20 Indoor Ideas
Two weeks at home and the novelty of new toys wearing off? Twenty low-prep ideas to fill short winter days.
November 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Winter break is wonderful for about three days. Then everyone needs ideas. Short days, cold weather and over-excited children can make the holidays feel long, so here are twenty low-prep ideas plus a simple daily rhythm to keep things calm and fun.
A simple daily rhythm
Children cope better with long days when there's a loose shape to them. Try this pattern:
- Morning: something active (outdoors if possible, or indoor movement games)
- Late morning: something creative (crafts, drawing, building)
- After lunch: quiet time (books, coloring, puzzles)
- Afternoon: something social (a game, a visit, baking together)
- Evening: wind down (bath, story, a calm coloring page)
It doesn't need to be strict. Just knowing what comes next reduces arguments and boredom.
Quiet time
- Coloring book project. Download a whole coloring book and make it a week-long project, with a page or two a day.
- Winter scenes. Color winter scenes while listening to an audiobook.
- Grid drawing. Try a grid drawing and learn to copy a picture square by square.
- Mazes. Solve a maze, then design one for a sibling.
- Story writing. Write and illustrate a winter story, then read it aloud to the family.
Brain games
- Morning math warm-up. Keep math skills fresh with a few minutes on the worksheet maker each morning.
- Memory. Play memory as a family and keep score.
- Winter words. Make a list of winter words and play hangman or make a word search.
- Reading challenge. Read for 20 minutes a day and keep a reading chart with a small reward at the end.
- Mystery pictures. Try a mystery picture or winter math sheet.
Creative play
- Blanket fort. Build one and read inside it with a torch.
- Paper snowflakes. Make one for every window. See our winter crafts guide.
- Puppet show. Make paper puppets and put on a show. See puppet making.
- Baking. Bake and decorate cookies. Measuring ingredients is real-life math.
- Family newspaper. Interview family members, draw pictures and write headlines about the holidays.
Moving indoors
- Indoor snowball fight with rolled-up socks.
- Animal yoga. Try cat, dog, cobra and butterfly poses.
- Themed dance parties. A different theme each day: pirates, space, animals.
- Obstacle course with cushions, chairs and blankets.
- Hide-and-seek with a toy instead of a person.
Getting outside
Even on cold days, a short trip outside helps everyone. Wrap up warmly and try:
- A winter nature walk looking for animal tracks and frosty spider webs.
- Feeding the birds with homemade pine cone feeders.
- Building a snowman (if you're lucky enough to have snow).
- Ice experiments: freeze water with leaves or small toys and watch it melt.
Ideas for different ages
- Toddlers: sensory bins with cotton wool "snow," big Big & Simple pages, music and movement.
- Preschoolers: paper snowflakes, cookie decorating, counting games and short walks.
- School age: forts, newspapers, mazes, baking and reading challenges.
- Tweens: give them a project to lead: planning a family game night, cooking a meal, or making a holiday video.
Keep learning light
A few minutes of reading and math each day helps children return to school feeling confident, without turning the break into homework. One worksheet from your child's grade a day is plenty.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No plan at all. A loose rhythm prevents the "I'm bored" spiral.
- Too much screen time. Screens are fine in moderation, but they can make children more restless. See screen time balance.
- Forgetting rest. The break is for recharging. Pyjama days are allowed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep kids entertained without spending money?
Most ideas here are free: forts, dancing, coloring, mazes, walks and reading. Your library is a great free resource too.
How can I stop siblings from fighting?
Give each child some time alone, plan activities where they work as a team (forts, newspapers), and keep snacks and rest regular.
Should kids do schoolwork over the break?
A little reading and a quick worksheet a few times a week is plenty. The rest of the break is for play, rest and family.
A winter break week at a glance
- Monday: paper snowflakes and a blanket fort.
- Tuesday: a winter walk and bird feeders.
- Wednesday: baking day and a family board game.
- Thursday: a coloring book project and an audiobook.
- Friday: kitchen science and a dance party.
- Weekend: a family outing and a movie night.
Add a short reading and math warm-up in the mornings if you like.
What can we do on New Year's Day?
Start a new journal, make a family plan for the year, go on a walk and look back at photos from the past year.
How can I get a break myself during the holidays?
Plan a daily quiet time, take turns with other parents or family members for outings, and lower expectations for meals and housework.
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