Winter break is usually a much-needed hiatus from the everyday routine of work and school. Ideally, it should be overflowing with rest, relaxation and recreation for both children and adults, but what happens when those long tranquil days at home we so desperately yearned for suddenly turn into a bout of cabin fever? Don’t let winter break give you the blues. Instead, step back and look at the potential it could hold with the help of these fun, interactive ideas and activities.

Indoors

The weather won’t always cooperate, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Here are a few ideas and Pinterest inspirations to keep you and your littles going when you find yourselves isolated inside:

• Arts and crafts
• Obstacle courses
• Relays, races and games
• Sensory bins and I spy bottles
• Board games and puzzles
• Playdough and slime
• Hide and seek
• Build a fort
• Scavenger Hunt and more!

Pinterest inspirations

What Moms Love – the hard work is done! This blog has compiled 87, yes you heard that right, active indoor activities for you and your energy-filled minis to enjoy.

It’s Always Autumn – with the help of this blog you can scroll to your heart's content with this post of 50 easy indoor crafts and games for anyone at any age to take part in.

Lemon Lime Adventures – a collection of winter science experiments that will engage and delight your children throughout winter break.

Outdoors

Can you picture it? A cascade of flurries, the icy crunch of snow beneath your feet and the crisp air caressing your cheeks – it’s the call of a winter wonderland swirling with protentional and endless amounts of imaginative fun. Enjoy a few of these classic winter break activities that are sure to delight the whole family:

• Sledding, skiing, ice skating and snowboarding
• Build a snowman, snow castle or igloo
• Snowball toss or snowball fight
• Make snow angels or sculptures
• Freeze tag or hide and seek
• Snowy scavenger hunt
• Play tic-tac-snow
• Snow paint

Pinterest inspiration

Kid Activities – thanks to the authors at Kid Activities, you have 37 choices for fun snow games and fun winter activities to partake in during your winter break.

No snow? No problem! Here are a few more ideas to get you through winter break even if Jack Frost isn’t nipping at your nose.

• Play a sport, any sport!
• Go on a bike ride
• Try hiking or go on a nature walk
• Go hunting or fishing
• Playground scavenger or treasure hunt
• Explore your community

Also, watch for special deals and events at local businesses, museums, gyms and even the zoo! A no-snow day can offer you just as much fun as a traditionally precipitation filled one. More importantly, no matter how you choose to spend your winter break, remember to enjoy this magical time of year with the ones you love.