The holiday break is a fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time with the whole family, and young children get especially excited about this special time of year. However, keeping kids entertained for two weeks straight can be a challenging task. Planning ahead and making a list of activities to do can help alleviate some of the stress and make the holiday break more enjoyable for everyone. By keeping kids occupied, you can not only preserve your own sanity, but also create lasting memories.

Here are ten fun things to do with kids during the holiday break:

1. Visit a local holiday market: Many cities and towns have holiday markets that feature festive stalls, food, and activities. From browsing handmade gifts to trying traditional treats, these markets are a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. One option is Holiday Family Day in Historic Hannah’s Town on December 29th.

2. Have a holiday movie marathon: Snuggling up on the couch with a stack of holiday movies is a classic way to spend a cold winter day. From classic animated films to heartwarming holiday favorites, there are plenty of options to keep kids entertained. Here are some family holiday movie ideas:

• “The Polar Express”
• “Elf”
• “A Christmas Carol” (animated version)
• “The Grinch” (live action version)
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (animated version)
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
• “The Snowman”
• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (animated version)
• “Frosty the Snowman” (animated version)
• “The Night Before Christmas” (animated version)

3. Go ice skating: Ice skating is a classic winter activity that kids of all ages can enjoy. Whether you go to an indoor rink or an outdoor one, it’s a great way to get active and have fun. Local Greensburg options include the Kirk S. Nevin Arena and the Palmer Imaging Arena.

4. Make holiday crafts: Get creative with your kids by making holiday crafts together. From paper snowflakes to pinecone ornaments, there are plenty of fun and easy projects you can do with materials you likely already have at home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make a paper plate wreath: Cut a paper plate into a wreath shape and then let the kids decorate it with markers, stickers, or other craft materials.
• Create holiday cards: Gather construction paper, scissors, glue, and other craft materials and let the kids design their own holiday cards to give to friends and family.
• Build a gingerbread house: You can buy a gingerbread house kit or make your own gingerbread and use frosting and candy to decorate it.
• Make a pinecone tree: Collect some pinecones and then have the kids decorate them with paint, glitter, or other craft materials. You can then use them to create a small pinecone tree.
• Create holiday ornaments: Gather some clear plastic ornaments and let the kids fill them with small objects, such as beads or sequins, to create their own unique ornaments. Alternatively, you can use salt dough or clay to shape and bake your own ornaments.

5. Go sledding: Sledding is always a great way to keep kids active in the winter. No snow? Just bundle up and take a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. Look for animal tracks, listen to the sounds of the winter woods, and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty. There are many places in Greensburg to go walking, just make sure to bundle up!

6. Have a holiday baking day: Nothing says the holidays like the smell of freshly baked treats. Involve your kids in the process by letting them help mix and roll out dough, cut out cookies, and decorate baked goods.

7. Go to a holiday light display: Many cities and towns have elaborate holiday light displays that are a fun and festive way to spend an evening. Pack some hot cocoa and blankets and enjoy the twinkling lights with your little ones. There are quite a few light displays in our area. Overly’s Country Christmas is always at the top of my list!

8. Attend a holiday concert or play: Many communities have holiday concerts or plays that are perfect for young children. From carol singing to live performances, these events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. There are many fun events going on in the Greensburg area, like here and here!

9. Have a holiday game night: Gather the whole family for a night of holiday-themed games and activities. From charades to holiday trivia, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained.

10. Visit a local museum or science center: Many museums and science centers offer special holiday exhibits and activities that are perfect for young children. From interactive exhibits to hands-on workshops, these educational destinations can provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities. Some options are the Winter Lights Late-Night Thursdays and Holiday Mart.

No matter what you decide to do, the holiday break is a great time to spend quality time with your kids and make lasting memories. So get out there and have some fun! 
The holidays are also a great time to capture your family through a photography session! I’d love to help you document this time in your family’s life! To learn more about my sessions, check out my website here. You can also reach me here to chat about your vision for a portrait session!