This season brings lots of fun with friends and family, but you may wonder what to do with the kids when they are off from school. Even though boredom is good for kids and encourages creativity, you may want to have a few options on hand to get them started. These ideas will help you make the most of your kid’s down time . . . and give you a chance to make a few memories along the way.
Here are eight fun and engaging ideas to keep your kids entertained when they have extra time off:
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1. Visit your local library
Take the kids on a trip to your local library. This is a great way to encourage them to read more and get them out of the house for the afternoon. Don't forget to ask the librarian for some recommendations. Some of our favorite books were librarian recomended.
Local Libraries:
- Agoura Hills Library
- Calabasas Library
- Malibu Library
- Oak Park Library
- Thousand Oaks / Newbury Park Libraries
- Westlake Village Library
Not too far Libraries:
- Camarillo Library
- Moorpark Library
- Simi Valley Library
- Topanga Library
- Los Angeles County Libraries
- Ventura County Library website
Check the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event calendar for library events!
 Ketut Subiyanto | Canva |
2. Have a holiday movie marathon
Spend some time bingeing on all your favorite movies. Let the family pick a movie, grab some snacks, and cozy up.
- Create Your Own Movie Party Cars for indoors or outdoors
- Popping Up Flavorful Fun: Popcorn Treats Your Family Will Love
3. Host a playdate
Playdates allow your kids to see their friends and give you a break . . . win-win!
 Jyliana | Canva |
4. Get in the kitchen
Growing up, one of my favorite things was baking with my mother. Not only is it fun, but it is also an excellent way to pass on family recipes and traditions.
3 Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes to Bake
5. Make appointments
This might not be considered fun, but winter break is a good time to take care of any necessary appointments, from physicals to the orthodontist. Using this time now means less time off from school and work later.
 RichVintage from Getty Images Signature | Canva |
6. Get outside
Bundle up, if you need to, and head to a local park / playground or even your own backyard. Nothing’s better than a little fresh air and exercise from playing outside, even if it's chilly!
Local outdoor places to explore:
- Conejo Valley Botanical Garden and Kids Adventure Garden
- Gardens of the World - Thousand Oaks
- Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District - Oak Park and Simi Valley
- City of Calabasas Parks and Trails
- Malibu City Parks
- Alumni Park at Pepperdine - Malibu
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
- Santa Monica Mountains Trails - Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
- Conejo Recreation and Park District - Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park
- Westlake Village City Parks
- City of Agoura Hills Parks
- Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency - Trails and Open Space in the Conejo Valley
- Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors
- Ventura County Beach Front Parks
- Santa Monica State Beach
- City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
- California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Take your family birdwatching - read here for helpful information
More ideas for outdoor fun:
- Geocaching: A Treasure Hunt in Your Neighborhood
- 5 Fun Backyard Games to Play with Your Kids Anytime
- Top 10 Ideas to Encourage Your Kids to Get Outside More
- 50 Ways to Explore Your Backyard With Your Kids and Family
7. Donate or volunteer
Donating old toys and clothes to charity helps teach your kids to appreciate what they have. It also helps make room for any new holiday gifts they may receive. You can also find out if any local shelters or other nonprofits could use a helping hand! Many can find ways for kids to volunteer with a parent.
 Skitterphoto | Canva |
8. Go bowling
An afternoon at a bowling alley is always a great time!
- Bowlero: Woodland Hills
- Harley's Bowl: Simi Valley two locations + Camarillo
- Lucky Strike: Moorpark
- Pinstripes: Topanga, Canoga Park
- Winnetka Bowl
Fun at Home
Here are a few more ideas:
- Bored With Board Games? Make Your Own!
- Macaroni Plays: Bring Board Games Back!
- Nowhere to go? Kids Bored? 14+ Fun Inside Activities For Kids
- 40 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids - Anytime
- 10 Ways To Keep Your Family Active on Cold Days
- 10 Anytime Boredom-Busters for Kids | Indoor, Outdoor and Virtual
- 50 Ideas for a Backyard Adventure: Unleashing Kids Creativity
I hope these ideas keep your kids engaged and make lasting memories during their winter break!
Ariel Chamberlain is the publisher of Macaroni KID Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.
