As the holiday season approaches, many parents face the challenge of keeping their kids entertained while also keeping their minds active. With children spending more time at home, screen time can easily creep up - but how can parents ensure their kids stay engaged and learning in meaningful ways?
Research shows that extended periods away from school can lead to learning loss, where children forget some of what they’ve learned during the school year. While winter break is shorter than summer, the disruption in routine can still make it harder for students to jump back into the classroom ready to learn in January.
To help families make the most of this time, Tutor Doctor has put together five fun, hands-on, and screen-free activities designed to keep kids learning, creating, and ready for the year ahead.
1. DIY Winter Craft Projects: Sparking Creativity Through Art
Crafting isn’t just fun - it’s also a great way to help children enhance their creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression. During the winter break, kids can create their own holiday-themed decorations, cards, or even gifts for family and friends. These hands-on activities will keep children engaged, encourage imagination, and help them develop problem-solving skills as they work through different artistic techniques.
Ideas to try:
Build a winter village with paper, cotton balls, and glitter.
Create holiday cards or decorations using eco-friendly materials.
Design your own snowflakes or gingerbread houses from craft supplies.
Why it matters: Creativity is rooted in problem-solving skills, and art-based hobbies can be a wonderful way for kids and teens to express themselves. Click here to read more about how to nurture your child’s creativity (and why it matters).
2. Holiday Reading Challenge: Keeping Minds Sharp
The winter holidays are the perfect time to keep your child’s mind active with books that spark their imagination. A holiday reading challenge not only keeps their minds sharp during the break, but it also encourages a love of reading. Whether it's tackling a new book series, exploring holiday-themed stories, or learning about new cultures, reading provides both educational benefits and a fun escape.
Tip: Try a family reading challenge where everyone reads books of their choice and shares their favorite parts. Make it more fun with a Reading Bingo activity! Complete tasks like reading outside, reading a graphic novel, or reading to a family member. Click here to view and download the Reading Bingo challenge, and see if your child can get BINGO before the holidays end!
3. Winter Science Experiments: Hands-On Learning
Winter is the perfect time to conduct simple, fun science experiments at home. These hands-on activities keep kids engaged and curious about the world around them while introducing them to basic scientific principles. Whether they’re experimenting with the properties of snow or observing how ice melts, these experiments can spark a love for science while keeping their critical thinking skills sharp.
Ideas to try:
Freeze objects in ice and predict which one will melt first.
Create a DIY snowstorm using materials found around the house.
Why it matters: These activities engage your child’s curiosity and teach them the importance of observation and experimentation - key elements in developing problem-solving skills.
4. Winter Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts: Explore the Outdoors
Take advantage of the winter season by going on nature walks with your kids. Whether there’s snow on the ground or not, winter is an ideal time to observe nature and wildlife in a quieter, more serene setting. You can turn these walks into an educational scavenger hunt by giving your child a list of things to look for, like animal tracks, different types of trees, or specific birds.
Tip: Make it a fun competition - who can spot the most animal tracks, or find the biggest pinecone? This will encourage kids to engage their senses and practice observation skills.
5. Set New Year’s Goals: Focus on Growth and Reflection
The end of the year is a great time for kids to reflect on their personal achievements and set goals for the new year. Setting academic and personal goals helps children develop a sense of responsibility, ambition, and self-discipline. This holiday season, guide your child through the process of setting achievable goals - whether it’s a reading goal, improving a particular skill, or trying a new activity.
Tip: Make goal-setting fun by creating a vision board together with pictures, quotes, and images that represent their goals. For a more interactive approach, download the goal-setting infographic to add goals, track progress, and stay inspired throughout the year!
The Takeaway
The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of academic stagnation. With the right activities, children can keep their minds sharp, build essential skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences that will set them up for success in the new year. From creative arts and reading challenges to winter science experiments and nature exploration, these fun activities will not only entertain but also help prevent learning loss.
Becky Ward
Becky Ward, Education Experience Specialist at Tutor Doctor, an internationally renowned tutoring franchise. With years of experience in the education industry, Ward creates resources for tutors, works with the franchisees, has been a tutor herself for decades, and is a certified Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 teacher with special education teaching qualifications.
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