8 Things to Do This Winter (That Get You Off a Screen)

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Winter might feel different when we’ve already been non-stop most of the year. A lot of your usual favorite activities might be canceled or limited and you might be struggling with how to keep the family entertained without screens (because who needs MORE screen time!?). 
Well, we have a few screen-free suggestions for fun activities that can keep the whole family entertained this winter

Find a Tubing Hill 

If you search in your area you’re likely to find a local tubing or sledding hill that can offer hours of outdoor fun (providing there is snow). Some will provide tubes for rent or you can take your own sleds or toboggans. Bundle up, grab some snacks, and plan to spend the day in a winter wonderland. 

Go to the Zoo

The Zoo can be a whole new world in the winter. If you go before Christmas, many zoos will have lights up for a twinkly experience. If you don’t go for the lights, you can go for the animals you might not see out and about in summer. Ever gone to the zoo on a hot day and found your favorite big cat lounging around? Some animals are much more active in cooler temps AND you won’t have to fight the crowds. 

Have a Family Spa Day

Yes, the whole family can enjoy the relaxation that a home spa day can offer (and you don’t have to break the bank!). If you have a diffuser put on some relaxing smells (like lavender) and ask your favorite device to play some spa music (yup, that exists). Take turns giving each other shoulder or foot rubs, and use ingredients you probably already have on hand to make scrubs for your face. If you play your cards right, you might get some nap time in!

Have a Reading Day

Remember those days at school when you were allowed to come in your pajamas and find your favorite spot to curl up with a good book? Recreate that at home. Movie marathons are great but with virtual school, kids have been on screens a lot more than normal…so try a reading day! Make treats, bring all the blankets and pillows into one room, maybe make some forts, and curl up and read your favorite books! 

Go for a Hike

This can be a lot prettier when there is snow but even if there isn’t, a hike is never a bad idea. And, in cooler temps, you don’t run the risk of overheating. Look up trails in your area or head to the nearest nature center. 

Bake-A-Thon

Spend a day baking and making your favorite treats! It can be fun for the whole family AND you can spread the love by taking your treats around the neighborhood or to folks who might need a little extra love this time of year. That way, you’re staying busy but not overdosing on sugar! 

Create New Year’s Resolutions (As a Family)

Sit down together and start thinking about what you want next year to look like. This is a great way to start teaching kids about goal setting and making sure goals are S.M.A.R.T. But don’t just set goals. Layout a plan for achieving them and make sure to hold each other accountable. Maybe set a reward for the whole family if you all hit your goals!

Take a Scenic Road Trip

Even if you’re not planning on traveling over break, you can still get out of the house and enjoy the scenery you might not get a chance to look at. We’re always on the go so take a leisurely car ride with no destination and enjoy the sights that you usually pass right by. Pack a lunch and enjoy a wintery picnic on the way to nowhere! 
Tip: Take some extra shoes in a ShoeSling® in case you want to get out and explore so you don’t bring dirty, wet shoes back in the car.
The first time you hear, “I’m bored!” this winter, break out one of these ideas! You’re welcome! 

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Yada Yak

❤ Blogging 😉. Content of blogs on LoyalYak.com are my job. Just like the ShoeSling® (that I love to brag about), blog topics are to ease your life’s journey.