Ways to Beat Kid’s Winter Break Boredom

CLEVELAND – If your kids tend to complain of boredom during winter break, we’ve got a bunch of fun and easy ways to keep them busy.

Gina Robinson, MD, pediatrician for Cleveland Clinic Children’s, said to start, get some fresh air.

“Anytime you can, get outside and go for a walk,” said Dr. Robinson. “Scavenger hunts are fun, eye spy, just trying to see what you see around you in your neighborhood.”

If you live in a colder climate, you could take your kids snowboarding, skiing, or sledding.

They could also have fun building a fort, making a snowman, or slinging snowballs.

But, the real icing on the cake could be baking.

Frosting holiday cookies is delicious because you get to taste them. Plus, it’s a group effort that encourages creativity.

Other options include arts and crafts, maybe make a holiday gift, get lost in a good book, pull out a puzzle or try your luck at a board game.

Even video games or computers can help entertain children.

However, Dr. Robinson does advise limiting screen time.

“Take a break. Everything doesn’t have to be educational. We don’t want to spend the whole day looking at a screen, or the whole day playing video games either. So, trying to find the balance,” she said.

Whatever activity you choose, she said simple structure and a little routine can help make the return to school that much easier.