The holidays are approaching quickly! I absolutely love this time of year with all the family and friend gatherings that surround each season.
Kids play a big part in each get-together but they don’t necessarily enjoy spending time with the adults…AND if we are completely honest most of us adults prefer when the kids are playing together nicely by themselves. 😉 So we have come up 21 Kid Activities for Holiday Gatherings :
1. Lego Station
Most kids love to create. Get out the Legos and let them have fun. You could set a theme and have each kid make their own version.
2. Play-dough Station
Here’s a recipe for homemade play-dough.
3. Printable Scavenger Hunt
Check out these pre-made scavenger hunts for most holidays.
4. Tournaments: ping-pong, pool, foosball, cards, pinball, Wii games
Use things you already have to set up a tournament. You could even have your kids make a tournament board.
5. Craft Station
The dollar store is a great place to find inexpensive crafts. Grab a few an put them on a table with crayons, markers, and scissors.
6. Family Bingo
Here are some free bingo printables.
7. Puzzles
A large puzzle is a great way to spend time together as a family. This is best for a small group and not a larger group.
8. Pencil and Paper Games
Here’s a great list of paper games like dots and squares, and hangman.
9. Video Fun
Set up an area for the kids to make videos using a phone or tablet. Here are some apps that my kids like to use: Green Screen App, Levitagram
10. Card Games
Have the kids play good old fashion card games. You can find a list of rules for most games HERE.
11. DIY balance beam
Pull out the masking tape and put some lines down on the floor. Have the kids take turns walking the “beam” and have it get harder each time by having them walk backwards or balance with one foot on the line.
12. Create a Family Tree
While the family is all together, have the kids put together a family tree. Have them take pictures of each person and be creative in designing and decorating a family tree.
13. Treasure Hunt
This will take a little preparation but is a lot of fun. Set up clues throughout the house or backyard. You could have the prize be something as simple as a cupcake or popsicle.
14. Simon Says
Simon Says is always a fun way to pass the time with kids.
15. Cookie Decorating
Have the cookies already baked and put out different decorating toppings. Let each kid design their own cookie.
16. Outdoor Sports Games
This will depend on weather conditions but there are a lot of fun activities for to do outside: football, soccer, corn hole, jump rope, chuck-a-ball, croquet, and badminton…just to name a few.
17. Building
Use plastic cups, cards, popsicle sticks or any objets you have around the house and have the kids build.
18. Put on a Play, Paper Bag Skit, or Puppet Show
For the paper bag skit, divide the kids up into groups. Give each group a bag filled with props, like as a spoon, toy jewelry, a sock, ball or hats. Then give them 10-15 minutes to construct a skit around the props.
19. Fashion Show
My girls LOVE doing this one. If you have a box of costumes or some old clothes, just let them have fun.
20. Board Games
For a great list of games perfect for elementary up, check out this list.
21. White Elephant Gift Exchange
Make it specific for holiday. Let all the kids know in advance and have each one bring their white elephant gift wrapped.
Holidays should be a fun time for family and/or friends to relax and have fun together. Make your next gathering something that the kids talk about and look forward to doing every year.
