School breaks are a great time to relax, recharge, and connect as a family.
That is unless you are an average American family currently scrambling to drum up things for your kids to do and stay busy while you attempt to work from home. And prep for guests or travel, or maybe even as you head to work with patched-together childcare support.
With that chaos in mind, we have pulled together our best tips for doing it with minimal screen time.
We find school breaks are a great time to try new things and take on new opportunities, even get a jump on refreshed schedules, routines, and family goals. Which for many of us includes cutting back on screen time.
As a mom of four who owns a shop, these ideas are “real life” tested, and I am giving it to you straight: we are going to be trying them along with you this year as we enjoy our own screen-free break adventures.
Outdoor Adventure for All Ages
We always say there is no bad weather, just unprepared adventurers! Bundle up and get outside to soak up some sunshine and some fresh air during winter breaks, and add sun-protective clothes and gear on the hot sunny breaks. In every season, hot, cold, windy, and rainy, I never look back and think, “Gosh, I wish we had spent more time inside,” and I doubt you will either! There is no easier way to cut down on screen time than to get yourself away from the screens by getting outside.
Go for a Nature Walk or a Hike: Getting out to a familiar trial you haven’t visited in some time or trying a new one, do both! Pack a fun picnic, a jumbo bag of trail mix, and a bag of cheese sticks count. If you are in northern Colorado and need some inspiration check out our favorite northern Colorado hikes. Start them young and you will be amazed how quickly they jump from Osprey pack rider to mountain climber! Life isn’t near the mountains? Take a neighborhood walk or find a local trail! When we lived in NYC getting up to hike every weekend wasn’t an option, but several tree lined parks and trails were only a short subway ride away!
Backyard Fun: Organize a scavenger hunt or play nature-based games. This can be super easy, check out our scavenger hunt download for preschoolers. Play catch or frisbee, or simply watch the clouds from a chair. Fold in some mindfulness by taking turns sharing something you are thankful for. Don’t make it complicated, just go outside.
Family Bike Ride: In the neighborhood or out on the trails, if the conditions will allow it we always love a nice bike ride.
Cozy Indoor Activities
As much as we would love to, we cannot spend the entire break outdoors. And while we will always argue there is no bad weather there is weather that isn’t as fun to be outside in, I am looking at you Colorado winds. So there need to be a few cozy indoor activities as well that support a screen-free break and are a lot of fun!
Get Crafty or DIY: Pinterest can give you a million ideas, or pick up a craft kit like our stamp kit, paint by number, or an embroidery kit from our shop, Marley & Moose. Or keep it super simple and cut open a few paper bags into an extra-large canvas and toss down a box of crayons!
Play Board Games and Puzzles: Snag a puzzle a bit harder than your crew is used to and slowly chip away at their new challenge. Join a local puzzle trading group, or check out your local library for puzzle rentals! Play a game of Jenga or Get Wild! Both are great for preschoolers through adults and grandparents, too!
Bake or Cook Together: Break out a recipe from your childhood you haven’t made in a while or get online and find a new recipe to try. Muffins are a quick and tasty option that can get everyone involved, homemade versions of our favorite take-out are another fun project!
Gratitude and Reflection Activities
Our kids are more anxious, overwhelmed, and scheduled than ever. This anxious generation benefits from mindfulness and opportunities to slow down and be present— even if they aren’t into it at first!
Family Gratitude Share: at the dinner table, on the couch before bed, in the morning after breakfast, it doesn’t matter when our where but take turns sharing things that you are grateful for. Add in some soft light and tea or cocoa and brace yourself for the feel-good magic of putting all of that good energy out there in the world!
Seasonal Journals: Give your kids age-appropriate prompts to get them writing and reflecting in their own journal, you can even make a fun journal out of construction paper.
Make a Gratitude Wall: With post-its or a whiteboard, or even with a creative tree design and leaves, family members can write down things they are grateful for and add them to the tree all week long.
DIY Indoor Entertainment
Entertainment that is free AND low-mess!
Family Talent Show: Put together a fun and lighthearted talent show with family members showcasing their skills, this could include musical instruments, dancing, joke telling, singing, or whatever magical talents your family has! A great opportunity to shine a light on the unique talents that make up your family unit!
Create a Winter Play or Skit: Write a simple play or skit together (kids can help with ideas). Be sure to get it recorded, these are some of our family favorites to look back on years later.
Storytelling Time: Share winter traditions or family stories, or create new ones as a group! This could also look like a family read-aloud of favorite novels, poetry books, or even picture books about fall!
Connecting With Others In Your Community
Volunteer as a Family: Spend time giving back to the community by volunteering together (food banks, shelters, etc.), there are still so many ways to give back to your community this season if you do a bit of digging!
Write Thank-You Notes: Catch up on birthday party thank you’s, fundraiser supporter notes, thank you’s, or just-because cards to friends and family.
Send Care Packages: Prepare care packages with homemade treats or small crafts to send to relatives or friends who you have not visited with in a while.
We wish you a fun-filled break. We welcome you to visit us in-store at 520 Mountain Ave in Berthoud or the online store is open 24/7 at www.marleyandmoose.com!
XOXO
Brittany @ Marley & Moose
