Have you checked off all the items on your fall bucket list? Good, because now it’s time to start a new bucket list for winter. No matter the time of year, a bucket list is a great way to plan intentional family time, as well as make memories with the kiddos. Plus, if you’re lucky, engaging in planned-out activities like these will keep your kids from constantly telling you they’re bored.

Here are some fun and screen-free ideas to do with your kids this holiday season, grouped below by category. Prioritize the ones you think your crew will be most into, and bookmark the others for later. Christmas break is a long ten or so days, folks — now you can go into it prepared with some family-friendly activities for when you’ve run out of ways to entertain.

Outdoor holiday bucket list ideas:

• If you live in a snowy state, stuff the kids in their snowsuits and make snow angels, go sledding down a neighborhood hill, build a snowman, build “snow castles” with beach toys, or have the kids “assist” you in shoveling the driveway 

• Gather around a bonfire with all the winter fixins’, including s’mores, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider donuts

• Do a scavenger hunt around your property, where everyone needs to find and/or take photos of a pinecone, a holiday decoration, a deer, or the like

• Take a stab at a winter sport that you’ve been wanting to try, whether that’s ice hockey, snow-shoeing, skiing, snowboarding, or even snow tubing

• Tap into your outdoorsy side with a family hike on a local trail. Bundle up, and bring a Thermos of hot chocolate or coffee to keep you toasty

Festive holiday bucket list ideas:

• Bring the kids shopping for holiday decor and have them help you set up your purchases. Think window clings, outdoor inflatables, strands of lights, and garland

• Continue with your elf on a shelf festivities (check out these elf on a shelf ideas)

• Buy a gingerbread house kit and assemble your houses. You can also turn it into a decorating contest!

• Bake Christmas cookies and host a holiday cookie exchange with neighbors or family friends. Santa gets the extras!

• Drive around the neighborhood to view homes decked out for the holidays

• Check out official light displays in your area at local drive-throughs or farms

• Plan a family game night with holiday-themed board games such as the Grinch version of Clue or Cards Against Humanity Christmas

• Get crafty with some holiday DIYs; make your own ornaments or decorations such as wreaths, garlands, or table centerpieces

• Put on your matching holiday garb and stage your own family photoshoot

• Set aside time to sit with your kids to write out each of your 2024 New Year’s resolutions

• Also set aside time to write out your holiday wish lists to guarantee each family member will get something they actually want this year (mom included… and mom especially)

Volunteering holiday bucket list ideas:

• Donate in-demand items to toy drives, coat drives, diaper drives, and food drives in your neighborhood. Many are still going on through the new year

• Sponsor a family, which typically involves buying one less fortunate child and/or his/her family the gifts on their holiday wishlist

• Lend a paw by spending time with dogs and cats up for adoption at an animal shelter

• Give holiday books your kids have outgrown to women’s or homeless shelters

• Assemble and deliver holiday-themed care packages to hospital patients

• Serve food at a soup kitchen

• Make personalized holiday cards for first responders, veterans, or community workers

• Perform holiday tunes with a local choir or dance troupe at assisted living and nursing homes

What else are you adding to your family’s holiday bucket list?

Email us or give us a shout on our socials. We’re all ears👂! And if you enjoyed this article, sign up for our weekly newsletter below, with tips, tricks, and trends coming to your inbox every Sunday morning.