When I suggested to a friend over coffee that I was thinking of writing a post about winter break activities for kids her face lit up and I knew I had to do it.  We love having our kids home for winter break but after a few days , a few newly broken Christmas toys and the third trip to the store to get more batteries it’s time to unplug and have some simple fun.  So here are  31 things for kids to do inside and out during winter break. These are not special activities for the holidays or even ground breaking activities . These are simple do it today and don’t break the bank activities. When you hear ” I’m bored!” you can scan the list.

1. Donate. Before or after new toys make it into your house make a few piles and chose what to donate , throw away or keep.
2. Go on a scavenger hunt outside.
3. Make some ornaments for the tree inside.
4. Make bird feeders for your trees outside.
5. Bowl with your family and knock them down.
6. Have a book festival .
7. Go for a hike .
8. Turn your playroom into a grocery store , toy store or coffee shop.
9. Toss an egg off your porch and learn while doing it.
10. Read some banned books .
11. Work off some energy in your own boot camp.
12. Go on an alphabet hunt.
13. Play hide and seek.
14. Make a snowman outside.
15. Make a snowman inside.
16. Go on a photo safari and write a book about your neighborhood.
17. Get messy .
18. Make a mural .
19. Pretend to be a veterinarian , a scientist , or even an elf.
20. Play with your food .
21. Make your own constellation.
22. Make a volcano without too much mess!
23. Have an ice cream taste test.
24. Start a journal.
25. Match up some mustaches.
26. Draw and design your own cards ( maybe thank you cards for holiday gifts?! )
27. Measure with Legos
28. Bring some snow inside and find out what part of your house is the coolest.
29. Turn your train table into a winter wonderland.
30. Get creative with loose parts .
31. Make your own art retrospective , host a kid gallery show and look back at all the art you created in 2012.