This winter break, use the days away from school and work to come up with some creative family time that everyone can enjoy. Several of the ideas below are not expensive and involve day trips, but others will require more extensive planning.
A great idea for a holiday gift is a short surprise trip over winter break for a family,
especially if it means taking a break from cold weather, or seeing loved relatives that live further away. Whatever your family's interests and budget, these ideas will help ignite the creative spark for planning enjoyable winter break activities with some happy family memories.
DAY TRIPS
1. Be a tourist in your hometownMany of us don't always take the time to visit and appreciate the cultural resources of our hometown. Gather some folders from your town's Visitor's Bureau or Chamber of Commerce and pretend to be a tourist. Have the family decide on a cultural site or an activity that hasn't been experienced yet, and go and explore your hometown. Perhaps go out to dinner afterwards at a new restaurant, trying out a type of food you don't normally eat. You will come away with a greater appreciation for your hometown and why you live there.
2. Go swimming at a hotel or YMCA pool or indoor water parkA fun activity on a cold day is to find a hotel or YMCA in your area that has a good sized pool or water park that issues day passes for swimming fun. Everyone can have fun at the pool and see what dining or other resources the hotel offers.
3. Take a winter hikeA family hike is a wonderful way to get outdoors and enjoy nature together, especially after a lot of holiday eating. Just be sure to go at the pace of the slowest person. Have everyone take time to observe what's happening on the trail and share your moments together.
4. Volunteer togetherWinter break is a great time to help out and give back to the community as a family. Pick a charitable activity that allows multiple ages to participate. Soup Kitchens are especially in need of volunteers over the holiday season.
BIGGER TRIPS
1. Weekend at a hotelPick a hotel you have always wanted to stay at that's not too far by car and enjoy all its activities. Staying at least two nights will give you time to enjoy the amenities and also to take in some shopping, theater, or restaurants in the area.
2. Head for the Beach or the SlopesDepending on your idea of a great time, the call of a ski resort may be just the active winter challenge for your family. Skiing, sledding, sleigh rides, and skating are all great winter sports that are fun for an active family.This would make a great holiday gift for everyone.
In the alternative, if a warm beach sounds like the best present on a winter day, then pick a good beach trip. Be sure and go far enough south if you decide on Florida in order to have the best chance for sailing, swimming, and surfing under sunny skies. Allow for at least three days of vacation time to get the most out of your beach or ski trip.
3. CruisingIf relaxing with wonderful on board activities sounds like the best break for everyone, consider a short cruise to somewhere or nowhere, and enjoy the well planned activities and meals that an all inclusive trip like this entails.With some advance planning, some good deals on cruises can be found during this time period.
CONCLUSION
With some family discussion and planning, everyone should be able to find some fun, active, and exciting activities that fit the family budget and time frame. Enjoy the time together and the happy memories that will result from your adventures.
