Winter break play ideas
And wishes for a safe & sane holiday week
My first and most important winter break play idea is unschedule yourself. I know there is a lot of talk of “keeping kids busy” or “keeping the kids entertained” but, you know what? Kids don’t want to be busy all the time. They can entertain themselves.
Even for the kid who asks “What are we doing next?” It’s nice to take a breath and say “nothing.” There’s nothing on our schedule. We’re gonna hang out and you can play without me rushing you off somewhere as we so often have to when school is in session.
Parents tell me all the time about the disbelief and relief the kids feel when they know they get some time off. We all need it. I hope you find time for moments of peace with your children over the coming week. The rainy weather will definitely be here to help out with some extra motivation to take a break.
Sending love & light to you all!
In play,
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
Winter break play ideas
Just a few ideas to keep you going!
This year is a little different where we’ve got like Monday and Tuesday free. Then it’s Christmas Eve. Christmas. Day after Christmas to recover. Then there’s a weekend.
It will be rainy this week. Like, incredible rainfall amounts predicted for Wednesday into Thursday considering our annual rainfall is around 9”-12” for the whole water year! Then, remember that there will be holiday closures whether you celebrate Christmas or not.
It’s all a lot to handle.
Here’s my guide to some Winter Break Play Ideas:
Then you can also try some of the newest play areas in OC to open:
Holey Moley Golf Club and Hijinx Hotel (Challenge Rooms) in Irvine Spectrum
Lucky Strike bowling in Aliso Viejo (also pretty new nearby = Marugame Udon, Paris Baguette, 99 Ranch Market, Omomo Tea Shoppe, Philz Coffee and much more in Aliso Town Center)
The new play area in Brea Mall (video from OCParentGuide) sponsored by Check N’ Play multi-use cafe with an indoor play space.
The new River’s Edge Habitat just opened at the Santa Ana Zoo which features habitats for new river otters and three species of monkeys.
What about the newsletter schedule?
You are getting this week’s newsletter today instead of Thursday!
I usually send out newsletters sometime between Thursday and Saturday each week. These days of winter break make it hard to know when you will even have a minute to check your inbox (it’s okay if you don’t!).
Next week’s New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, so you can check your inbox on:
Monday/Tuesday, December 29th/30th (looking at lasts of 2025 & firsts of 2026)
Thursday, January 8th (getting back in the swing of things)
Sincere appreciation for your paid support!
Your Play-Filled Extra is waiting below this paywall! Here’s what’s inside this week’s paid section:
From the Tiny Hikes archive: A foggy trail near a nature center and a paved trail for after the rain
3 places to bring out-of-town family & friends for SoCal nature
I have some new & fun stuff planned for 2026. Theme sneak peek: Noticing Nature Together.