12 days of fun: A holiday activity list

This holiday activities list has been a hit for a few years now! Inspired by the “12 days of Christmas”, these fun holiday activities are a great way for the whole family to get active together and get into the holiday spirit!

1. On the first day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
went outside to play in the snow.

Run up a hill and toboggan down. Go snowshoeing. Try skiing, both cross-country and downhill. Have a snowball fight or build a snowman. Don’t let the fresh, crisp air keep you inside.

2. On the second day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
built an obstacle course in our house.

Create a tunnel out of some cushions. Set up a tightrope to walk. If you’ve got a mini-trampoline, include it in your course. This is an easy and fun DIY project!

3. On the third day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
went skating at the local ice rink.

Most community centres have cheap rentals if you don’t have your own skates. Make sure and wear your helmets (adults too). Bonus tip: bring some hot chocolate in a thermos to warm up with afterwards!

4. On the fourth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
had a dance off to crazy music.

Turn up the volume and get creative. Need ideas? Try our 57 awesome dance party tunes. You can pair it with another fun family activity, like building a gingerbread house together. Pause for dance-offs whenever you need a break from building.

5. On the fifth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
went swimming at the community pool.

Many aquatic centres often include wave pools, water slides and great shallow pools for toddlers and younger children learning to swim. Plus: hot tubs.

6. On the sixth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
played hopscotch in our kitchen.

Use masking tape to create a range of hopscotch grids. Alternate the legs you hop on.

7. On the seventh day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
learned to rock climb at an indoor rock climbing centre.

Rock climbing is a great activity that can be enjoyed by almost all family members. Get some practice now so you can climb outside next summer.

8. On the eighth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
played “Simon/Simona” says.”

Play traditional Simon Says, or similar games like River Bank and Mirror Mirror, or practice Balance Poses.

9. On the ninth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
visited a bowling alley.

You get to wear snazzy shoes and have fun while practicing ball rolling (bowling).

10. On the tenth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
played basketball and soccer inside.

With a toy hoop that fits over a door and a Nerf ball, you can play a fun game of basketball indoors! Or try having soccer shootouts with a beach ball or Nerf ball. Make sure to put away any breakables before you start your game.

11. On the eleventh day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
went to the local gymnastics club.

Quite a few clubs will have drop-in sessions where your kids can see what it’s like to use the same equipment elite athletes use to win medals.

12. On the twelfth day of the winter holiday break, my family and I
went on a scavenger hunt.

Even if the ground is covered in a blanket of snow, you can still go hunting! This Winter Activities Scavenger Hunt printable has 25 separate outdoor activities. Your family can do them all in one day or spread them over the entire holiday break.