It’s the day after the biggest party night of the year, even for families with kids. However you celebrated, you’re probably looking to keep things low-key. Here are relaxing, feel-good ideas for New Year’s Day activities you can enjoy with the whole family.
Go to an Indoor Botanical Garden
If you’re trapped in an Arctic tundra region for winter, this is a fantastic way to bring back summer. You can take your time strolling and learning about all the flowers and plants from different areas. Breathe deep and you’ve got an instant stress reliever and mood elevator. Many cities’ indoor gardens offer special events, art displays and sometimes even live music. When you get home, find a houseplant that will thrive in your space.
See a Play
This is a great way to break up the old movie tradition with your crew. Many actors are happy to perform a family-friendly matinee on this holiday for you, when not everyone is working. You’ll all have something to talk about after, and the kids might be inspired. Find healthy snacks for kids to much on during intermission.
Act-Out Games
This is one I used as babysitter for my two younger brothers. Take turns acting out mini plays with each other. You can base them on cherished fairy tales or favorite movies you all know, whatever brings out your inner ham. Whoever is the “director” gets to cast the roles. Definitely grab props, costumes and anything you need to feel the part. Then, make a video so you can all enjoy some good laughs later.
Visit a State Park
If it’s not too bone-chillingly cold, pile everyone in the car and get out into nature. Chances are good you’ll return refreshed and invigorated. Many state parks offer family-friendly activities all year round, even on special dates like New Year’s Day. There could be a snowshoe/ski/sled or candlelight hike in your neighborhood with hot cocoa offered afterward. Keep cabin fever away with these other family winter activities.
Cook a Meal Together
There’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen today! Every family member (except maybe the cat) is assigned a duty and you create a culinary masterpiece together. OK, it doesn’t have to make Jacques Pépin jealous, but you can have a good time with it. Find an easy recipe that kids can help make.
Build a Snowman
Even if you’ve already rolled up a version of Frosty this year, there’s no stopping you from adding on some friends. Make a snow-cat with some twigs for whiskers and see how many other playful accessories you can add to your sculptures. This is decent exercise too, rather than just vegging out in front of the TV. If you’re one of the fortunate folks who live in Florida, head to the beach together and make a sandman.
Play DJ
If you haven’t hopped aboard the vinyl revival, you can still easily take turns spinning tunes. Bring up your streaming music library and create a 2020 New Year’s Day playlist. Everybody gets a chance, and nobody’s allowed to knock anyone else’s musical selections. This way you get a really eclectic mix. Then, dance around in the living room!
If you’re stumped about entertaining the kids on a snow day, this is the list to check.
Get Artsy
Break out the finger paints, crayons, clay or pastels and get creative. See who can come up with the most unique fantasy animal or monster. Just be sure to lay out a lot of newspaper down first on the kitchen table. Have a crafter in your house? Be sure they’re well-stocked with different construction paper, buttons, feathers and kid-friendly glue and glitter. Find more activities for kids, all inspired by popular smartphone apps.
Read Some Books
If someone doesn’t have a book from the library they’ve been meaning to get to, dig out a classic from the shelf at home. Have the kids load up on their favorites to look at. Check outside and see if your Little Free Library has anything intriguing. To encourage quiet time, see if you can make it a contest. Who can go the longest without saying anything? The winner gets to pick out a new book later that week.
Make a Fort
There’s nothing cozier and simpler than getting big heavy comforters and blankets to drape over a few chairs and crawling inside with a few pillows. Bring some age-appropriate card games like Old Maid, Go Fish or Uno. If it’s hard to see, make it more exciting with a flashlight. This activity may even encourage everyone to curl up for a nice afternoon nap.
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Colleen DuVall