Don’t let the short days get you down! Below are fun ideas for every day in January.
- Happy New Year! Play a new card or board game with the family. Stop by Mission: Board Games to try a new game for free or maybe buy a new one.
- Feed the birds! Spread nut butter on a pinecone and roll in birdseed. Attach yarn and hang from a tree.
- Tell a joke. Challenge family members to tell their best joke and vote on the funniest.
- Start a journal. Have each family member write down three things they are grateful for.
- Go for a walk! It’s tempting to stay inside where it’s warm, but bundle up and take a stroll around the block.
- Go swimming! Try an indoor pool at the Lenexa Rec Center, Merriam Community Center, Matt Ross Community Center or one of the many other local options. Spend the day splashing and you’ll forget about the cold.
- Take down decorations. Enlist the family’s help to take down all of the holiday decorations. Be sure to organize as you put away.
- Enjoy a dance party! Take turns choosing songs and get up and dance along to the beat. We love to dance to Danny Go! videos to burn off the winter energy.
- Visit a local library. Most have daily programs or special events. While there, find a new title to enjoy.
- Create a hot cocoa bar. Make hot chocolate and letting everyone add in extras. Ideas include marshmallows, whipped cream, candies and more.
- Have a pizza night! Pick one up or make your own — our favorite is topping Minsky’s dough at home and baking it fresh!
- Write a note. Choose a few people like neighbors, teachers or friends and write them a note “just because.” It will brighten someone’s day.
- Stay in your pajamas. Clear the calendar and spend the day in jammies. Pop in a movie and spend a relaxing day with the family.
- Get creative. Buy a canvas for everyone, get out some paints and let those creative juices flow.
- Set up a yogurt bar. For a fun after-school snack, give kids a bowl of yogurt and set out toppings like granola, coconut, fruit and more.
- Learn a magic trick. Have everyone learn one magic trick, then put on a show for each other.
- Have an indoor picnic. Spread out a blanket and pack yummy foods. Bonus: No insects!
- Explore someplace new. Find somewhere you haven’t been and check it out.
- Pop popcorn. It’s National Popcorn Day, so get creative by adding toppings. Or stop by Topsy’s to try a unique flavor!
- Volunteer at a food bank. There is always a need. Check out Harvesters.org for opportunities to help all year long.
- Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Make a list and head out to look for things like an icicle, smoke from a chimney, a bird, etc.
- Have a snowball fight. No snow? No problem. Give everyone a box of tissues, wad them up and launch away! When you’re finished, collect the tissues to use as packing material.
- Make a list. Summer will be here before we know it. Start your family’s summer bucket list and dream of warmer days. Check out Regan Lyons’ article “What’s New in 2026?” to see what you have to look forward to this year!
- Play a word game. Find a crossword puzzle or word search (or print one up) and solve it as a family.
- Declutter. Choose one junk drawer and dump it out. Ask kids to take what is theirs, then keep what you need and pitch the rest.
- Do a puzzle. Dust off a puzzle you’ve been meaning to start and get everyone together for a puzzle night.
- Give a compliment. Challenge each family member to give three compliments throughout the day. Discuss the results at dinner.
- Play family trivia. Have everyone write down five family trivia questions, then gather for a trivia contest.
- Count change. Empty out the piggy bank or change drawer and add up how much you’ve saved. Take some of the change and get an ice cream treat from Sylas and Maddy’s!
- Snack for dinner. My kids love a small-bites meal. Make everyone’s favorite appetizers and create a fun dinner buffet.
- Grow a plant. Buy a pot, soil and some seeds and plant an indoor plant. Take turns watering it and watch it grow!