31 Days of Fun
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.
- Feed the birds! Spread nut butter on a pinecone and roll in bird seed. Attach yarn and hang from a tree.
- Tell a joke. Challenge the family to each tell their best joke and then 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! Many rec and community centers have an indoor pool. 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.
- Visit a local library. Most have daily programs or special events. While there, find a new title to enjoy.
- Make a hot cocoa bar. Make hot chocolate and let everyone add in extras. Ideas include: marshmallows, whipped cream, candies and more.
- Have a pizza night! Make your own at home or pick one up! Try one from a new restaurant and discover a new fave.
- 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 PJs. 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 idea, 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 and 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. Need inspiration? Visit KCGoingPlaces.com.
- Pop popcorn. It’s National Popcorn Day. Pop up a batch of and get creative by adding toppings.
- 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 finished, collect 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.
- Play a word game. Find a crossword puzzle or seek and find (or print one up) and solve as a family.
- De-clutter. Choose one junk drawer and dump it out. Ask kids to take what is theirs, keep what you need and pitch the rest.
- Do a puzzle. Dust off a puzzle that 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 results at dinner.
- Play family trivia. Have everyone write down five family trivia questions and then gather together 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.
- 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 and watch it grow!