Creative Ways to Play & Connect This Holiday

With kids home and energy high, here are some simple, screen-light, connection-rich ideas to spark play while you cook, clean, host, or unwind:

1. The 5-Minute Play Challenge

Ask kids to create a mini skit using three random household objects. Set a timer for five minutes and let them perform it for the family.

2. Mystery Scent Guessing Game

Use cinnamon, vanilla, an orange peel, and up to 3 spice jars — let kids smell (eyes closed!) and guess the scent(s).

3. Create-a-Turkey Craft

Give them paper, markers, pom-poms, scraps, tape — let them design the “most unique turkey ever.”
Bonus: host a family turkey parade.

4. Kitchen Dance Breaks

Pick a song, crank it up, and take 60 seconds to dance like your funniest self. Adults included!

5. Gratitude Doodles

Instead of writing what they’re grateful for, have kids draw it.
Tape the doodles to your fridge/wall and build a “Thankful Gallery.”

6. Holiday Carol Practice

Playcrafter Kids’ Annual Holiday Caroling is coming up on Dec. 6! Let kids pick a favorite song to “rehearse” for Old Town. You can find karaoke tracks on YouTube and other music platforms.

7. For Littles: Sensory Scooping Station

Fill a semi-deep bin with rice, scoops, cups, and a few seasonal items (pom poms, leaves, pinecones, mini pumpkins).
Guaranteed 20–30 minutes of focused play.