For winter break, plan one short creative activity a day and let the rest of the day be free. A drawing lesson, a family art project or a snow day challenge gives kids something to look forward to, keeps skills fresh while they’re off school, and gives everyone a screen-free break. Here’s a simple two-week plan and lots of ideas.
Why plan anything?
Winter break is long, often cold, and kids are used to the structure of school. Without any rhythm, days can turn into hours of screens and short tempers. One planned activity a day, about 20 to 30 minutes, is enough to anchor the day without making it feel like school. See screen-free activities for kids.
A two-week drawing plan
Week 1: holidays
- Monday: Draw a snowman, step by step.
- Tuesday: Make homemade holiday cards.
- Wednesday: Draw your dream present.
- Thursday: Paper ornaments or gift tags.
- Friday: A winter animal: penguin, polar bear or owl.
Week 2: cozy and creative
- Monday: Draw a snow day comic. See make a comic with kids.
- Tuesday: A baby animal in a scarf.
- Wednesday: Invent a snow monster.
- Thursday: Draw your New Year’s wishes.
- Friday: Family art show of the best drawings. See host an art show at home.
Snow day ideas
- Draw the view. What does the window look like with snow?
- Snow creature. Invent a creature that lives only in snow.
- Snowman makeover. Draw five snowmen, each with a different job.
- Hot cocoa break. Draw while you warm up after playing outside.
Family art projects
- One theme, every age. Pick one book theme and give each child the right format: Trace Then Color for ages 3 and up, How to Draw for 5 and up and Draw by Grid for older kids. See drawing with mixed ages.
- A New Year’s poster. Everyone draws one thing they want to do this year.
- Thank-you cards. Kids draw thank-you notes for gifts they received. It’s a lovely habit.
Quiet afternoons
After busy family days, kids often need calm. A drawing book and some music is a perfect quiet activity. See quiet time activities and calming drawing activities.
Travel days
If you’re visiting family, pack a small drawing kit: a book, pencils, a pencil sharpener and a few crayons. See road trip activities for kids.
Keep it light
Skip the pressure. If kids want to spend the whole break drawing one character, that’s fine. See my child only draws one thing.
Tip: Wrap a drawing book as a “first day of break” present. It sets the tone for a creative two weeks.
The book that helps
A holiday book for the first week and a cozy animal book for the second gives kids a fresh lesson every day of the break.
How to Draw: Christmas
How to Draw: Baby Animals
Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon AnimalsAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
What can kids do over winter break?
One short daily activity, like a drawing lesson, a family art project or a snow day challenge, plus plenty of free play and outdoor time.
How do I keep kids busy over winter break without screens?
Set up a drawing station, plan one creative activity a day, and keep a few new books, puzzles and craft supplies for quiet afternoons.
What are good winter drawing ideas for kids?
Snowmen, penguins, polar bears, snow monsters, the view from the window on a snow day and a New Year’s wish poster.