10 ways to entertain kids during Twixtmas

Twixtmas.

That limbo of time between Christmas and New Year when the presents have been opened, the guests have gone home and everyone’s starting to go a little bit stir crazy (Twixtmas is actually a word by the way – it’s currently under review by Collins Dictionary).

There might be presents to play with and toys to build, but if you’re anything like us the chances are everyone could benefit from doing something…else.

What with random bank holidays, shops operating funny opening hours and chilly weather, what can you do if everyone’s in danger of climbing the walls?

1. Go on a Twixtmas break. “Get a last-minute deal and go away for a couple of days – we went to Alton Towers this way and it was amazing!” says Star at Autism Kids On Tour.

2. Visit a National Trust property. “We like to wrap up warm and visit one of our local National Trust properties for a winter walk, and then back for hot chocolate to warm up,” says Lucy at Momma Mack. To find your nearest National Trust property click here.

3. Make fake snow. “To make the snow I use flour and salt and sugar. This makes it nice and soft and fluffy but also a little sparkly and shiny,” says Jennie at Edspire. “The snow is appealing to touch and to look at but not too tempting to eat.” You can find Jennie’s recipe for sensory snow here.

4. Bake with Christmas left overs. “It’s a fun family activity too,” says Debbie at My Boys Club, whose recipes include cranberry & brie pizza swirls. Yum.

5. Visit a local museum. “Many museums offer family activities over the holidays,” says Jenni at The Bear & The Fox. “The National Museum of Scotland (our local) always has an art competition on between Christmas and New Year, so we’ll be going along with the kids to draw something for that.”

6. Go on a winter walk. “Lots of long walks are a great idea to blow the cobwebs away and get some fresh air,” says Fran at Back With A Bump. “I always tend to go a bit stir crazy being cooped up indoors with the kids and a nice long walk is always a nice way to break up the day and helps burn off some of the indulgences too!”

7. Go geocaching. Think treasure hunting by GPS using specific co-ordinates. “Download the app and discover the ones near you!” says Megan at Truly Madly Kids.

8. Take a road trip. “We’re not very near to the beach so we like to add that as a fun day out that’s a bit special,” says Kirsty at Get Kids Outside! “It clears the cobwebs, gets the kids active and is something to look forward to as well.”

9. Start a big puzzle. “It’s good for some indoor (quiet-ish) time that doesn’t involve screens for once!” says Hayley at Devon Mama.

10. Swap kids. “When we have our kids’ friends around, it keeps them occupied and it gives them a chance to show off their new toys. When they go back to their friend’s house, we get some peace and quiet!” says Pete at Household Money Saving. I like the idea of this one!

How do you keep the kids entertained during Twixtmas? If you’ve got any bright ideas I’d love to hear them!