Indoor or out, there are plenty of activities to keep your family busy in the new year!

A new year and a new month are just around the corner. If you’ve resolved to find amazing new adventures with your kids, we’ve got ideas—one for each day of the month, in fact. In between your snowy sledding adventures and your busy back-to-school schedules, try one of these family activities that’s anything but boring.

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1. Celebrate the New Year at a National Park (psst…entrance fees are waived on January 16 because it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day). These popular parks have the outdoor bells and whistles families love or try a little-known park for a change of scenery.

2. Looking for other ways to celebrate 2023’s arrival with the kids? We’ve got family friendly ideas you can do at home.

3. Ditch your family’s New Year’s resolutions for new routines, instead. It’s a great way for kids (and parents!) to set and keep goals all year long.

4. Break out winter activity sheets for a quick family activity during the witching hour.

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5. Get your kiddos ready to head back to the classroom after a long winter break with memory games they’ll love.

6. If ever there was a time to make a family time capsule, it's now.

7. If an art cabinet clean-up is one of your New Year's resolutions, here’s how you and the kids can use old crayons to make stunning art.

8. If you ask us, January should be all about soups and stews that are super-easy to make.

Related: 100+ Indoor Activities to Do with the Kids

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9. Because popcorn should have its own day, try one of these creative recipes on National Popcorn Day (January 19).

10. Is your milk magic? It’s a question worth asking and answering with a simple science experiment.

11. Set the kids up for success with a cool, new alarm clock that’ll get them going in the morning…so you don’t have to (we hope).

12. Celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King when you sit down to learn fascinating facts about his life and work.

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13. Got sled? Then you’ve got what you need to tackle the snow this season. Don’t forget warm boots!

14. What better way to turn the page on a new year than with this adorable handprint calendar kids can make themselves?

15. Firefighters of all ages will love this easy-to-build fire station you can make together.

16. Make jewelry out of food? We’ve gotta know more!

 

Related: 28 Indoor Games Perfect for Cold Weather Days

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17. We’re pretty sure you can fit all your royal subjects in this castle that’s made from cardboard.

18. Whether you’ve got enough snow on the ground to build a whole snow family (or you’re just dreaming of winter’s favorite frozen stuff), these snowman snacks will make kids smile.

19. Put those leftover gingerbread house gumdrops to good use in a science experiment.

20. These ice-themed activities will help kids chill out this month.

ghost stories for kids
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21. Hide-and-seek is so 2022. This year, play sniff-and-seek with your crew instead.

22. It may be 2023, but there’s still time to read one of the best books of 2022.

23. Celebrate National Thesaurus Day on January 18 with word games even parents will appreciate.

24. Decorate the dollhouse of your dreams with these tiny furniture pieces you craft yourself.

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25. Sit down to a night of family trivia.

26. Make 2023 your year to (finally) get organized.

27. Write a mad-lib style fairy tale that’s as silly as your kids

28. Because January and cabin fever are pretty much synonymous, we’ve got 14 ways to ward it off.

Related: 60+ Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

 

Til Jentzch via unsplash

29. Three words: Snowflake. Science. Experiments.

30. Check out these kid’s room decorating trends for some updated ideas.

31. Turn up the volume on playtime when you transform Solo cups into a speaker system for your kindie tunes playlist.

 

We all know that craft making with kids is a great way to foster creativity. But instead of going out and getting all the materials by yourself, why not include the kids in the buying process? If you’re imagining a disaster scenario involving spilled paint and marked up walls at the store, fear not! We’ve got the scoop on which art and crafts stores provide kid-friendly experiences. These San Diego stores make selecting the supplies almost as much fun as the project itself!

Photo Credit: Anthony F. via Yelp

Paper Tales
This paper and craft boutique in the heart of Point Loma is packed with a huge assortment of the finest stamps, scrapbooking papers, paints, and other delightful supplies. Kids will love the shabby chic décor and sparkly trinkets sprinkled throughout the store. And the adorable play area is sure to occupy the rowdiest of toddlers. There are blocks, a play kitchen and a chalkboard table for kiddos to get creative with and gain inspiration for their next project. Keep an eye out for their fun events and classes, too!

3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
619-222-2610
Online: papertales.com

Photo Credit: Carmen V. via Yelp

Artist and Craftsman Supply
The selection at this friendly, Hillcrest arts and crafts store is vast. But before you get overwhelmed, just stick to the front of the store and you’ll find everything you need to have a fabulous craft day. This section has all kinds of items for making creative projects with kids. Kiddos can have their pick of paints, glitter glue, 3D sidewalk chalk, paper mache animals, and craft boxes. You’ll have a hard time pulling them away from all the stickers, temporary tattoos, rubber animals, and even a decent variety of toys and fun socks. Little ones will love the bright and colorful floor!

3804 4th Ave.
San Diego, Ca
619-688-1911
Online: artistcraftsman.com

Photo Credit: Beads and More Facebook Page

Beads and More
Got kids who love making jewelry? Take them to Beads and More, located half a block from the sand in Pacific Beach. If they’re beginners, the helpful staff can point them in the right direction with an impressive selection of beads, perfect for making necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to come with your kids and hang out for a while. There are tables set up at the back of the store where they can make jewelry, and also toys for small children to keep them occupied. Ask about classes and birthday parties!

4150 Mission Blvd. Ste 111
San Diego, Ca
858-483-4190
Online: sandiegobeads.com

Photo Credit: Art FORM website

Art FORM
Art FORM is a non- profit organization that provides arts education to schools and the community for little or no cost. By making recycled materials accessible for projects, kids can learn ingenuity and creative problem solving. The Creative Reuse Store is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is where kids can shop for clean, reusable scrap materials. Most items can be purchased for a low cost donation of $1, $2, $5 or $10. Expect to find materials such as fabric, paper, plastic, foam sheets and more. They also accept donations, so gather up those items your kiddos are no longer using and donate them to a good cause.

3316 Adams Ave. Suite B
San Diego, Ca
619-795-0013
Online: artformsandiego.org

Where do you like to take your kids for arts and crafts supplies? Let us know in the comments!

— Marissa Mullen

What’s more exciting than cracking open a box of chocolates? Partying with the whole family! (And then cracking open a box of chocolates.) Get your little loves in on the Valentine’s Day action by celebrating at joyful themed events. You’ll have a blast with heart-themed crafts, twirls across the dance floor, mountains of treats and much, much more. Scroll down for the sweetest happenings around town.

photo: Sod Room / TK Photography

CRAFTY CELEBRATIONS 

XOXO Valentine Playdate
Spend a glorious morning indulging your sweet tooth at the sweets table and playing alongside your cuties at Sod Room. Local artist Nora Balayti will be on hand to create a one-of-a-kind cartoon valentine of your little ones and TK Photography will host a pop-up studio to capture the love.

Sunday, February 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
$20 per adult & 1 child, $15 each additional child, $6 each additional adult
Sod Room
1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor
South Loop
312-922-3131
Online: sodroom.com

Make a Vase Party
Flowers are an essential ingredient in a perfect Valentine’s Day, so spend a special afternoon at the North Side art studio making a clay bud vase to house your sweet-smelling treat.

Sunday, February 1, 2-4 p.m.
$25 members, $30 non-members
Lillstreet Art Center
4401 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Ravenswood
773-769-4226
Online: lillstreet.com

Valentine’s Day Tea & Play Party
Come with pinkies up for a dazzling tea party accompanied by craft activities, cookie decorating, Valentine crafting and plenty of opportunities for exploration in Little Beans Cafe’s mini city-themed playspace.

Friday, February 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
$15 per child
Little Beans Cafe
1809 W. Webster Ave.
Lincoln Park
773-251-1025
Online: littlebeanscafe.com

photo: Purple Monkey Playroom

Valentine’s Day Party With the Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland (a fabulously costumed entertainer from Lookingglass Friends Entertainment) plays host as you craft the night away with ample opportunities for playtime and stories with a side of snacks and pizza.

Friday, February 13, 6-7:30 p.m.
$25 per adult and 1 child, $10 each additional person
Purple Monkey Playroom
2040 N. Western Ave.
Bucktown
773-772-8411
Online: purplemonkeyplayroom.com

Card-Making With Your Dolls
Girls 8 and up are invited to make a date with their American Girl doll creating handmade cards and matching envelopes using stickers and decorative paper.

February 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free
American Girl Place
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Downtown
877-247-5223
Online: americangirl.com

Make-a-Mosaic Party
Pour your heart into creating a truly unique Valentine using handmade grout and fun mosaic elements, make cards and fill your tummies with refreshments. The art pros at Unicoi Art Studio show you how.

Saturday, February 14, 1-3 p.m.
$15 per project
Genesis Creative Center
2525 N. Elston Ave.
Lakeview
773-975-6515
Online: unicoistudio.com

photo: Sweet Mandy B’s 

COOKING EVENTS

Cupcake Decorating Class
Your pint-sized chef will spend an hour learning to prepare and decorate a special Valentine cupcake to take home, show off and gift to their love (or gobble up themselves).

Monday, February 9 & Wednesday, February 11; 10:30-11:30 a.m. (ages 2-3), 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ages 4-10)
$20 per child
Sweet Mandy B’s
1208 W. Webster St.
Lincoln Park
773-244-1174
Online: sweetmandybs.com

Cookie Decorating With a Big Buffet
Spend a day on the farm decorating heart-shaped cookies and hand-crafting Valentine’s Day cards at the Magnolia Bakery. Leave with your cookie beautifully packed, making a perfect gift for a loved one. Come early for breakfast or stay to lunch at the kid-friendly buffet. Fudge, truffles and taffy apples will also be available for purchase.

Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
$3 per card
Lambs Farm
14245 W. Rockland Rd.
Libertyville
847-362-4636
Online: lambsfarm.org

 photo: Facets Multimedia / Rabbit & Deer

MOVIES, STORIES & MORE

Family Film Series: Best Buddies and Sweet Treats
Your little ones are probably still in the love-equals-cooties stage, so join indie movie house Facets Multimedia in celebrating friendship with animated short film stories about furry friends, tangoing cows and sweet cupcakes.

Saturday, February 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Facets Multimedia
1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Lincoln Park
800-331-6197
Online: facets.org

Story Time in the Park
Love bugs ages 3-5 come ready to snuggle for story time, crafting and Valentine card creating. Share in a special sugary treat once the crafting is complete.

Thursday, February 12, 10-11 a.m.
$10 per child
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton
630-260-8162
Online: cantigny.org

photo: I Love Nature Dance @ Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

DANCE PARTIES

I Love Nature! Valentine’s Day Dance
Get your heart racing on the dance floor and enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. There’s also dinner, mocktails and desserts. While you’re there, visit the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven and create Valentine’s Day accessories from green materials.

Saturday, February 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
$20 for children 4-18, $10 for children 3 and under, $40 for adult members, $45 for adult non-members
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Dr.
Lincoln Park
773-755-5100
Online: naturemuseum.org

Enchanted Prince and Princesses Ball
Prince and Princess ages 2-6 from far and wide are invited by royal decree to don their fanciest attire for a night of dancing, games and fun.

Friday, February 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
$15 resident, $22 non-resident
Enchanted Prince and Princess Ball
Woodridge Community Center
2600 The Center Drive
Woodridge
630-353-3300
Online: woodridgeparks.org

Daddy Daughter Dance 
Step out for an evening of daddies and daughters dancing cheek to chest.

Saturday, February 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$10 per person
Sheil Park
3505 N. Southport Ave.
Lakeview
312-742-7826
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

photo: Chicago Park District

Tots Valentine’s Dance With Inflatables
Boys and girls ages 3-5 are invited to dance their sillies out with music, games, inflatables, food and a boatload of fun.

Friday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Free
Skinner Park
1331 W. Monroe St.
West Loop
312-746-5560
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Valentine Disco Bash 
Break out your favorite Saturday Night Fever gear and show baby how to do the hustle. No worries, for those who’ve forgotten how to hustle: Disco lessons will be served up alongside light refreshments.

Saturday, February 14, 3-5 p.m.
$2 per person
Indian Boundary Park
2500 W. Lunt Ave.
West Ridge
773-764-0338
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

 

FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s Be My Valentine Family Event
Get the ball rolling with a brunch buffet, then boogie to tunes from DJ Kareem, rock out with Little Miss Ann, make jewelry, enjoy a mini makeover and play arcade games. It’s family fun for a good cause.

Sun., February 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
$85 per adult, $65/child per child (in advance); $100 per adult, $80 per child (at the door)
The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel
160 E. Pearson St.
Downtown
312-926-7133
Online: lynnsage.com

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Spread the word in the Comments below!

— Maria Barnes