We are going to a museum( a lesser known Smithsonian), going to the movies, having a family game marathon, and cooking together. Also going hiking and cleaning out the basement. Rest of the time they are free to be on their screens or whatever, as it is a vacation.

Movies, game store to spend gift certificate, made him go to the gym with me this morning, board games, books (bought some high adventure books for Christmas).

It's hard to pry them from the screen even with a lot of fun plans.

Screens. And yardwork.

This week:

Made Christmas cookies with mom
Helped deliver said cookies around the neighborhood
Skating party with friends
Escape room and dinner with friends from previous school
Movie and dinner with a few families
Helping take down Christmas decorations
Worked on a school project
Read for at least 1 hr/day
Helped organize media room, including re-routing/labeling cables
Learned to make a simple dinner (baked chicken, rice, and broccoli)
Played board games (Apples to Apples, Mastermind, Chess)
Walked to the library to get new books
Helped neighbor take down Christmas decorations
Raked leaves for extra cash
Researched where they wanted to donate money (which cause, which organization, and why and verbally present it to us.)
Sorted through closet/dresser for clothes that are too small and don't fit and bag them for donation.

This still is leaving ample opportunities for screen time.

played bingo with cash prizes last night.
played Heads Up
decorated cookies
play cards
Played other board games
Got a new edition of Smart Ass
Nearby hike
Played a fun gift swapping game
Watched football and a few Christmas movies

Anonymous wrote:Risk, Chess, Cribbage, and other games.

Board games here too. I’m kind of surprised how much they have enjoyed the games from my childhood. I was coming here to ask for more suggestions.

Risk, Chess, Cribbage, and other games.

Anonymous wrote:My teens are doing

a bit of volunteering

each have a couple of school projects

several movies

today they went to the park to ride electric scooters since it was nice out

bowling

see a few friends

then a lot of screen time but at least there are a few other things mixed in

Electric scooters suck for burning off energy. Zero cardio involved

We are trying to limit screens over Christmas Break to 1 hr a day. This list has been really helpful (printed and on our fridge):

-http://www.screenfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/101-Screen-Free-Activities.pdf

-also the TV is on, but set to the music channel

I *think* my kids are nicer to each other with less TV (or at least they're not arguing about who picked what show/trying to negotiate more screen time time with me)

Good luck!

My teens are doing

a bit of volunteering

each have a couple of school projects

several movies

today they went to the park to ride electric scooters since it was nice out

bowling

see a few friends

then a lot of screen time but at least there are a few other things mixed in

Anonymous wrote:This would be my 13 yr old DS. He goes to math tutoring 2-3 times a week but other than that, we don't have plans. I was thinking about a day trip to Philly or Baltimore. Maybe the movies or ice skating.

Yes. I like the idea of ice skating at the sculpture garden or I even heard about a new place at the Watergate. What to do in Baltimore?

This would be my 13 yr old DS. He goes to math tutoring 2-3 times a week but other than that, we don't have plans. I was thinking about a day trip to Philly or Baltimore. Maybe the movies or ice skating.

Puzzles
Gym
Reading

Though we are traveling for part of the break.

How old are they?

Movies
Ice skating
Hiking
Baking

I can already see it...2 weeks of break and little to no movement outside the house. We dont have any trips planned and I’m home with them all break. Most of their friends are traveling. Gone are the days when I could take them in my arms to the IKEA playground while I shopped and they got some social interaction. ? If I left them alone they would just stare at screens. What are you doing with your teens this break?