BMG: Family Winter Activities

Family Winter Activities

Holiday Lights Tour

Let everyone put on their jammies, make a jar of hot chocolate to go, and load up the car! Drive around town to see the holiday lights and see what you can discover through Benicia’s neighborhoods (no need to map ahead of time). Turn it into a Scavenger Hunt and look for Santa, Reindeer, Snowflakes, etc.

Gratitude Garland

A simple craft where families can DIY paper snowflakes and write things they are grateful for and then string them and/or hang them around the house.

Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup warm water
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Cookie cutter

(a circle, heart, or star shape works well)

Straw (for making the hole)
Acrylic paints and brushes
Ribbon or twine

Mix flour, salt and water to make dough. Roll out to about 1/4″ thick with rolling pin, adding more flour as necessary. Let the kiddos place their hands firmly in the dough and use a cookie cutter or freehand around their print. Use a straw to cut a hole for hanging. Bake in a 250 degree oven for 2 hours, or until completely hard. Once cooled, paint and decorate, and add your ribbon for hanging.

These salt dough ornaments are easy, budget-friendly, and meaningful. Each year, families can add to their collection and see how those little handprints grow!

Hot Cocoa Bar at Home

A cozy and creative way to bring family and friends together.

Choose a Cozy Spot
Set Up the Hot Cocoa Base (white, dark, or milk cocoa)
Add the Toppings (Marshmallows: Mini, flavored, or even large marshmallows for extra fun; Whipped Cream; Chocolate Chips & Shavings; Peppermint Crunch; Cinnamon Sticks; Caramel & Chocolate Syrups; Sprinkles)
Include Flavor Mix-Ins (Vanilla Extract; Peppermint Extract; Espresso Powder)
Fun Add-Ons (Dipped Spoons; Cookies or Biscotti)
Make It a Family Affair. Use paper cups and let kids decorate their mugs with with markers and stickers. You can also turn the hot cocoa bar into a DIY activity by letting everyone build their dream cocoa and vote on the most creative combination.