The winter season is here! It’s cold outside, and the kids are out of school or taking a break from homeschooling. While cozying up with cocoa and a good movie is always a win, why not bring the magic of theatre into your home?
Theatre activities for kids are a fantastic way to spark creativity, burn off some energy, connect and create memories together. Theatre is also a great way to introduce play based learning for younger members of the family.
I vividly remember being a kid, memorizing The Night Before Christmas. I had my brother and cousin join in as performers while I recited the poem for our family. It was such a special moment!
Here are some engaging theatre-inspired ideas to try inside this holiday break:
1. Create a Living Room Stage
Transform your living room (or any space) into a theatre! Use a blanket or curtain as a stage backdrop, and let the kids decorate with string lights or paper stars. Encourage them to come up with a short play, skit, or even a song-and-dance number. Add costumes from old clothes, scarves, and hats for extra flair.
As a kid I would make a section that was for the audience and a clear space for the performers. If your kiddos decide to put on a show you could also have your little performers create tickets or programs for their performance.
The easiest way for performers to create a show is to use a story that they already know and add their own twist to it. Fairy tales are great because most kids are familiar with them.
You can challenge your perfomers to add a winter twist to their show.
For example what if Little Red Riding Hood was going to visit Frosty the snowman instead of Grandma?
Or instead of the Three Little Pigs it is the Three Little Elves.
Pro Tip: Use a flashlight as a spotlight to add a bit of drama to their performance. Turn the lights down low and see where their imagination takes them.
2. Host a Family Improv Night
Improv games are perfect for all ages and require zero prep. Start with classics like:
a) Yes And” where each person builds on the previous person's idea. It is a great way to show there is no right or wrong answer and everyone has to work together.
One person starts with "Hey remember the time we... then they fill in the blanks and make up a story like -Hey remember the time we went on a walk to the North Pole and ended up at Santa's workshop...
The next person says "Yes and... then they fill in the blanks like then we saw the reindeer trying to run away so we caught them.
The story continues for as long as you like. Then you can start another one
or try
b) “Props,” where random household items become part of an imaginary scene. You could use holiday themed props to make this have a holiday twist.
c) If you’re feeling adventurous, you could create your own holiday-themed scenarios:
You find the magical sleigh broke down
A snowman is stuck in the house
An elf goes to school
The reindeers want a new job
Santa goes on vacation
—and let the magic happen
4. Musical Theatre Sing-Along
Bring the Broadway experience to your home by hosting a family sing-along. Pick your favorite musical numbers from classics like The Sound of Music or more modern hits like Frozen and Encanto. Don’t forget to add some choreography! This activity is sure to get everyone singing, laughing, and moving.
If you wanted to add a twist you could sing a song you all know but in a different style or by a specific character.
For example sing Frosty the snowman in a high pitched voice, or angry or like it is a lullaby or a country version.
5. Winter Charades or winter scenes
Start with writing down a list of things that remind you of winter. (Snow ball fight, skating, building a snowman)
Then take turns playing charades (you can not talk) you have to act the different things out and have everyone guess.
Put a theatrical twist on charades by acting out scenes or characters from plays, movies, or books. Write down ideas on slips of paper (or let a random generator online choose for you) and take turns performing. The sillier the better!
6. Winter Storytelling Circle
Gather everyone in a circle and create a collaborative story.
Start with one sentence, then pass it to the next person to continue. If you want to make this harder have everyone only say one word for the story.
For extra fun, tell it as if it’s a monologue from a dramatic play.
Encourage accents, over-the-top expressions, and lots of imagination.
You could also create a monologue instead of a story for example what would Santa say at the end of his very busy night.
7. Record Your Own Radio Play
Write a script (or adapt a favorite story) and record it as a radio play. Use kitchen items for sound effects—crinkling foil for a fire crackling, tapping on glasses for jingling bells, or stomping on the floor for reindeer hooves. Most phone have a recording option so you could have a lot of fun creating your radio play.
This is a great option for any performers who may not want to stand up in front of everyone to perform.
Share your recording with friends and family!
Why Theatre Activities?
Theatre isn’t just fun; it’s a powerful way to boost creativity, teamwork, and confidence. Plus, it’s a screen-free way to engage everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. These activities can turn a simple snow day into an unforgettable adventure. The best is when everyone is playing along and creating together.
So, this holiday break, let your imagination take center stage. Break a leg, and have fun creating your very own at-home theatre magic!
PS Here is a little video of Miss CC leading you through a Reindeer Dance Freeze!~
Comments