Keeping Kids Entertained This Holiday Break
Children are now on holiday break! What are your plans? If you are not going out of town to visit friends or family during the break, here are a few ideas to stay entertained at home or in the Tulsa area!
Crafting at home
I recently searched online and found thin wooden ornaments that are perfect for kids to decorate. Isabelle has enjoyed using a combination of markers and stickers to make some for the small tree in her bedroom. We found some fun, themed stickers online from Taylor Swift, to cat and dog memes, and Star Wars! When we have more time in the coming days, I’ll see if she’s interested in painting some of these as well.
Another online find was decorate-your-own-frame. I love the idea of keeping creativity moving and reducing screen time during break, so we plan to do lots of these types of activities.
The ornaments and frames can be year-round decorations if Isabelle wants (perhaps not all of them)! A 60-pack of the wooden ornaments costs $12 on Amazon. I purchased them while out of town, but I do highly recommend checking with a local craft supply place first.
Gingerbread houses are always a win as well! Isabelle has done one at her grandma’s house. There are the “old-fashioned” style of kit where you can build the house entirely or pre-made houses where all you have to do is add decorations. There are Sour Patch Kids kits, Oreo kits, and many others to select from. Why didn’t they have these cool ones when I was a kid? Not fair!
Exploring local light displays
There are many light displays to check out – some of which are entirely free! Check out this list from TulsaKids of places to go in the Tulsa area. A favorite of mine from my childhood until now is Rhema. We went this year, and I am certain there were more lights than ever! There were also more opportunities to get snacks and refreshments than before. It is a place people of all ages flock to year after year. When both toddlers and teens are having fun, you know it is a win! Our family loves Rhema because it offers a walk-through and drive-through experience. Rhema is free, but there are opportunities to donate while there as well.
We started our Christmas light journey right after Thanksgiving. Last week I wrote about how much we loved the drive through experience at The Castle of Muskogee. This week, we plan to head to the Philbrook Festival.
Experiencing holiday shows
It is not too late to catch a holiday-themed performance if you are looking for a paid experience. The last day to catch Tulsa Ballet’s The Nutcracker is December 23. From the professionals to the children that dance as part of the cast, everyone brings the story to life. Add to this the orchestra, lights, and incredible sets, and what you have is a phenomenal experience. The Nutcracker has been a tradition for many years here in Tulsa. Some members of the audience performed in The Nutcracker as children and are now watching young members of their families perform. It is a vibrant show that entertains all ages.
Though our family has not yet been, I have heard wonderful things about American Theater Company’s A Christmas Carol. The show has been around for over 46 years and is an entertaining family musical. If your children love the story and perhaps have seen a movie version, consider taking them to see the play! The message behind the story is timeless and worthy of taking in every year.
These are just two of the holiday shows and performances taking place this week around the Tulsa area. The Tulsa community and surrounding area is vibrant when it comes to the arts, so ask around and you will get many recommendations on where to go and what to see!
