Yes, the schools are closed today because of the winter break. Most states in the U.S. have transitioned to a winter break which typically lasts from around mid-December to the end of the month. However, many stores and businesses are still open and doing their best to operate during these snowy weather conditions. There is still plenty for students to do during these winter break days aside from staying indoors.
Many schools have added additional instruction and activities as a result of the winter break. For example, many universities and colleges are closed today but offer virtual learning tours and additional assignments online. The same is true for most public schools across the country. While the students are out of school, the teachers are more than happy to provide extra tutoring and help outside of the classroom.
Even if you’re not in school, there are still plenty of things for you to do during your winter vacation. Here are just some of the things you can do:
Go To The Mall.
One of the best things about the winter break is the opportunity to go to the mall. Many large malls across the country remain open and offer a variety of activities for the entire family. You can walk, ski, or snowshoe in the mall and often times, there will be specials and deals available for students. In most cases, mall authorities will allow high school students to enter the mall during the day on weekends, even if school is not in session. This is often referred to as “mall walking.”
The mall is a great place to walk, shop, and hang out. It’s also a great place to meet friends. Don’t forget about the food courts and eateries within the malls. Many of these places offer school holiday specials that the whole family can enjoy.
Ski
Another great way for the whole family to enjoy the winter break is to go skiing. It’s an amazing opportunity to get out on the mountain and have some fun. Most ski resorts are open and operating during the winter break, despite the cold temperatures. There are also plenty of schools offering ski school courses and lessons throughout the winter, if you want to learn how to ski or want to improve your existing skills. It’s also a great opportunity to get a little dirty and have some fun in the snow. At the end of the day, what’s more important than spending time with your family and having some fun?
Snowboarding
One of the things people don’t usually think about but should is snowboarding. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that you can’t snowboard. In fact, it’s often a great way to have fun and get some exercise too. Whether you’re an expert or amateurs, you can enjoy this winter sport and be creative with your tricks. Many stores that sell equipment for snowboarding are open during the winter break and offer advice and help for beginners. Don’t forget about the cornices, the thick sheets of snow which builders often use to protect the roof of a building. You can build a snowman or a snow woman and add some extra snowballs to the mix. It’s a great way to have fun and build a snow sculpture!
Ice Skating
Not only does the ice provide a safe and icy surface for you to skate on, but it also offers a beautiful view. Many large cities have outdoor ice rinks and hobo use them during the winter to practice their craft. You can also take your skate practice indoors and set up an ice rink in your home. The ice skating season continues through March, so there’s still plenty of time to practice.
Sledging/Nordic Skiing
Another great way to enjoy the winter break is sledging. Just like with the other activities mentioned so far, this one depends on where you live. If you have access to a large, open field, you can strap on your sled and hit the trails. There are also many parks and beaches across the country where you can take your dog for a walk and let him run around while you and your partner ski down the mountain. The great thing about this one is that it allows you to enjoy the snow without having to rely on other people. It also gives you and your dog an opportunity to bond and enjoy the winter season together.
Visit Museums And Attractions
Museums and cultural attractions are a great way to pass the time during the winter break. It doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to visit these places. Many towns and cities will hold exhibitions and events that you can enjoy for free. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to visit a museum either. Many museums offer free days and/or hours during the week and some have various schemes and discounts for students and seniors. Many cultural attractions will give you an insight into the local history and culture. You can also use this time to research and learn more about the area’s famous natives, inventors, scientists, etc.
Stay At Home
There are also a lot of things schools and families can do at home to have some fun during the winter break. You can set up a movie night with your family and watch the greatest movies ever made or you can play board games, do card tricks, or even play trivia games. The great thing about these activities is that they don’t require a lot of space and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Families can also get creative and make their own movies or play games together. Doing these activities at home gives you an opportunity to bond with your family and have some fun during these tough times. Also, many of these activities can be done on a computer, which means that even remote family members can participate. This makes things much easier for families with minimal internet access and computing skills. Finally, making movies or playing games can be a great way to develop creative and strategic thinking as well as team work and problem solving skills.
There are still some locations that are open and operating during the winter break. However, as we’ve established, not all is well. Many businesses and schools have closed down and gone on hiatus. When this happens, it means that there won’t be any work or classes available for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, there are still plenty of things you can do during the winter break to have fun and stay active. Hopefully, your family will be able to enjoy some quality time together and get some rest during these tough times. Even if you can’t get away from the snow, at least you’ll have memories to look back on.