5 Values-Based Family Activities for the Holidays
Looking for ways to keep your kids meaningfully engaged this holiday without resorting to screens or overstimulating outings?
These five values-based ideas are easy to adapt for different ages and support needs.
Each activity includes age-appropriate suggestions and tips for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, so you can tailor the experience to fit your family.
1. The Curious Explorer
Spark your child’s observation skills and love for the world around them.
Head outdoors and explore your neighbourhood together. Go slow. Take notice. Let your child take the lead in discovering the little details they might usually overlook.
Ages 3–6: Spot 5 colours, animals, or plants
Ages 7–12: Look for unique buildings, signs, or natural features
Ages 13–18: Capture the most interesting photo of the day
Tips for Success:
Neurotypical: Model being curious by asking simple “I wonder…” questions, or pointing out your own observations
Neurodivergent: Bring sensory tools, follow their pace, choose quieter routes
2. The Nice Neighbour
Nurture empathy, gratitude, and connection through small acts of kindness.
Helping others helps children feel purposeful and valued. These activities also teach them about community and compassion, powerful lessons that go beyond the holidays.
Ages 3–6: Pack small treats or draw kind notes for neighbours
Ages 7–12: Prepare items for donation or create care packages
Ages 13–18: Volunteer with a local charity or community initiative
Tips for Success:
Neurotypical: Talk about what others might feel with these acts of kindness, how these acts help others
Neurodivergent: Use visuals and short social stories, choose calm and predictable environments
3. The Dream Team
Boost communication, cooperation, and confidence through shared activities.
Teamwork helps children build trust, learn turn-taking, and appreciate each other’s strengths. Choose a task or game where your child can succeed and feel part of something.
Ages 3–6: Matching games or turn-taking toys
Ages 7–12: Bake or cook something simple together
Ages 13–18: Strategy games, escape rooms, or let them lead a board game session
Tips for Success:
Neurotypical: Celebrate teamwork, effort, and learning in the process, not winning or perfection
Neurodivergent: Use visual rules, allow extra processing time, avoid overstimulating games
4. The Cosy Corner
Create a calm, personalised space to regulate emotions and recharge.
Whether your child needs to cool down from a meltdown or just take a sensory break, having a cosy corner or regulation kit can be a game-changer.
Ages 3–6: Stickers, stuffed toys, sensory bins, or crayons
Ages 7–12: Craft kits, colouring books, stress balls, puzzles
Ages 13–18: Journaling, digital art, music playlists, guided breathing apps
Tips for Success:
Neurotypical: Introduce rest or cooling down as “recharge time”
Neurodivergent: Let them choose what feels soothing; keep it accessible and predictable, and let them use it to transition to the next activity
5. The Reflective Detective
Support emotional awareness, self-esteem, and resilience with simple reflections.
Reflection helps children process their day and build a stronger sense of identity. Make it part of your bedtime routine or wind-down time.
Try sharing one of each:
A fun moment
A challenge
Something learned
Something to be grateful for
Tips for Success:
Neurotypical: If your children aren’t used to reflective time, start by offering your own reflections more often – children need time to learn the language
Neurodivergent: Offer sentence starters, drawing options, or reflection cards
Final Thought
You don’t need to plan a perfect holiday.
Just one meaningful moment a day, shared, supported, and intentional, can help your child feel calm, capable, and connected.
Start with one activity that suits your family’s pace, and build from there.
If you found these holiday ideas helpful, you may also enjoy our guides on play-based learning, supporting children through anxiety, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience. These resources offer simple, practical ways to nurture your child’s growth throughout the year.
