Engaging Activities to Make Reading Fun This Winter Break

Winter break is a chance for kids to relax and recharge, but it can also lead to a drop in reading habits. Without school routines, many children lose momentum in their reading skills -- especially kids who may be struggling readers or have dyslexia.  And when reading feels like a chore, it’s easy for kids to lose interest.

However, with the right activities, reading can become an exciting adventure that supports reading success while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Here are some fun and effective ways to encourage reading over the winter break.

Create a Cozy Reading Space

A special spot dedicated to reading can make a big difference.  When kids have a cozy nook, reading feels like a treat rather than a chore. Choose a quiet corner with good lighting and add comfy pillows, blankets, and a basket of reading materials.

Choose Books That Match Interests and Reading Levels

Winter break is a time for enjoyment, so avoid pressuring kids to read only educational material. Let them choose books that entertain and inspire. Offer a variety of genres and formats, such as graphic novels, poetry, or non-fiction. Pay attention to your child’s interests, whether it’s animals, sports, or fantasy worlds. Books that feel relevant and achievable keep kids motivated.

Keep Reading Positive and Stress-Free

Patience and encouragement are key so keep reading positive and stress-free. Avoid overwhelming children with long reading lists. Break reading sessions into short, manageable chunks.  Set small, achievable goals like reading one chapter a day or finishing a picture book.

Celebrate any progress to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Use Audiobooks and Read-Aloud Sessions

Audiobooks can be a great tool for children who find reading challenging. Listening to stories helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.

Pair audiobooks with physical books. Listening to a story narrated by expressive readers keeps kids engaged.  Reading the print while listening to a story allows children with reading struggles, such as dyslexia, to improve word recognition, reduce frustration, and build confidence.

Set aside time to read-aloud. This shared experience shows children that reading is enjoyable and valued by adults. It also sparks conversations about stories and ideas.

Incorporate Reading into Winter Activities

Find simple holiday recipes and read them together while baking cookies or making hot chocolate.

Encourage kids to write about family traditions, winter weather, animals, or plants.

Watch a movie adaptation of a book after reading the original story.  Discuss any differences in the plot or characters and which you liked better.

Draw or act out with family and friends favorite scenes from a story.

Have your child write to an author telling them what they liked about the story or asking questions about it.

These activities connect reading to real-life experiences, making it meaningful and memorable.

Visit Local Libraries and Bookstores

Winter break is a great time to explore local libraries or bookstores. Being part of a community space dedicated to reading can inspire enthusiasm. Encourage children to participate in special events, story times, or craft activities. 

Encourage Book Swaps and Reading Buddies

Social interaction can boost motivation. Organize a book swap with friends or family members so children can discover new books without buying more. Pair your child with a reading buddy—a sibling, cousin, or friend—to share stories and discuss books.

Use Technology Wisely

Technology can keep reluctant readers interested and support reading success when used thoughtfully. Many apps and websites offer interactive stories and phonics games.  Explore e-books with read-along features that highlight words as they are read aloud and provide definitions for unknown words.

Play Games

Playing board or card games is an easy and fun way to get extra reading time without pressure. The games don’t have to be educational geared towards reading.  Try games like Uno, Monopoly, Apples to Apples, etc. to give kids the chance to practice reading.

Download Holiday Reading Bingo so your child can track the books they read.

Holiday Reading Bingo

Conclusion

Keeping kids excited about reading during winter break requires creativity and support. By creating inviting spaces, offering choice, connecting books to activities, and involving the whole family, reading becomes a joyful part of the season.

Try some of these ideas to help children maintain their skills and develop a lasting love for books.