Go out...stay in...or simply get away. It's all good this winter break!

If you're looking forward to spending some quality time with your family, you won't have to wait much longer! Winter break is just around the corner and if you haven't made plans yet, here are some ideas for keeping you and your kids happy and busy all week long.

Take it outside

• You don't have to wait for warm weather to enjoy a nice nature hike. Winter provides the perfect time to stroll through a local park or wooded area and notice all the changes the cold weather brings. Why not look for bird's nests from last summer and have the family try to guess what type of bird lived there. You can return in the spring to see if you were right!
  
  
  
• What a perfect time to try a new winter activity. As a family, try skating, skiing or snowboarding. Pick an activity that will be new to everyone so you can all experience the thrill of learning something new together.
  
  
• Gather the neighbours and have a winter picnic. Lay blankets out on the snow and enjoy plenty of hot chocolate and Dare Bear Paws cookies while telling stories of adventures and fun from winters past.

Let's stay in

• With reality shows like Amazing Race so popular these days, why not stage your own indoor "race" complete with challenges and clues. You can work in teams, pairing adults with children or older children with younger ones. Invite friends and cousins over to join in the fun, too.
  
  
• Kids just naturally like to cook, and moms just naturally like having help. Winter break is the perfect time to try out new recipes that will soon become family favourites. Let each child plan a meal, help with the shopping and then work with you to cook it up for the whole family to enjoy.
  
  
• Get your kids to clean up their "stuff" and help less fortunate children at the same time. Have your kids go through their drawers, cupboards, under their bed and through their play things and books dividing everything into three piles: Keep, Donate and Throw Out. You'll get a clean home and your kids will get the satisfaction of knowing they've helped make other children happy.

Off we go!

• Family travel doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, it doesn't even have to involve "travel" at all. Take a "Stay-cation" and stay close to home. It doesn't matter what province you live in, there's always somewhere fun to visit and something new to explore!
  
  
• Surprise the kids with a last-minute trip to a family-friendly resort or theme park! A lot of resorts are offering special packages to help make family vacations more affordable.
  
  
• How about a road trip? Yes, even in winter a road trip can be fun. Watch weather conditions and make sure to always have alternate routes planned. Try out some fun travel games and make sure to pack lots of nutritious, fun treats like Dare RealFruit Minis and Dare Bear Paws Minis to enjoy along the way.

For more great ideas to keep the kids entertained, like making your own bubbles or starting a fun family tradition you'll always find something new and exciting at www.darefoods.com.