15 Minutes of Family Fun in February

There are so many ways of adding simple family fun to the month of February. After all, Valentine’s Day alone offers many opportunities to interject some quick and easy expressions of love. Then, there’s Groundhog Day, Candelmas, and so much more!

We’ve just come out of a extreme cold spell because of the polar vortex. That has meant lots of time indoors making crafts, working on jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, and snuggling on the couch trying to stay warm. I’m hoping that the weather forecasts are right and we’re headed for even warmer weather. It will be good to get outside for some fresh air activities!

Knowing that February can be unpredictable though, I’ve included some indoor and outdoor activities here. Don’t forget to check back to the post 15 Minutes of Family Fun in January for even more ideas.

Remember, family fun doesn’t have to take much time. Other related lessons? Fun doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It just has to be fun. 

15 Minutes of Family Fun in February

Outdoor Activities:

~ On Groundhog Day February 2, head outside. Can you see your shadows? If you can, play a game of shadow tag. If not, any old tag game will do!

~ Go fly a kite. February 8 is National Kite Flying Day! You could even extend this into 2 or 3 15-minute activities. First, making your own simple paper bag kites. Then, fly the kites!

~ February 19 is National Tug of War Day. If your family is big enough, head outside for a tug of war – yes, even in the snow! If not, downsize it to a thumb war.

~ It’s National Bird feeder Month. With winter here in full force, the birds need some extra help finding food this time of year. Buy and fill some bird feeders or even make your own. These are simple choices – Milk Carton Bird Feeder or  Cereal Box Bird Feeder. Take some binoculars outside and see how many birds you can spot!

Indoor Activities:

~ February 1 is National Bubblegum Day. See who can blow the biggest bubble!

~ Celebrate Candelmas Day on February 2. Make some simple beeswax candles with your kids and have dinner by candlelight.

~ February 4 is National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Since that’s a Monday this year, it might not be terribly convenient so you might want to move it to a weekend. Make it a little healthier with lots of fruit toppings to choose from.

~ This month, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is celebrated. Why not get out the Lincoln Logs and build something with your kids?

~ Get out the craft supplies and make some Valentines. Give these to someone who might be forgotten on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps drop them off at a nursing home, hospital, hospice, or even your local police or fire station.

~ Show some extra loving to your pets on February 20, National Love Your Pet Day. It’s also National Muffin Day. Make these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins with the kids for the whole family to enjoy. Or whip up a batch of these Peanut Butter and Banana Mini Muffins for your dog!

~ My super simple chili recipe is easy enough for the kids to help prepare on February 23, National Chili Day. It’s also quite nutritious and Weight Watchers Freestyle friendly (zero points).

~ February 27 is National Pokemon Day. What better time to head out on a quick Pokemon Go walk together? If your kids are big Pokemon fans, they’re going to love these Pokemon Valentine cards.

~ And finally, it’s National Snack Month. Show your kids just how easy it is to make delicious, nutritious snacks. These banana “sushi” rolls, pizza pinwheel lollipops, and apple slice dippables are some of our favorites. For the apple slices, I cut up apples into wedges. Serve with bowls of yummy stuff for dipping. Start with something “sticky” like a nut butter. Then, add bowls of wheatgerm, flax seed, hemp seed, dried fruits, crushed pretzels, and so on for a smorgasbord of snacking!

What will you do for family fun in February?