School breaks can bring welcome time together—and a lot to manage. Keeping kids occupied, covering extra meals, working around child care, and navigating holiday expectations can leave parents stretched thin.
You don’t need a packed calendar or a perfect holiday plan. Whether you’re looking for a free game, an easy art project, help finding food resources, or someone to talk to, we’ve gathered a few places to start.
Need someone to talk to? PHP is here.
You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable to reach out.
Call the Parent Stress Line at 1-800-632-8188. Parents Helping Parents offers free, confidential, anonymous support nationwide, 24 hours a day, every day—including holidays. Talk with a trained counselor about whatever is on your mind, without judgment. Learn about the Parent Stress Line.
Prefer connecting with other parents? Our free, confidential virtual support groups offer space to share experiences and find understanding. Explore groups and check the calendar for upcoming meetings.
Free things for kids to do
Some days you may have energy for a project together. Other days you may need a familiar show or game while you make dinner, finish work, or catch your breath. Choose what works for your family today.
Games and familiar shows: PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS offers free games online and through the PBS KIDS Games app, with familiar characters and activities involving art, reading, science, and more. It’s geared toward children ages 2–8.
Play PBS KIDS games or find the free app.
Looking for something to watch? PBS KIDS also offers free streaming through its website and PBS KIDS Video app, with no subscription required.
Art projects: Fitchburg Art Museum
This Massachusetts museum shares art projects families can access from home. Its activities can be adapted for different ages, with options using household materials and common art supplies.
Pick something that fits what you already have. There’s no need to buy a cartful of supplies or make the finished project look like the example.
Play and discovery: Boston Children’s Museum
You don’t need a museum ticket to explore Boston Children’s Museum’s online activities. Its Museum at Home collection includes ideas involving science, art, storytelling, music, and more.
For a quick spark of inspiration, its 100 Ways to Play list includes everyday ideas such as making up a dance, drawing together, and putting on a play based on a favorite story. Pick one that fits your child’s interests and abilities—you don’t need to work through the list.
A nearby place to start: Your public library
Check your local library’s website or ask a librarian about free school-break activities, books, and resources for children and teens. You can also ask whether the library offers museum passes or digital borrowing.
Availability, registration requirements, and holiday hours vary, so check before heading out.
The online collections above are free to access. Some activities require supplies, a device, or an internet connection.
A few ways to take pressure off the day
You know your family best. Take what helps and leave the rest.
Choose one thing at a time. A single activity can be enough; you don’t need to fill every hour.
Keep a few familiar routines. A usual breakfast, bedtime story, or quiet afternoon activity can give the day some structure.
Offer a small choice. “Would you like to draw or listen to a story?” can be easier to answer than “What do you want to do?”
Make room for different needs. Children may need movement, quiet, familiar activities, or a way to participate at their own pace.
Keep plans flexible. It’s okay to shorten a visit, skip an outing, or change your mind when the day gets hard.
Need help with food or other essentials?
When school is closed, covering additional meals can put pressure on the family budget. You deserve support with those practical needs, too.
In Massachusetts, Mass 211 can connect you with local resources, including food assistance and other community services. Call 211 or visit Mass 211. The service is available around the clock.
Outside Massachusetts, 211’s food assistance resources can help you find a starting point for support in your community.
PHP’s free parent resource directory also brings together information on food and financial assistance, child care, parent support, and other family needs.
Support for you belongs on the list, too
You’re doing a lot, and you deserve somewhere to turn. Whether you need to talk through a difficult moment or simply want someone to listen, PHP is here during winter break and throughout the year.
Call 1-800-632-8188 for free, confidential, anonymous support, any time of day or night.
