January Bucket List FREE Printables

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January Bucket List

When was the last time you spent meaningful time with your family? Studies show that families who spend time together build stronger relationships, and children who regularly interact with their parents feel more secure and confident.

According to a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, teens who have frequent family dinners are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

As a mother of four and a former preschool teacher, I know firsthand how vital it is to carve out time for connection. That’s why I love creating bucket lists! They’re a fun way to keep everyone engaged and make lasting memories.

This January, let’s embrace the cold, the holidays, and the new year by diving into activities that will bring your family closer together.

Download our January Bucket List for kids, teens and families at the bottom of this post.

January Bucket List for Kids

Kids love fun challenges and hands-on activities. Whether it’s snowing or you’re enjoying mild winter weather, January offers plenty of opportunities to create joyful experiences with your little ones.

As someone who has worked with children for years, I know the magic of keeping their hands busy and their imaginations alive. Here’s a bucket list tailored just for kids:

Create a Snowman Village
If you’ve got snow, why stop at one snowman? Build a whole snowman family and give them names and personalities. If you don’t have snow, make sock snowmen indoors with rice and craft supplies.
Have a Pajama Day
Sometimes, the best days are the coziest. Let everyone stay in their PJs while you play board games, read favorite books, and watch a family-friendly movie.
Celebrate National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Turn an ordinary snack into a special event. Try making popcorn in fun flavors like caramel, cheesy, or rainbow sprinkles.
Paint Snow with Watercolors
Give your kids spray bottles filled with water and food coloring. Watch their faces light up as they transform plain snow into vibrant art.
Make Snow Ice Cream
Collect clean snow, mix it with sweetened condensed milk and a splash of vanilla, and voilà—a winter dessert kids will love.
Plan an Indoor Camping Adventure
Set up a tent in the living room, grab some flashlights, and tell stories as if you were in the woods. Bonus points if you make s’mores in the oven!
Create a Winter-Themed Craft
Help your kids make paper snowflakes or use cotton balls to create a snowy winter scene. These crafts are easy, fun, and keep little hands busy.
Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Challenge your kids to find things like pinecones, icicles, animal tracks, or anything else that reminds them of winter.
Host a Mini Olympics
Set up fun games like sock skating, snowball toss (use soft balls or rolled-up socks), or relay races in your living room or backyard.
Make Bird Feeders for National Bird Day (January 5)
Grab some pinecones, spread peanut butter on them, roll them in birdseed, and hang them outside. Your kids will love watching the birds enjoy their snack.

January Bucket List for Teens

Teenagers can sometimes seem glued to their phones or uninterested in family activities, but I’ve learned that the trick is finding something they can own.

Teens love opportunities to express themselves, help others, or just have a good time with minimal “cringe.” With two teens at home, I’ve seen how much they light up when they get to choose activities or explore their creativity.

Host a Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar with Friends
Set up a table with mugs, hot cocoa, whipped cream, and all the toppings. Your teen can invite their friends over for a cozy hangout.
Attend a Local MLK Day Event (January 15)
Encourage your teen to learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by participating in a community event or service project.
Try Ice Skating Under the Stars
If you live near an outdoor skating rink, bundle up and glide across the ice for a magical winter evening.
Have a Winter Movie Marathon
Let your teen pick a few winter-themed movies, gather some snacks, and settle in for a lazy afternoon or evening.
Go on a Winter Hike
Find a nearby trail and enjoy the crisp air. Teens often appreciate the chance to unplug and soak in some natural beauty.
Volunteer at a Local Shelter or Community Center
Helping others is a meaningful way to spend time and can give your teen a sense of purpose during the quieter winter months.
Plan a “No Tech” Day
Challenge your teen to put away their devices for a day and spend time outdoors or doing something creative like painting or writing.
Create a Vision Board for the New Year
Grab some magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. Teens love visualizing their goals and dreams for the year ahead.
Learn a New Skill or Hobby
Encourage your teen to pick up something new, like cooking a family recipe, knitting, or even woodworking.
Save for a Personal Goal
Help your teen set a savings goal and work towards it, whether it’s for a concert ticket, a new gadget, or a weekend trip with friends.

January Bucket List for Families

Spending time together as a family is one of the most rewarding ways to start the year. As parents, we often get so busy juggling schedules that we forget to pause and enjoy the little moments. This list is full of activities that can fit into your family’s routine while still making memories.

Celebrate New Year’s Day with a Family Brunch
Kick off the year with a cozy brunch at home. Everyone can share their hopes and goals for the new year.
Volunteer Together on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15)
Find a local service project where you can give back as a family. It’s a wonderful way to teach kindness and community values.
Bake Homemade Bagels for National Bagel Day (January 15)
Cooking together is always fun, and making bagels from scratch is easier than you think!
Host a Family Movie Night for National Popcorn Day (January 19)
Turn your living room into a theater with comfy blankets and bowls of popcorn in creative flavors.
Plan a Winter Hike or Walk
Bundle up and enjoy some fresh air while exploring a local trail or park. Look for animal tracks in the snow or enjoy the quiet of nature.
Create a Family Vision Board Night
Set up a table with poster boards, magazines, and markers. Share your dreams and goals while creating vision boards together.
Have a Soup-Off
Each family member can choose a soup recipe to make, and then you can sample and vote on your favorite.
Host a Puzzle Night for National Puzzle Day (January 29)
Work together on a big jigsaw puzzle while sipping hot cocoa. It’s surprisingly satisfying!
Try a Winter-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of items to find around your neighborhood or town, like a sled, snowman, or holiday lights still up from December.
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Museum or Attraction
Explore something new as a family, whether it’s a museum, historic site, or even an indoor trampoline park.
Celebrate National Hot Tea Month
Set up a tea-tasting party at home with different teas, biscuits, and finger sandwiches.
Go Stargazing
On a clear night, grab some blankets, bundle up, and head outside to admire the winter constellations.
Plan a Mini Winter Olympics
Set up fun competitions like snowball tosses, sledding races, or indoor obstacle courses.
Make Snow Cream
If you have fresh snow, turn it into a delicious dessert by mixing it with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.
Have a Family Game Night
Pull out your favorite board games, card games, or try something new for an evening full of laughs.
DIY Bird Feeders for National Bird Day (January 5)
Make simple bird feeders with pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed, and hang them in your yard.
Enjoy an Indoor Camping Adventure
Set up a tent in the living room, make s’mores, and tell campfire stories.
Try a Polar Bear Plunge
If you’re feeling brave, jump into a freezing body of water for fun or charity (and bundle up afterward!).
Take Family Photos in the Snow
Capture the beauty of winter with a family photo session in your backyard or at a nearby park.

January is the perfect month to slow down and reconnect with your family. Whether you’re making snowmen with the little ones, volunteering with your teens, or tackling puzzles as a family, these activities will create memories to cherish for years to come. Let’s make this winter a season of connection, joy, and adventure.

Download the January Bucket List FREE Printables HERE!