March Madness isn’t just for basketball superfans—it’s a great time to bring the whole family together for some fun, friendly competition and quality bonding. With games airing almost daily, there are plenty of opportunities to get everyone excited about the season. Here are some creative ways to involve your kids in the basketball craze and make March Madness a slam dunk for your family.

1. Create a Family-Friendly Bracket Challenge

Even if your kids don’t follow college basketball, filling out a bracket can be a fun activity. Simplify the process by using team colors or mascots to help them choose their winners. Add small rewards for the best picks (like choosing the next family movie or dessert) to keep it light and fun.

2. Host a Mini Basketball Tournament at Home

Set up a small basketball hoop in your driveway, yard, or even a hallway. Divide into teams or play one-on-one games to mimic the tournament action. You can even create your own bracket with family matchups and crown a family champion by the end of March!

3. Turn Game Day into a Party

Pick a game to watch together and turn it into a themed event. Serve basketball-inspired snacks like orange cheese balls (mini basketballs), popcorn, or DIY “slam dunk” nachos. Create fun decorations and let the kids help set the scene.

4. Play Basketball Bingo

Make a bingo card with common game events, such as “three-pointer,” “time-out,” or “slam dunk.” Give each family member a card and see who can get five in a row first while watching the game. This adds an interactive element that keeps kids engaged.

5. Learn About the Teams Together

Encourage your kids to pick a favorite team and learn about their history or players. This can be a fun way to teach them about geography, teamwork, and dedication. Let them make signs or wear team colors to cheer for their chosen team.

6. Get Crafty with Basketball Art

Set up a craft station to make basketball-themed decorations or posters. Your kids can create banners for their favorite teams or design their dream jerseys. Hang up their creations to decorate your game-day space.

7. Teach Kids the Basics of Basketball

If your kids are new to basketball, this is a great time to teach them some fundamentals. Practice dribbling, passing, and shooting in the backyard. You can even use a balloon and wastebasket for younger kids to get in on the action indoors.

8. Celebrate Wins (and Losses) as a Family

March Madness is a great opportunity to teach kids about good sportsmanship. Celebrate wins together, but also model how to handle losses gracefully. Focus on the fun of playing and watching as a family, rather than just the outcome.

Bonus Tip: Use March Madness to Teach Math

From tracking scores to calculating odds in your brackets, there are plenty of ways to sneak in a little math during basketball season. This can turn the games into a learning opportunity that’s both fun and educational.

Game On!

March Madness is more than just basketball—it’s a chance to connect, compete, and create lasting memories with your family. Whether you’re shooting hoops in the driveway or cheering on your favorite team from the couch, these activities can make the tournament a fun and meaningful experience for everyone.

How does your family celebrate March Madness? Share your tips and traditions—we’d love to hear them!

It’s time to embrace the winter magic with some family fun! Here are some creative and engaging activities to make the most of a any snow day.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Snow Fort Building – Gather some buckets, shovels, and get creative with snow bricks to build a fort or igloo. Not enough snow for your idea, no worries, a snowperson is a great standby!

2. Winter Scavenger Hunt – Make a list of things to find in the snowy landscape (like pinecones, animal tracks, or icicles) and set out on an adventure.

3. Snow Art – Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring to “paint” the snow.

4. Sledding Races – Whether you have a sled or just a sturdy piece of cardboard, find a safe hill (or front yard!) and race each other!

Cozy Indoor Activities

1. Build a Blanket Fort – Stay warm by making an epic fort with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights.

2. Snow Ice Cream – Mix clean snow, milk, white sugar and vanilla extract for a delicious homemade treat. Allrecipes has an easy recipe!

3. Hot Cocoa Bar – Set up a DIY cocoa station with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cinnamon.

4. Family Board Game Tournament – Pick your favorite board games and keep score (or not!) to crown a family champion.

5. Storytelling Circle – Light some candles, grab blankets, and take turns telling winter-themed stories.

Get Creative

1. DIY Snowflake Crafts – Use paper and scissors to make beautiful, intricate snowflakes to decorate your home.

2. Make Bird Feeders – Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create a feeder for winter birds.

3. Indoor Obstacle Course – Design a challenge using furniture, pillows, and string for a fun indoor adventure.

4. Bake Winter Treats – Spend time baking cookies, cinnamon rolls, or other cozy treats to enjoy by the fire.

Snow days are a perfect excuse to slow down, embrace the season, and make lasting memories. Whether outside in the crisp air or snuggled up indoors, these activities will help turn a cold day into an unforgettable one. So, grab your mittens, warm up the cocoa, and enjoy the winter wonderland!

Looking for more fun opportunities for your kids? Woodcroft Club’s camp sign-ups are open now, and swim team and swim lesson registration will be launching soon. Sign up today and get ready for an exciting season ahead!

Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 9–15) is the perfect opportunity to teach kids the value of compassion, generosity, and positivity. Kindness doesn’t just brighten someone else’s day—it’s also proven to boost happiness and create stronger connections in our communities. Here are some fun and meaningful ways your family can spread kindness this week!

1. Leave Surprise Notes

Encourage your kids to write heartfelt notes or draw cheerful pictures to leave around the house, in lunchboxes, or in public places. A simple “You’re awesome!” or “Have a great day!” left on a car windshield or library book can bring a smile to someone’s face.

2. Donate Gently Used Items

Take some time as a family to declutter and donate toys, books, or clothes that you no longer use. Let your kids help choose the items and talk to them about how their donations will help others.

3. Bake and Share Treats

Spend an afternoon baking cookies or another family favorite, then deliver them to neighbors, teachers, or community helpers. It’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation and spread joy.

4. Start a Kindness Jar

Fill a jar with slips of paper, each containing a simple act of kindness. Ideas include “Hold the door open for someone,” “Compliment a friend,” or “Help a sibling with their chores.” Challenge each family member to draw and complete one act each day.

5. Volunteer Together

Research local opportunities to volunteer as a family. Whether it’s helping at a food pantry, cleaning up a park, or writing cards for seniors, volunteering teaches kids the value of giving back to their community.

6. Be Kind to the Planet

Show kindness to the earth by organizing a mini cleanup day or planting a tree in your yard. Explain to your kids how small actions can make a big difference for the environment.

7. Share a Kindness Story

Take time each evening to share acts of kindness you saw or experienced during the day. Encourage kids to reflect on how those moments made them feel and why kindness matters.

8. Support Someone in Need

If you know someone going through a tough time, brainstorm ways to help as a family. This could be delivering a meal, running errands, or simply offering a kind word or hug.

Kindness Starts at Home

Remember, kindness begins with the little things we do for each other at home. Say “thank you,” share compliments, and show appreciation for your family members—it sets a great example for your kids and fosters a positive atmosphere in your home.

Why Celebrate Kindness?

Research shows that kindness is contagious. One small act can inspire a chain reaction, creating a ripple effect that spreads far beyond what we can see. Random Acts of Kindness Week is a wonderful reminder that even the simplest gestures can make a big impact.

How will your family spread kindness this week? Share your ideas and stories—we’d love to hear about the creative ways you’re making the world a brighter place!

We hope Woodcroft Club members join us for our family Valentines event this weekend!

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate love and connection as a family! Here are some fun and creative ways to make this Valentine’s Day special for everyone in your household:

1. Cook a Valentine’s-Themed Meal Together

Turn mealtime into a celebration by preparing heart-shaped pancakes, pink pasta, or a dessert decorated with love. Involve your kids in the kitchen—it’s a fun way to spend time together and teach them new skills.

2. Create Handmade Valentine’s Cards

Gather craft supplies like construction paper, markers, stickers, and glitter, and let everyone make cards for each other. Encourage kids to write a note or draw a picture to share why they appreciate their family members.

3. Set Up a Family Movie Night

Pick a heartwarming movie that everyone will enjoy, and set the mood with cozy blankets, popcorn, and Valentine’s treats.

4. Plan a Valentine’s Treasure Hunt

Hide small surprises or clues around the house for your kids to find. The treasure could be simple—like a favorite snack, a small toy, or a handwritten note with a loving message.

5. Have a Valentine’s Craft Day

Get creative by making decorations for the house, like paper hearts, garlands, or a family love tree where each leaf has something you’re grateful for. Crafts can double as keepsakes to remember the day.

6. Take a Family Outing

If weather permits, plan a special family outing. Visit a local park, museum, or event that celebrates the holiday. Some places even host Valentine’s activities for kids, so check out what’s happening in Durham!

7. Share the Love with Others

Teach your kids about giving by making valentines or care packages for neighbors, friends, or a local charity. It’s a meaningful way to spread joy and show love beyond your immediate family.

8. Start a New Tradition

Create a special Valentine’s tradition unique to your family. Whether it’s making a photo collage of your favorite memories, baking heart-shaped cookies, or writing letters to each other, the tradition can grow more meaningful every year.

Valentine’s Day is all about showing love and appreciation for the people who matter most. By incorporating these ideas, you can create a day full of joy, laughter, and cherished moments with your family.

Are you a member of the Woodcroft Club? Be sure and check out our family activities offered throughout the year.

Winter months often bring chilly weather and busy schedules, but staying active, healthy, and connected as a family is still possible! Here are some simple tips to keep your family thriving during the colder months:

1. Keep Moving Indoors

When it’s too cold to enjoy outdoor activities, bring the fun inside. Try family-friendly exercises like yoga, dance-offs, or setting up an obstacle course in your living room. Local facilities like indoor pools or gyms are also great options for staying active together.

2. Make Mealtime Meaningful

Winter is the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy warm, hearty meals. Get the kids involved in meal prep—cooking together can be a fun way to bond while teaching healthy eating habits. Focus on incorporating seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, squash, and citrus fruits.

3. Plan Family Adventures

Even in winter, there are plenty of local activities to explore. Check out museums, indoor play spaces, or winter festivals in your area. In Durham, there are always fun happenings to keep your weekends exciting and memorable.

4. Unplug and Reconnect

Take advantage of the longer evenings to unplug from screens and reconnect as a family. Try a board game night, a movie marathon, or storytelling by the fireplace. These simple moments strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

5. Prioritize Rest and Routine

With shorter days and colder weather, it’s essential to ensure everyone in the family is getting enough rest. Establish consistent bedtime routines to keep energy levels up and spirits high throughout the winter.

6. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about hydration when it’s cold outside, but staying well-hydrated is just as important in winter as in summer. Encourage everyone to drink water regularly, and mix in warm options like herbal teas for variety.

7. Try Something New

Winter is a great time to learn a new skill as a family. Sign up for swim lessons, a cooking class, or an art workshop. Trying something new together can spark joy and bring you closer.

Staying healthy and connected during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating a few of these tips into your routine, your family can enjoy a season full of warmth, wellness, and togetherness. If you are a Member of the Woodcroft Club, or want to be, take advantage of all the opportunities the club offers for wellness. We are planning to open our heated, saltwater pool in April!