Tips for the Tour Guide
Have a houseful of guests coming for the holidays? After a couple of days of reminiscing, watching football games and playing board games, you and your guests might be getting antsy for something else to do. Use this checklist of ideas when cabin fever starts to take hold:
Visit the museum. Whether its focus is art, history or science, your local museum can be loads of fun for the whole family. Check at the registration desk for classes, activities and even scavenger hunts for kids.
Talk to the animals. Even in winter, the zoo can be a great adventure. There are lots of animals that enjoy the cold weather, including polar bears, caribou and moose. And when you get cold, don’t forget all the animals on display indoors too. No zoo nearby? Ask your humane society if they allow visitors.
Take a tour. Are there interesting industries in your area? Tour a microbrewery, candy manufacturer or motorcycle plant.
See a show. There are loads of once-a-year productions, from amateur to professional, on stage at the holidays. Get tickets for your local production of A Christmas Carol or the Nutcracker, for example.
Cheer on the team. You don’t have to have a professional sports team in your area to enjoy live sports. Your local high schools and colleges are playing hockey or basketball throughout the winter.
Play your own indoor sports. Check your yellow pages for local places where you can go bowling or ice skating, swim or play laser tag.
Throw a party. Invite your local friends or neighbors, so your out-of-town guests get to meet some other people in your area. (In other words, let someone else entertain them for an evening!)
Host a talent show. Who knows what hidden talents lurk in your home? Invite your family and guests to participate by singing, playing an instrument, dancing or putting on a skit.
Enjoy a movie marathon. Pick a theme and let everyone choose his or her favorite movie to suit it. Don’t feel like you have to watch them all in one night!
Do a crafty outing. Many towns have do-it-yourself craft stores where you can glaze pottery, scrapbook or take part in classes where you learn a new craft.
Have a spa day. Let the grownups treat themselves to a relaxing afternoon at the spa. Or, for guaranteed laughs, get the kids involved and have a spa day at home, with homemade facials and manicures.
Give them a job. It’s OK to involve your guests in cooking meals or making holiday treats. They’ll probably appreciate being able to contribute their time and talents.
Finally, don’t feel like you have to plan something for every minute. For a change of pace, your guests might like to explore on their own (provide a map) or just stay home and chill while you run errands.
Question: How do you keep houseguests entertained on a long winter visit?
