7 Fun Christmas Activities Your Kids and Fido Will Love

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to share with the whole family. And when your family includes kids and dogs, Christmas can be as fun as it is magical.

If you’re looking for ways to bring the family together this Christmas, or just keep your kids entertained, we’ve got a stocking full of tips and tricks. Keep reading for our guide to 7 fun Christmas activities that kids and dogs will love!

Do your neighbors put on a show each year with impressive Christmas light displays? If so, there’s no better way to get your whole family into the festive spirit than to spend an evening checking out the best local lights. Best of all, your dog can come too!

If the weather is particularly chilly, the best option may be to jump in the car and drive around admiring the most spectacular lights. But if conditions allow, why not set out on foot to gaze in wonder at the magical displays? Kids will love the eye-catching Christmas lights, and your pup will simply love getting to spend some quality time with the family.

It doesn’t matter whether you have 2 legs or 4 — one of the best things about Christmas is the abundance of tasty treats on offer. So if you’re looking for fun Christmas activities for kids and dogs, it’s hard to beat a little bit of Christmas baking.

Okay, so Fido’s involvement in the cooking process is obviously going to be minimal, but we’re sure your pup will be more than happy to help you eat the delicious results. Find a couple of dog-safe recipes for Christmas cookies or maybe some Christmas-inspired dog treats, then let your kids practice their baking skills.

Your home will soon fill with the wonderful aromas of baking, and your bellies will soon be full of tasty Christmas treats.

If you’re stuck inside thanks to freezing weather this Christmas, find some fun games to play together as a family. Hide-and-seek is a family favorite and a great way to entertain younger kids, and it’s easy for your dog to join in too. 

While your pup is distracted, the rest of you can find a hiding spot and then wait for your dog to sniff you out. They may need a little encouragement at first, but they’ll soon get the hang of it. 

And when it’s someone else’s turn to count, your pup will love sneaking off to hide with a younger family member.

Next on our list of the best Christmas activities for kids and dogs is a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. This game is a little like hide-and-seek, but with a key difference. Instead of finding people, your kids and your dog get to hunt for some tasty treats.

Here’s how it works. For your kids, you might want to draw up a treasure map or leave a trail of clues they’ll need to follow around the home. When they find the treasure, they’re rewarded with a box of chocolate or candy.

For your dog, you’ll need to rely on their sense of smell. Hide some of their favorite treats around your house and encourage your pup to sniff them out. They might need a little bit of coaxing at first, but they’ll soon realize the aim of the game and start having a “pawsome” time.

While you’re in the mood for fun and games, you might also want to take the party outside this Christmas. That could mean a family game of tug-of-war, backyard hide-and-seek, or even a game of catch — as long as your pup can join in the fun, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Another way to make the most of the great outdoors this Christmas is to cook up some BBQ. This allows the whole family to get together for good food and good company, and your pup will be more than happy to help you eat any of the grilled goodies you plan on serving up.

Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie — go on, admit it, you do too. From Elf to Miracle on 34th Street, there are just some films we love watching over and over again at this time of year. And when you get the whole family together during the festive season, sitting down to watch a Christmas flick or two is something of a tradition.

So why not make some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a movie night? Remember to make room on the couch for your pup, and make sure they’ve got a few movie snacks to enjoy too.

Related: Top 5 Holiday Flicks to Watch With Your Dog

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the chance to open your gifts as a family. This will probably be the main highlight for your kids this festive season, but dogs will also relish the chance to join in the fun.

We know you’ll be getting your pup a gift or this Christmas, so give them a chance to unwrap their presents along with the rest of the family. They’ll be just as excited as your kids are to tear off the paper and discover what surprises await inside.

And with these and more activities to enjoy, you, your kids, and your dog are sure to have a Christmas you'll remember forever.