The winter break is here, and with it comes a unique opportunity to spend quality time with your kids while keeping their minds active. But finding activities that are both fun and educational can be a challenge—especially when the days are cold and the screens seem to dominate. Enter Makey Makey, a hands-on invention kit that transforms everyday objects into interactive tools, turning your home into a hub of creativity and learning.

This winter, why not turn family time into an adventure in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with a few inventive projects? Here are some easy and exciting ideas that will not only entertain but also inspire your kids to explore, imagine, and create.

1. Make Music with a Banana Piano

Transform your kitchen into a concert hall with this unique project. Using the Makey Makey kit, you can turn bananas (or any conductive fruit or vegetable) into a fully functional piano. Kids will love experimenting with melodies, and along the way, they'll learn about conductivity and circuits. It's a fun way to mix music and science while creating something memorable together.

2. Build a Custom Game Controller

Got a gamer in the house? Help them create their very own game controller using modeling clay or Play-Doh. This hands-on activity combines engineering and creativity as kids design buttons to play their favorite online games. Plus, it's a great opportunity to talk about how technology and software interact.

3. Create an Interactive Storybook

Make storytime unforgettable by adding interactive elements to your favorite tales. With the Makey Makey, you can trigger sound effects and visuals with simple touches, bringing stories to life. This project is perfect for sparking creativity and enhancing literacy skills in young readers.

4. Dance It Out with a DIY Dance Mat

Get the whole family moving by building a homemade dance mat. Using simple materials like cardboard and aluminum foil, you can create a setup that works with online dance or fitness games. It's an engaging way to combine physical activity with engineering and technology—and it’s sure to burn off some of that winter break energy!

5. Explore Conductivity with Musical Water

Combine science and art with this colorful and musical experiment. By adding a pinch of salt and a splash of food coloring to cups of water, you can create a "musical water" setup that plays notes when touched. It’s a sensory-rich activity that’s perfect for curious minds.

Why Makey Makey Is Perfect for Winter Break

Makey Makey isn’t just a tool for fun—it’s a bridge to critical STEM skills that kids can develop through play. By experimenting with Makey Makey, children learn problem-solving, creativity, and the basics of electronics and programming. Plus, all the projects are adaptable, so you can use items you already have at home.

Download Our Free Guide

We’ve put together a free guide called 5 Ways to Invent with Your Kids: A Fun Guide to Using Makey Makey at Home. This step-by-step guide features detailed instructions for each project, a list of materials, and tips for sparking your child’s imagination.

Click here to download the guide now and start inventing!

Make This Winter Break Unforgettable

Winter break is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect with your kids. With Makey Makey, you can create memories while encouraging curiosity and learning. Whether it’s building a banana piano or crafting a custom game controller, these activities will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and inspired to think outside the box.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Makey Makey kit, download our free guide, and get ready to invent! Happy making!