7 Clever Google Home Kids Games & Hacks for a Jolly Holiday

Parents could always use some assistance keeping kids entertained, especially during the holiday season when school’s out. These awesome new Google Home hacks have arrived just in time to help you keep the season magical—and even teach your kids a thing or two.

Photo: Paul Agrusti via YouTube

Find out where jolly old St. Nick is flying—or just have a chat with him.

Ask Google to “Call Santa” to make sure you’re still on the nice list or “Track Santa” to find out how close he is to making the magical delivery at your house before you go to sleep.

Fa la la your heart out with holiday tunes.

Nothing gets you pumped for the party like some festive tunes. Play your favorite holiday songs using music apps like Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Music. Just say, “Ok Google, play Hanukkah music” or “Ok Google, play Christmas music.”

Make story time sparkle for the season.

With Disney read-alongs you can make bedtime stories merry, even when you’re exhausted. Just ask Google to read the new Mickey’s Christmas Carol or any of the other Disney stories.

Give your kids the gift of manners.

Google’s new “pretty please” feature teaches kids to say “please” and “thank you” to their Google devices, giving them plenty of practice to make the nice list.

Photo: Courtesy of Google

Stay on schedule during the crazy holiday season.

When schools out and there’s a holiday event nearly every day it can be hard to maintain your normal schedule. Google can help by keeping track of your routines for you. When it’s time for dinner, for example, just say “Hey Google, dinner’s ready” and Assistant can turn on your favorite music, turn off the TV, and broadcast “dinner time!” to everyone in the house.

Make ’em laugh!

Google is always happy to tell you a good joke and now Google is adding some holiday-themed laughs. All you have to do is say “Google tell me a Santa joke” and you’ll be rolling like a bowl full of jelly.

Keep the kids happy all season long.

With party guests on the way and a house decorated in toddler-style, you could use a little help keeping the kids entertained while you actually get something done. At your command Google can roll out games and trivia the whole family will enjoy including new Disney-themed games like, Toy Story Freeze Dance.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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