New Year, New Opportunities, and New Friends 

As the new year unfolds, military families worldwide like yours are embracing fresh opportunities to stay active, prioritize wellness, and create lasting memories with their loved ones.

At the heart of this movement are USO Centers, which provide lots of programs and activities designed to support military spouses and help them feel inspired and empowered during their military journey.

Whether you’re seeking a fun family night out or a chance to unwind and focus on self-care, there’s something for everyone at your local USO. Find yours here!

Wellness Activities for Military Spouses

Military spouses often juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing household dynamics, keeping the calendar up to date, pursuing or maintaining their next career, enhancing their education, or perfecting or finding their favorite new hobby.

The USO is here to help spouses find balance and rejuvenation in the midst of it all.

Self-care is more than a buzzword for military spouses; it’s a necessity.

The USO offers numerous wellness-focused events to help spouses recharge and connect with others. Popular offerings include:

• Coffee Connections: Coffee Connections offer a relaxed setting where spouses can share experiences, enjoy a fun activity, and build a supportive network. Whether in person or virtual, Coffee Connections creates opportunities to forge new friendships (We all know that it’s nice to have an actual conversation with another adult!) Coffee flight tasting, charcuterie board making, keychain making, Valentine’s Bingo, Valentine’s cookie decorating — those are just a few of the Coffee Connections we spotted happening! 

• Yoga and Fitness Classes: Many USO Centers host yoga sessions as well as other fitness classes, tailored to different levels and preferences. Whether you’re a yoga expert or just like to take a minute to breathe, these classes are a perfect way to de-stress and stay active on your wellness journey. 

• Self-Care Events: From skincare workshops to guided meditation sessions, these events are designed to help spouses focus on their well-being. Military spouses can pause to reset both physically and mentally.

Family Fun: Gaming and Bonding

USO Centers recognize the importance of offering fun, engaging activities for children.

We want them to feel supported and connected too.

From arts and crafts workshops to interactive cooking sessions, the USO provides a safe and welcoming space for kids to make friends and explore new interests. 

• Board Game Nights: Game nights are a popular activity at USO Centers, offering families the chance to come together, laugh, and enjoy friendly competition. These events are perfect for creating connections—not just among family members but also with other military families in your community. Keep an eye on your local USO Center’s event calendar to see when the next game night is scheduled!

• Reading Program: Through the USO Reading Program, military parents stationed far from home can record themselves at a USO Center reading a book to their children. Among the many children’s books available to read are two just for Valentine’s Day: “How to Catch a Loveosaurus” and “Little Blue Truck’s Valentine.” The recordings and books can then be sent to families back at home. Find out more at your local Center.

• Youth Programs: Your USO may have fun programs for your little ones such as USO’s “Teddy Bear Club,” which is a community program that promotes connection, engagement, and fellowship.  Books, crafts, snacks, and plenty of hands-on activities are an integral part of this program.  

Why These Activities Matter

In a world where military families face unique challenges, having access to wellness and family-focused programs is vital.

These activities provide:

• A Sense of Community: Military spouses often face isolation when moving to new locations. Events foster connections with others who understand the lifestyle.

• Stress Relief: Between deployments, relocations, and the demands of family life, these programs offer much-needed opportunities to decompress.

• Quality Time: Programs and activities provide meaningful ways to bond, even during challenging times.

Find a USO Center Near You

Getting involved with your local USO Center is easy! Whether you’re stationed overseas or at a domestic base, there’s likely a USO Center nearby with activities designed to support you and your family.

Most Centers post their event schedules online or on social media platforms, making it simple to plan your next family outing or self-care session.

Many activities are free or low-cost, ensuring accessibility for all military families.

If you don’t have a USO nearby, you can sign up for our weekly USO Military Spouse & Family email that keep you up to date when many of our virtual events will be.

Join in on the Fun

Military spouses and families deserve opportunities to thrive, and the USO is proud to be a part of that journey.

This year, take advantage of the incredible resources available at USO Centers around the globe—designed with you in mind.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of wellness, fun, and connection for military families everywhere.

*Written by Nicole Vogel

Nicole Vogel is a proud Air Force spouse, mom of two, and Senior Manager of Military Spouse and Family Programs at the USO. For more from the USO, Check out their M:M Expert Author Page.