Ah, wintertime! A time of snow and frigid air—the perfect excuse to keep your kids cooped up inside with books and board games. But let’s face it: sometimes, the cold weather can leave us stumped on how to keep our kids entertained and engaged. Fear not, we have compiled a treasure trove of fun outdoor and indoor winter activities for kids that will not only keep them active but also spark their creativity and curiosity.
From snowball fights to movie marathons, we’ve got everything you need to turn the frosty season into a wonderland of excitement and adventure. So bundle up, join in on the fun, and get ready to enjoy some cool (temperature-wise!) winter days ahead with these fun things to do in the winter.
7 Outdoor Winter Activities
The winter season is a perfect time to bundle up and venture outside for some invigorating fun. With the snow as your playground, there’s no limit to the adventures you and your kids can share. So grab your mittens and scarves, and let’s dive into a world of outdoor winter activities that will have the whole family laughing and playing all season long.
Keep reading to find out some great fun outdoor winter activities to take full advantage of this frosty season with your family.
1. Snowball Fights and Snow Forts
When was the last time you engaged in an epic snowball battle with your kids? Snowball fights are a classic winter activity that not only gets the whole family outside and active but also provides a ton of laughs and memories. Just make sure everyone is bundled up, and the snowballs aren’t rock hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
After the snowball fight, why not build a snow fort together? A snow fort is a chill structure made of snow, perfect for taking cover during a snowball fight or simply enjoying some hot cocoa afterward. Building an epic snow fort can become a fun family tradition during the winter months.
2. Sledding and Tubing
Nothing says winter like the thrill of sledding and tubing down a snowy hill. These activities are perfect for kids of all ages and make for memorable winter adventures. So grab your sleds or tubes and head to your favorite hill for a day of laughter and exhilaration.
Sledding and tubing aren’t the only snowy adventures to be had. Why not try snowmobiling, skiing, or even a delightful sleigh ride through the chilly air, all cozy and warm in your blankets? No matter which activity you choose, you’re sure to create lasting memories with your kids during the winter season.
3. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Looking for winter sports for kids? Introduce your kids to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. These activities allow you to explore the beauty of winter landscapes while getting some exercise. Just make sure you have the right equipment and dress for the occasion, and always be aware of your limits and the weather conditions.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer a fantastic way to bond with your kids and enjoy the great outdoors. So strap on those snowshoes or skis and embark on a frosty adventure you won’t soon forget.
4. Winter Nature Walks
Nature takes on a whole new beauty during the winter months. Embark on a guided nature walk or scavenger hunt with your kids to explore winter wonders. You’ll discover:
- Bird nests perched atop trees
- Majestic frozen waterfalls
- Icy creeks
- Otherworldly fallen logs
These are sights unseen during other seasons.
Get creative with winter-themed scavenger hunts like the “Snowy Day Winter Photo Scavenger Hunt” or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through a national park, observing the wildlife and taking in the serene winter scenery.
No matter the path you choose, a winter nature walk offers a fun and educational outdoor activity for the whole family.
5. DIY Bird Feeders
Winter can be a tough time for our feathered friends. Teach your kids about the importance of helping wildlife by creating DIY bird feeders together. You can use materials like pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to craft simple yet effective bird feeder designs that will provide much-needed sustenance for birds during the cold months.
Not only is this activity educational, but it’s also a great way to get your kids involved in caring for the environment and its inhabitants. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to observe and learn about different bird species that visit your backyard.
6. Animal Tracking
Winter offers a unique opportunity to learn about animal tracks and signs. Take your kids on a snowy adventure and explore the landscape while searching for animal tracks. This fun outdoor activity will teach your kids about the different animals that inhabit your area and how they survive during the winter months.
You can even make it a game by challenging your kids to identify the tracks they find. Who knows, you might even come across some elusive yeti tracks if you’re lucky!
7. Ice Sculptures
Unleash your kids’ inner artists by encouraging them to create their own ice sculptures using ice and snow. This unique outdoor art project can be both fun and educational, as your kids learn about the properties of ice and the process of sculpting.
Ensure your kids are well-equipped and follow safety measures when crafting their ice sculptures. Once completed, display their icy masterpieces in your backyard or garden for everyone to admire.
11 Indoor Winter Activities
When the weather outside is frightening, it’s time to bring fun indoor ideas. We’ve gathered a collection of engaging and entertaining indoor activities that will keep your kids busy and happy during those cold winter days.
So shake off that cabin fever and let’s explore some exciting fun winter activities without going outside that will make even the coldest days feel warm and inviting.
1. Homemade Fake Snow
Can’t get enough of the fresh snow outside? Bring the winter fun indoors by creating your own homemade fake snow for some wintery play and sensory exploration. All you need is baking soda, shaving cream, and a few drops of water to achieve that snow-like texture.
Your kids will love playing with their fake snow, and it’s the perfect indoor activity for those days when it’s just too cold to venture outside. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for sensory exploration and learning about the properties of different materials.
2. Winter Movie Marathon
When the temperature drops during cold weather, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with your kids for a cozy winter movie marathon. Select a lineup of their favorite winter-themed films and create a comfortable movie-watching environment with plenty of blankets and pillows.
Don’t forget the snacks! Pop some popcorn, prepare some drinks, and enjoy a fun and relaxing movie night with your kids. It’s a perfect way to spend quality time together while staying warm inside.
3. Board Game Night
A family board game night is an excellent way to spend a cold winter evening indoors. Choose a selection of games that will engage and entertain your kids, and create a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and warm lighting.
Make the experience even more enjoyable by providing drinks and snacks for everyone to enjoy. A board game night provides an opportunity for family bonding and friendly competition, all while staying warm and cozy inside.
4. Snow Volcano
Ignite your kids’ curiosity with a fun and educational snow volcano science experiment. This indoor activity combines baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring to create a mini volcanic eruption right in your own home.
Not only is this experiment entertaining, but it’s also a great way to teach your kids about chemical reactions and the properties of different substances. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep them engaged and learning during the winter months.
5. Frozen Bubbles
Did you know that bubbles can freeze in cold temperatures? Experiment with blowing bubbles in freezing temperatures to create beautiful frozen bubbles. This fascinating activity will teach your kids about the properties of water and the effects of temperature on different substances.
Just make sure your kids are bundled up in gloves and hats, and be mindful of the wind when creating frozen bubbles to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. Winter Collages
Inspire your kids’ creativity with winter-themed collages. After a nature walk or outdoor adventure, gather natural materials like leaves, twigs, and pinecones to use in your collages. Combine these elements with paper, fabric, and other craft materials to create stunning winter scenes that capture the beauty of the season.
This indoor activity is not only a great way to engage your kids’ artistic skills but also serves as a wonderful keepsake to remind you of your winter adventures together.
7. DIY Snow Globes
Bring the magic of winter indoors by creating homemade snow globes with your kids. This fun and creative winter craft requires only a few simple materials.
- a jar
- water
- glitter
- a festive decoration
Get your kids involved in selecting the decorations and assembling the snow globes.
Once completed, these beautiful creations can be displayed around your home or given as gifts to friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to capture the essence of winter and create lasting memories with your kids.
8. Melting Snow and Ice
Explore the properties of snow and ice by melting them indoors and observing the changes. This simple yet educational activity offers a great opportunity for your kids to learn about the physical states of different substances and the effects of temperature on them.
Always use caution when handling hot water, and ensure your kids are supervised during this activity to guarantee a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
9. Homemade Hot Chocolate
Nothing warms up a cold winter day quite like a delicious cup of homemade hot chocolate. Teach your kids how to make hot chocolate from scratch by combining the following ingredients:
- Milk
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Semisweet chocolate chips or shavings
This tasty indoor activity not only teaches your kids how to prepare a comforting beverage, but also creates lasting memories as you enjoy your homemade hot chocolate together.
10. Winter Cookie Decorating
Baking and decorating winter-themed cookies is a fun and tasty indoor activity for kids of all ages. Some ideas for creative cookie designs include:
- Snowflakes
- Gingerbread houses
- Snowmen
- Penguins
- Reindeer
- Christmas trees
The possibilities are endless, and it’s so much fun!
This activity not only allows your kids to express their artistic talents but also offers a delicious treat to enjoy afterward. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together, sharing laughs and making memories.
11. Comforting Soups and Stews
Teach your kids how to cook comforting soups and stews to enjoy during the cold winter months. This indoor activity not only provides a delicious and warming meal but also teaches your kids valuable cooking skills and promotes healthy eating habits.
From selecting ingredients to perfecting cooking techniques, preparing soups and stews offers a fun and educational experience for your kids while keeping them warm and cozy indoors.
Now it’s up to you!
From snowball fights and nature walks to baking cookies and conducting science experiments, these winter activities for kids provide endless opportunities for learning, bonding, and making unforgettable memories with your little ones.
So get ready, grab your mittens, and embrace the magic of winter with open arms. With these great ideas at your disposal, you and your kids will be well-equipped to have all the fun, conquer the cold and create a winter wonderland of excitement and adventure.