Fun Winter Activities for Kids
Winter is a unique season with many opportunities to engage kids in indoor and outdoor adventures. Whether you want to bundle up and go outside or cuddle up by the fire inside, these winter activities for kids will help fill your season with cherished memories of time spent together.
From snow forts to baking, this article explores various ideas to help keep your kids entertained this winter. So cozy up with a blanket and prepare for a season of unforgettable moments inside, as well as outside activities with your children.
Indoor activities
When it is too cold to go outside, try winter activities to entertain your children. Have them choose something new to do each weekend and see how many you can get through before the season is over.
Hot cocoa bar
Get out your fun coffee mugs and set up a hot cocoa bar for the family. Have a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel sauce and small candies. Help your children customize their hot cocoa with their favorite toppings and flavors.
Movie night
Pop some popcorn and cozy up on the couch to watch movies together. Watch a film in the winter, such as “Frozen” or “Ice Age” to stick with the winter theme.
Play board games
Break out the board games for friendly competition or just play for fun. Teach your kids a new game or play a family favorite. If you don’t own many board games, check out your local thrift stores or large retailers for games that cost less than $10.
Build forts
Use pillows, blankets, chairs and other furniture to build forts. Build with your children or allow them to be creative. Limit the number of blankets they can use or rooms they can be in to keep it more manageable. Kids can read or play with their toys in the fort for the day.
Bake or cook
Bake cookies or brownies or cook a meal together. Give your children a few recipes to choose from, or make a boxed mix together.
Either way, they can practice reading and following directions while making delicious food you can enjoy as a family, like these fun heart-shaped cherry hand pies.
Science experiments
Conduct simple science experiments together. Many experiments use household items so they don’t have to cost anything. Get inspired by studying winter facts and go from there.
Science experiments can be messy, but many at-home STEM activities don’t have to be. Do what you’re comfortable with and have fun.
Make crafts
Use various odds and ends or leftover crafting supplies to get creative. Kids can make snowflakes and cards or use their imaginations to make their creations. You can also purchase craft kits online or at craft stores.
Have a dance party
Put on some kid-friendly tunes and dance around the living room. Make up your own moves or watch videos to learn some new ones. Take turns picking the music for some variety.
Create an obstacle course
Using pillows, blankets, chairs and other household objects, put together an obstacle course. Kids can jump over cushions and crawl under tables to get through the course. Set up some rules ahead of time to keep everyone safe and all objects intact.
Indoor scavenger hunt
Create a scavenger hunt by listing objects or clues for kids to find specific items. Make it more challenging for older kids by writing riddles for them to solve.
Outdoor activities
Although many parts of the country are cold, outdoor winter activities for kids are still possible if you’re dressed for the weather. Be sure to check the forecast before setting off on your adventures.
Ice skating
Many cities and counties have outdoor ice skating rinks, and ice skates can usually be rented there. Check your local city’s website to see if there is one in your area.
“Ice skating is our family’s favorite winter activity. As we don’t get snow in California, experiencing winter through being on ice brings lots of joy to my kids. We put on warm hats and gloves and pretend that it’s cold.”
— Tamara, Thriving In Parenting
Winter nature hike
One of our favorite family outdoor activities is hiking. Take your family for a hike on a local nature trail.
Each season, the trails and their surroundings look slightly different. Look for animal tracks in the snow and icicles on the trees. Make sure to wear proper attire for the weather.
Sledding
After it snows, grab a sled or two and go sledding down a local hill or mountain. Bundle up and be prepared to climb the hill after going down. Smaller children may need to be brought back up the hill if there isn’t a lift.
Winter picnic
Fill some travel mugs with hot cocoa and some with soup, bundle up and head to the park to play in the cold. If there’s snow, bring sleds so you can pull the kids around for some extra fun.
Stargazing at night in winter is also a fun activity. Learn about constellations and enjoy the night skies together, but remember to dress for the cold.
Build a snowman
If it snows in your area, help your kids build a snowman. Add accessories like hats and scarves and things found in nature like rocks and sticks. Mix food coloring with water and add some color to your snowman.
“My favorite winter activity with my kids is playing in the snow. The simple free pleasures of crafting snow angels, building snowmen, and engaging in the occasional snowball fight are memory-makers. This is a cherished childhood memory for me, and I’m delighted that my kids are creating their own lasting moments through this winter tradition.”
— Cindy, Visit OhioToday
Final thoughts
The winter months can seem long, but keeping busy with these fun winter activities for kids can help it go by faster for you and them. Write some ideas above on small pieces of paper and have a child pick one from a hat or a bowl to help decide which activity to do. Before you know it, winter will be over.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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