Winter doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up indoors. With a little creativity and planning, you can make the chilly season one of the most exciting times of the year for your kids. Whether it’s snowing outside or you’re dealing with milder weather, here are 20 fun winter activities to try with your children, complete with ideas for supplies and links to helpful tools.
1. Build a Snowman or Snow Fort
If you have snow, take advantage of it! Get bundled up and head outdoors to build a snowman together. Add personality with hats, scarves, buttons, or even create a whole snow family. For a bigger challenge, build a snow fort or igloo. Kids love using their imaginations to turn their snowy creations into magical play spaces.
Supplies: Snowman kits (like this one: Snowman Decoration Kit)
2. Go Sledding
Find a local hill and enjoy the thrill of sledding. It’s a classic winter activity that’s sure to bring lots of laughter. Don’t forget to bring a thermos of hot cocoa to warm up afterward!
Supplies: Sturdy sleds like this durable sled.
3. Indoor Crafting Time
When it’s too cold to go outside, bring the fun indoors with winter-themed crafts. Ideas include making paper snowflakes, decorating gingerbread houses, or creating handprint art of snowy scenes. These activities not only entertain but also make for great keepsakes.
Supplies: Washable markers, craft paper, and seasonal craft kits like this snowflake picture frame craft set.
4. Ice Skating
Head to an outdoor or indoor rink for an ice-skating adventure. Many rinks offer kid-friendly skates and even skating aids for beginners. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy winter.
5. Have a Movie Marathon
Choose a cozy day indoors to host a winter movie marathon. Pick family-friendly films, grab some blankets, and make a batch of popcorn. Bonus points for including winter-themed movies like Frozen or Happy Feet.
Extras: Family-friendly streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, or Hulu.
6. Bake Winter Treats Together
Kids love getting messy in the kitchen. Bake cookies, cupcakes, or a warm apple pie. Let them decorate the treats with winter-themed designs like snowflakes or snowmen. It’s a fun way to teach kids baking skills while creating delicious memories.
Supplies: Fun cookie cutters and decorating kits.
7. Visit a Local Museum or Indoor Play Area
Winter is the perfect time to explore indoor attractions. Visit a children’s museum, science center, or indoor trampoline park. These venues often have winter events or special activities that cater to kids.
Tip: Check local museum memberships for discounts.
8. Try Winter Science Experiments
Turn winter into a learning opportunity with fun science experiments. Create frozen bubbles by blowing bubbles in sub-zero temperatures, or make snow volcanoes using baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring.
Supplies: Basic science kits like this starter set.
9. Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Bundle up and head out for a winter nature walk. Look for animal tracks in the snow, collect pinecones, or observe how trees and plants change during the season.
Extras: A nature journal for kids.
10. Host a Winter Picnic
Who says picnics are just for summer? Lay out a blanket in your living room or backyard, and enjoy a winter-themed picnic. Include warm treats like soup in thermoses, hot cocoa, and cozy snacks.
11. Plan a Family Game Night
Winter evenings are perfect for board games, puzzles, or card games. Choose games that are kid-friendly but also enjoyable for adults.
Recommendations: Check out family board games like Catan Junior.
12. Make DIY Bird Feeders
Teach kids about wildlife by creating DIY bird feeders. Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to make feeders and hang them outside.
Supplies: Birdseed and simple feeder kits.
13. Read Winter-Themed Books
Snuggle up with a stack of winter-themed children’s books. Reading stories about snowy adventures, winter animals, or holiday magic can inspire kids and help them wind down after an active day.
Book Ideas: Titles like The Snowy Day.
14. Play Indoor Snowball Fight
Bring the fun of snowball fights indoors with soft, plush snowballs. Set up targets or play a full-on family snowball battle in your living room.
Supplies: Safe indoor snowballs.
15. Try a Winter Photoshoot
Capture the magic of winter by staging a photoshoot. Dress up in warm, colorful outfits and snap pictures in the snow or with a cozy indoor backdrop.
16. Plan a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt for your kids, indoors or outdoors. Create a list of winter-themed items to find, like mittens, snowflakes, or pinecones. Get this free canva printable.
17. Go Bowling
A trip to the bowling alley is a fun way to stay active during winter. Many bowling alleys offer lighter balls and bumper lanes for kids.
18. Create a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate bar at home with different toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
19. Build a Blanket Fort
Transform your living room into a magical hideaway by building a blanket fort. Add fairy lights, pillows, and snacks for the ultimate cozy hangout spot.
20. Try Virtual Field Trips
Explore museums, aquariums, or even space from the comfort of your home with virtual field trips. Many organizations offer free online tours.
Links: Smithsonian Virtual Tours.
Winter is a season filled with opportunities for family bonding and fun. Whether you’re playing in the snow, crafting indoors, or exploring new places, these activities will keep your kids entertained and create lasting memories. Embrace the season, and make the most of wintertime with your family!