Spread the Love
Are you looking for creative ways to keep the kids entertained and active this winter? As temperatures drop, kids often find themselves bouncing off the walls at home. But winter is packed with exciting opportunities for family fun, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re dealing with snow, rain, or chilly weather, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone smiling, laughing, and making memories.
Dive into this list of 18 engaging winter activities for kids that will transform even the coldest days into an adventure. From snow-filled escapades to cozy indoor crafts, these ideas will help you make the most of the season and keep the whole family entertained.
- Go Ice Skating at a Local Rink
- Ice skating is a classic winter activity that gets everyone moving and laughing. Look for local indoor or outdoor rinks, and don’t forget to bundle up. Many rinks offer rental skates, so you don’t have to buy gear. If your kids are new to skating, start with a “penguin” skating aid for stability, and watch them gain confidence as they glide.
- Host a Hot Chocolate Bar at Home
- There’s nothing like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day. Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with fun toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles. You can even add a dash of cinnamon or peppermint sticks for a festive twist. Let each child customize their own cup, creating a delicious treat after a winter day outside.
- Build a Snowman (or Snow Family!)
- When snow blankets the yard, bundle everyone up and head outside for a snowman-building adventure. Bring hats, scarves, and carrots for noses, and get creative with accessories. Try building an entire snow family, or make snow pets. If the snow is just right, you can even build a snow fort to complete the scene.
- Have an Indoor Winter Picnic
- Bring the fun of a summer picnic indoors! Spread out a blanket, prepare finger foods like sandwiches, fruit, and treats, and add hot cocoa to the menu. You can even pretend you’re picnicking on a snowy mountain or cozying up by a fireplace.
- Craft Homemade Bird Feeders
- Winter is hard on the local wildlife, and making bird feeders is a fun way to help. You can use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to make simple feeders. Hang them outside and watch for birds that come to visit. This activity gives kids a chance to learn about local bird species and enjoy a bit of nature, even in winter.
- Bake Winter-Themed Treats Together
- Winter is the perfect time to bring kids into the kitchen for some baking fun. Try cookies shaped like snowflakes, snowmen cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls with a dusting of powdered sugar “snow.” Baking is not only fun but also teaches them basic cooking skills. Plus, everyone gets a tasty treat at the end!
- Go Sledding or Tubing at a Nearby Hill
- If you have a sled or inner tube, find a nearby hill and enjoy a day of sledding. There’s something thrilling about speeding down a snowy slope, and it’s an activity that’s sure to get everyone’s heart racing. Remember to bring extra gloves and hats for warmth, and always keep an eye out for safe sledding areas.
- Create Snow Paint Art
- Give your kids a chance to become winter artists with some snow paint! Fill spray bottles with water and add a few drops of food coloring to make “paint.” Let your kids spray designs and pictures into the snow, transforming the backyard into a colorful canvas. It’s a unique way to make the most of a snowy day.
- Have a Family Movie Marathon with Winter Classics
- On particularly cold or snowy days, staying indoors can be just as fun. Pick a lineup of winter classics like Frozen, Happy Feet, or The Polar Express, and make a cozy spot with blankets and pillows or even build a fort! Add popcorn and hot cocoa, and you have an instant family movie marathon that’ll keep everyone entertained.
- Organize a Winter Scavenger Hunt
- Create a winter-themed scavenger hunt list with items like pinecones, red berries, animal tracks in the snow, icicles, or even certain types of birds. Head outside and see how many you can find. This activity encourages kids to look more closely at nature and gives you all a chance to explore the winter landscape together.
- Make Homemade Snow Globes
- Crafting snow globes is a magical winter activity that kids will love. All you need are small jars, glitter, glycerin (to help the glitter float), and tiny winter-themed decorations. Let kids glue figurines or other decorations to the lid, add water and glitter, and screw the lid back on tightly. These homemade snow globes make great decorations or gifts!
- Build an Indoor Obstacle Course
- When going outside isn’t an option, bring the fun indoors with a DIY obstacle course. Use couch cushions, pillows, blankets, and chairs to create tunnels, climbing zones, and jumping spots. You can time each family member to see who can finish the course the fastest, adding a little friendly competition to the fun.
- Try Snowshoeing or Winter Hiking
- For families who enjoy hiking, snowshoeing is a fantastic winter alternative. Many outdoor stores rent snowshoes, which strap over regular boots and allow you to trek through deep snow without sinking. Choose an easy trail, pack warm drinks, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of a winter forest. If there’s not enough snow, regular hiking is still a great option in winter!
- Design Cozy Sock Puppets and Put on a Show
- Gather up some old or mismatched socks and let kids turn them into winter-themed puppets! Use markers, yarn, buttons, and glue to create fun characters, then let the kids put on a puppet show. This indoor activity is perfect for a snow day and brings out your kids’ creative side.
- Do a Random Act of Kindness as a Family
- Winter is a wonderful time to teach kids about kindness. Choose a family-friendly act of kindness like shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, making cookies for the local fire station, or creating winter care packages for those in need. Not only does this activity spread joy, but it also helps kids understand the importance of giving back.
- Create a Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin
- Set up a sensory bin filled with items like cotton balls (as snow), small plastic animals, and toy pine trees. You can even add silver glitter and fake snow for extra sparkle. This activity is perfect for younger kids who love to explore textures and colors, and it lets them create their own little winter world indoors.
- Create a DIY Winter Science Experiment
- Kids are naturally curious, so why not turn winter into a science lab? Try simple experiments like making frozen bubbles, observing how different items freeze, or creating “ice lanterns” with water and natural decorations (like leaves and berries) left outside to freeze. These experiments are fun, easy, and spark curiosity about how the cold affects the world around us.
- Organize a Winter-Themed Family Game Night
- Bring the family together for a winter-themed game night! Try games like “Pin the Nose on the Snowman,” snowball toss (using soft balls), or a marshmallow stacking challenge. You can even invent your own winter games or create a mini “Olympics” with events like sock skating on hardwood floors.
Winter can be filled with wonderful family memories, and these activities make it easy to enjoy each chilly day together. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor crafts, you’ll have plenty to keep everyone engaged and smiling. So, gather up the kids, dive into the winter fun, and make this season one to remember!
