What are the Best Family-friendly Winter Activities?
family-friendly winter activities
The best Family-friendly Winter Activities
Winter weekends are a perfect time for families to come together and enjoy the magic of the season.
Whether you’re snowed in or braving the cold, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly activities to make your weekends unforgettable.
Below, you’ll find three main sections with five activities each to inspire your winter adventures.
1. Outdoor Adventures
family-friendly winter activities
For families who love the great outdoors, winter offers a unique playground of snow and frost.
Bundle up and head outside for these exhilarating activities:
1.1 Snowman Building Contest
Transform your yard into a snowman village!
Each family member can create their own snowman with unique decorations like scarves, hats, and buttons.
Add a competitive edge by voting for the most creative or funniest snowman.
You can also take it up a notch by adding themes, such as “Superhero Snowmen” or “Historical Figures.”
Capture the creations with photos to remember the fun.
1.2 Sledding at a Local Hill
Find a nearby hill and enjoy a classic winter activity: sledding.
Bring a variety of sleds to test out, from traditional wooden sleds to inflatable tubes.
Don’t forget a thermos of hot cocoa to warm up after.
Challenge each other to see who can sled the farthest or the fastest.
If there are multiple hills, turn it into a mini sledding tour of your area.
1.3 Ice Skating at an Outdoor Rink
Many cities set up outdoor ice rinks during winter.
Rent skates and glide together under twinkling lights.
For younger children, look for rinks that provide skating aids.
Consider incorporating fun games like “follow the leader” or practicing basic figure-skating moves for an added challenge.
family-friendly winter activities
1.4 Winter Hiking and Nature Walks
Explore a snowy trail at a nearby park or nature reserve.
Winter hikes are a great way to spot animal tracks, enjoy peaceful landscapes, and breathe in crisp air.
Bring along a nature guidebook to identify trees and animals or use the opportunity to teach kids about winter ecosystems.
1.5 Snowball Fight and Fort Building
Divide into teams for an epic snowball battle, or work together to build a sturdy snow fort.
This classic activity is guaranteed to bring laughter and fun.
For a creative twist, design a “fort city” with multiple interconnected forts, or host a snowball target practice to see who has the best aim.
2. Cozy Indoor Activities
When the temperatures drop too low, cozy indoor activities keep the family entertained and warm.
Try these ideas:
2.1 Family Movie Marathon
family-friendly winter activities
Choose a winter-themed movie lineup, grab blankets, and set up a snack station with popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate.
Create a mini-theater experience at home.
Add an interactive element by having everyone vote on their favorite movie or dress up as their favorite characters.
2.2 Baking Winter Treats
Spend an afternoon baking cookies, gingerbread houses, or cupcakes.
Let each family member decorate their creations.
Baking is a delicious way to bond and fill your home with the smell of winter spices.
Try experimenting with new recipes or hosting a friendly baking competition.
2.3 Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Design a scavenger hunt with a winter theme.
Hide clues around the house, leading to a final prize, such as a small toy, a book, or even a family game.
Incorporate puzzles or riddles to make the hunt more challenging for older kids.
2.4 Crafting Winter Decorations
Bring out craft supplies and create snowflake ornaments, paper chains, or DIY holiday wreaths.
These crafts can double as home decorations.
Consider hosting a craft contest or displaying everyone’s creations in a “home art gallery” for the season.
2.5 Reading by the Fire
Select a family-friendly book to read aloud by the fire or under a pile of cozy blankets.
Take turns reading chapters and discuss the story together.
Create a cozy nook with pillows and fairy lights to make the experience even more magical.
Recommended Resource: Find Things To Do Anywhere
3. Community and Local Events
Winter is a time when communities come alive with seasonal activities.
Check out local offerings to create lasting memories:
family-friendly winter activities
3.1 Winter Festivals
Attend a winter festival in your area.
These include ice sculpting, light displays, and live performances.
Don’t forget to indulge in seasonal treats.
Many festivals also feature kid-friendly zones with games and interactive exhibits.
3.2 Volunteer Together
Spread warmth by volunteering as a family.
Serve at a soup kitchen, donate winter clothes to shelters, or help elderly neighbors with shoveling snow.
This not only brings joy to others but also teaches children the value of giving back to the community.
3.3 Visit a Local Museum or Aquarium
Escape the cold by exploring a museum or aquarium.
Many venues host winter-themed exhibits or special events for families.
Plan a scavenger hunt within the museum to make the visit more engaging for kids.
3.4 Take a Family Ski Lesson
Sign up for a family ski lesson at a local resort.
It’s a great way to stay active, enjoy the snow, and learn something new together.
If skiing feels too ambitious, look for snowboarding or tubing options for beginners.
3.5 Winter Markets and Post-Holiday Sales
Stroll through a holiday market to enjoy festive music, handmade goods, and delicious seasonal food.
Let each family member pick out a small item to remember the day.
Turn it into a learning experience by discussing how the items were made or the cultural traditions behind them.
Final Thoughts
Winter weekends are a special time to connect with your family and make cherished memories.
Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cozy indoor activities, or community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Embrace the season and create traditions that will bring joy year after year.
Remember, the best moments often come from simple, shared experiences.
Bundle up, stay warm, and let the winter magic unfold in your family’s unique way.
family-friendly winter activities
Check out this other post on my blog:
Spring Cleaning Made Easy: 15 Top Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms
So many wonderful winter ideas!