Don't let the cold weather ruin your children's spirits! Winter can be a difficult time to keep kids entertained and engaged, but there are plenty of fun activities they can do to stay busy. Check out our ultimate guide for winter activities for kids, complete with plenty of ideas to keep them entertained!
Go Sledding or Tubing Sledding and tubing are some of the most popular winter activities for kids. Sledding can be done with many different kinds of toboggans, from traditional wooden sleds to inflatable tubes. Tubing is a great way to have fun in the snow as well, with larger rubber tubes that hold multiple children!
Build a Snowman or Snow Fort Building a snowman or snow fort is a fun and creative way to get outside in the winter. To build a snowman, you can start by rolling several large snowball pieces to form the body, then use things like buttons, twigs, rocks, and any other objects you may find around you in order to give him eyes, arms and a mouth. To build a snow fort all you need is some straws, shovels and mittens! Have your kids make the walls using their hands and shovels, then laying down the straws for a roof!
Take Part in a Winter Scavenger Hunt A great way to get your kids motivated and excited to go outside in the winter is by partaking in a winter scavenger hunt. Have them head out with an outdoor scavenger hunt list, searching for items such as pine cones, sticks and even a bird feather! Make sure to have them check the ground thoroughly for any of these items and offer rewards for those who come back with something on the list.
Have a Bonfire With Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows Nothing warms up the soul on a cold wintery day like sitting around a bonfire with some hot chocolate and marshmallows. This will get your kids bundled up and wanting to stay outdoors longer. Be sure to check any local fire restrictions before setting up a bonfire, but if allowed, this is an exciting activity for kids of all ages. Make sure you have enough chairs for everyone, waterproof matches in case the wind picks up, and the proper tools for building a safe and contained fire.
Play Snowball Tag or Freeze Tag Get the kids running around in the snow with a game of snowball tag or freeze tag! This classic game can easily be modified to match wintery conditions. Have one person start off as “it” and have them throw soft snowballs at the other players. Whoever gets hit with a snowball has to find a way to get warm - such as lying down and making an angel in the snow - before chasing after it again. It's a great way for your children to have fun outdoors and burn off excess energy!