Fun Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy in Winter

Winter is a magical time of year, with snowflakes, hot cocoa, and cozy nights by the fire. However, as enchanting as it may seem, the colder months can also come with a lot of challenges for parents. The shorter days and chilly weather often mean staying indoors and keeping kids entertained can feel like an uphill battle.

But fear not! We’ve compiled an exciting list of activities to keep your kids busy, happy, and active this winter.

1. Build a Backyard Winter Wonderland

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, take advantage of it! Transform your outdoor space into a winter wonderland by creating snow forts, snowmen, and even an obstacle course made of snow mounds. Add some friendly competition with snowball target practice or a mini scavenger hunt with treasures buried under the snow.

If it’s cold enough, you could even set up a simple DIY ice skating rink. Kids will love lacing up their skates and gliding around right in their own backyard.

2. Get Crafty with DIY Projects

Winter is the perfect season to unleash your kids’ creativity. All you need is some simple supplies like paper, glue, glitter, and paint to make snowflake garlands, winter-themed artwork, or holiday cards for friends and family. 

You could even let your kids create bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them outside and watch as feathered friends flock to your yard.

Another idea is to make homemade candles or bath bombs. These can double as gifts for loved ones and teach your kids new skills in a fun and interactive way.

3. Try Indoor Camping

Who says camping is only for the warmer months? Set up an indoor camping adventure with tents, sleeping bags, and fairy lights. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Share stories, play board games, and enjoy camp-themed snacks like s’mores made in the oven.

To make it even more exciting, teach your kids basic camping skills indoors, such as knot-tying or reading a compass. This will prepare them for future outdoor camping trips when the weather warms up.

4. Bake Up Some Fun

Nothing warms up a winter day like the smell of freshly baked cookies or bread. Invite your kids to join you in the kitchen for a baking session. Let them measure ingredients, mix the batter, and decorate their creations. Try making winter-themed treats like snowflake sugar cookies, hot cocoa cupcakes, or even bread-shaped snowmen.

5. Winter Hiking or Nature Walks

Bundle up and head outdoors for a winter hike or nature walk. Many trails transform into picturesque wonderlands during the colder months. Bring along binoculars for birdwatching or a magnifying glass to examine frost-covered leaves and snow crystals up close.

Remember to pack warm drinks like hot chocolate or tea in thermoses to keep everyone cozy. Don’t forget to bring your camera! You’ll want to capture the beauty of the winter landscape and your kids’ delighted faces.

6. Host a Winter-Themed Movie Marathon

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy winter is from the comfort of your couch. Create a cozy movie theater experience at home by picking a selection of winter-themed movies like Frozen, Happy Feet, or The Polar Express. Set up blankets, pillows, and a snack station with popcorn and hot cocoa.

To make it interactive, let your kids dress up as their favorite movie characters or build their own movie tickets. You could even turn it into a mini film festival by inviting friends or neighbors to join in.

7. Set Up a Science Experiment Station

Turn your home into a mini science lab with fun winter-themed experiments. Kids can learn about the science of snow by making their own fake snow using baking soda and conditioner.

For older kids, try making ice lanterns. These activities spark curiosity and keep kids engaged for hours.

8. Plan a Family Game Night

When the days are short and cold, family game nights are the perfect way to bond and have fun together. Choose games that are appropriate for your kids’ ages, from classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble to more modern options like Ticket to Ride or Codenames.

You can also get creative and design your own family trivia or scavenger hunt that incorporates winter themes. Reward the winners with small prizes to add an extra layer of excitement.

9. Enroll in Online Classes or Workshops

Winter is a great time to explore new skills or hobbies. Many organizations offer online classes for kids in subjects like cooking, art, coding, and even yoga. These workshops can keep kids busy and keep them learning.

If you’re looking for something specific, consider signing your kids up for a virtual wilderness survival class. They’ll learn essential skills that could come in handy on future camping adventures.

10. Arrange Playdates or Group Activities

If you’re looking to keep things social, organize playdates or group activities with other families. You could plan a winter-themed craft party, a baking session, or a friendly snowball fight. Sharing these experiences with friends makes winter even more special for kids.

If you’re based in a busy city like New York, Boston, or Las Vegas, check out options to share living spaces with families who also have kids. This can open doors to more playdates and activities.

11. Create a Winter Reading Nook

Encourage your kids to dive into the magical world of books by creating a cozy winter reading space. Fill it with soft blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to make it inviting. Choose books with winter themes or adventure stories that transport your kids to different worlds.

Make reading time extra special by pairing it with a warm drink and a plate of cookies. You could even host a family book club to discuss stories together. This is a great way to get your kids excited about reading.

12. Volunteer as a Family

Winter is a season of giving, and volunteering as a family can be a meaningful way to spend time together. Look for local opportunities to help out, such as donating warm clothes to shelters or helping out at food drives.

Getting involved in community activities teaches kids the importance of empathy and kindness.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to be boring. With these activities, your little ones will stay entertained, active, and creative all season long. Whether you’re crafting, baking, or exploring the outdoors, beat the winter blues by embracing the season and making lasting memories together.