Cold weather activities to get your Littles engaged and exhausted (hopefully)!
Winter weather can be tough for parents, especially when it means kids are cooped up indoors due to snow, ice, or chilly temperatures. But instead of letting the cold weather bring everyone down, there are plenty of ways to get kids moving, entertained, and engaged, even when the thermometer dips.
Whether you’re dealing with a snowstorm or just a frosty day, here are some creative cold weather activities for kids that will help them burn off energy, get creative, and even learn something new. These activities will ensure your kids stay active and have fun, no matter what the weather’s like outside!
1. Build an Indoor Obstacle Course
When it’s too cold to go outside, why not bring the fun indoors? Setting up an obstacle course in the living room is an easy and fun way to get kids moving. Use pillows, chairs, blankets, and other household items to create challenges that involve crawling, jumping, balancing, and more.
You can time the kids as they race through the course to see who can complete it the fastest, or offer small rewards for different achievements (like most creative obstacle or most determined effort). Not only will this help burn off some energy, but it’s also a great way to improve coordination and problem-solving skills.
2. Go Sledding or Ice Skating
If the weather allows and there’s snow on the ground, sledding is an awesome way for kids to enjoy the outdoors during winter. Whether you head to a local hill or just find a safe spot in the yard, the simple thrill of speeding down a snowy slope can provide hours of entertainment.
Ice skating is another fantastic cold weather activity if you’re near an outdoor rink or a frozen pond. It’s a fun way for kids to develop balance and coordination while enjoying the crisp winter air. Even if they’re new to skating, most rinks offer beginner lessons, making it a great family outing.
3. Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt
Cold weather doesn’t mean nature is “closed”—in fact, winter is a wonderful time to explore the outdoors and observe how the environment changes during the colder months. Grab a clipboard and a pencil, and head outside for a winter-themed nature scavenger hunt.
Make a list of things kids can look for, like animal tracks in the snow, evergreen trees, icicles, or specific types of birds. Not only will this keep them moving, but it also gives them the chance to observe winter wildlife and learn about the season in a hands-on way. You can even make it more educational by adding tasks like identifying different types of trees or collecting leaves for a winter craft project.
4. Winter Sports for Kids
If you live in an area where it’s consistently cold, why not introduce your kids to a new winter sport? Activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are perfect for kids who enjoy the outdoors and want to try something new during the colder months.
Many ski resorts offer family-friendly slopes, lessons for kids, and even snowboarding camps during winter break. If you don’t have a ski resort nearby, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are both fun, low-cost options to explore nature in the wintertime. Even young children can join in with equipment designed for them.
5. Snowball Fights and Snowman Building
You can’t talk about cold-weather activities for kids without mentioning snowball fights and snowman building. These classic winter activities never get old, and they’re perfect for burning energy and having fun in the snow.
Set some ground rules for a friendly snowball fight (no aiming at faces, etc.), or take turns building the most creative snowman or snow fort. You can make it a competition with categories like “Best Snowman Accessories” or “Most Creative Snow Fort.” If you have enough snow, you can even build a snow sculpture or a “snow family.”
6. Indoor Winter Crafts and Science Experiments
When it’s too cold to play outside for long, indoor activities can be just as fun and stimulating. Try some winter-themed arts and crafts to keep the kids engaged. You can make snowflakes out of paper, create winter wonderland scenes with cotton balls and glue, or even paint snowy landscapes.
Another fun indoor option is winter-themed science experiments. For example, you can create a mini snowstorm in a jar using water, glitter, and dish soap, or try the classic baking soda and vinegar “volcano” experiment (just add fake snow for an extra wintery touch). These hands-on activities are not only fun but educational, teaching kids about science in a way that’s interactive and exciting.
7. Frozen Bubbles
Here’s a magical cold weather activity that kids will love: blowing bubbles when it’s freezing outside. On a cold, sunny day, blow soap bubbles outside and watch as they freeze before your eyes! The cold temperatures cause the bubbles to freeze into delicate, frosty shapes, making for a truly unique winter experience.
You can use regular bubble solution, but to make it easier for kids to blow the bubbles, try adding a bit of glycerin or corn syrup to the solution for better bubble formation. Keep in mind that this works best on days with temperatures well below freezing.
8. Winter-Themed Dance Party
When it’s too cold to go outside or the snow’s falling too heavily, why not have an indoor winter-themed dance party? Put on some festive tunes (or just fun, energetic songs your kids love) and let everyone dance around the living room.
You can make it extra fun by incorporating winter-themed activities, like pretending to be snowflakes falling, ice skaters gliding, or even doing “snowball” tosses with soft balls. It’s a great way to stay active, have a laugh, and get everyone moving on those chilly days.
9. Hot Chocolate and Storytime
After spending time outside, there’s nothing better than coming inside for a cozy cup of hot chocolate and a good story. Gather around with blankets, a warm mug, and dive into some winter-themed books or tales of adventure. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day of playing in the snow.
For younger kids, you can also make the storytime interactive by acting out parts of the story, or making up your own winter adventure that involves the whole family.
10. Make a Winter Movie Marathon
If you’re looking for a way to relax after a day of winter activities, settle in for a family movie marathon. Choose some cozy, fun, or seasonal films that everyone can enjoy together. You can make it a special event by popping popcorn, having snacks, and maybe even building a blanket fort to snuggle up in.
Some kid-friendly winter movies to consider include Frozen, The Polar Express, Happy Feet, Ice Age, or A Charlie Brown Christmas. These classic films are sure to capture their attention and set the mood for a cozy afternoon or evening.
Conclusion
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your kids have to be stuck inside with nothing to do. From building snowmen to crafting indoor projects, there are so many fun and creative ways to keep kids active, engaged, and entertained during the winter months. The key is to embrace the season, explore new activities, and find joy in the little things, whether it’s a snowy adventure outdoors or a cozy day indoors. No matter the temperature, there’s always an opportunity for winter fun!