12 Unforgettable Winter Activities For Kids
When the weather outside is frightful, fun winter activities are delightful! It can be tricky to think of things to do in winter, with the colder days and darker nights limiting outdoor activities. But the chilly weather opens the door to a whole range of creative winter activities that embrace the magic of the season.
From hot chocolate buffets to snow painting, we have put together a list of 12 cool winter activities for kids. These ideas are designed to help you make the most of the season and create unforgettable memories together as a family.
How do I entertain my kids in the winter?
Some of the best ways to entertain kids in winter include indoor fort building, playing nature bingo, making winter sensory bins, snow painting, crafting DIY bird feeders, cosy movie marathons, snuggling up for stargazing, hot chocolate buffets, and frozen toy treasure hunts!
Read on to explore these in closer detail…
12 Winter Activities For Toddlers & Kids
We have chosen these 12 winter children’s activities specifically to help you make special memories as a family at this toasty time of year.
1. Play Nature Bingo
First, create a bingo card filled with winter-themed items like pinecones, holly berries, snowflakes, or spider webs. Then take the kids on a nature walk and have them check off items as they find them. Outdoor winter activities like this simple game are a fun way to help children with their observation skills and will improve their knowledge of the world as they learn about the winter landscape.
2. Build An Indoor Fort
When it comes to indoor winter activities, this one’s a classic! Gather blankets, cushions, and furniture to create the ultimate cosy hideaway. Kids can use their imagination to create a magical space for storytelling or quiet time, nurturing their creativity and teamwork skills as they collaborate with siblings or parents to construct their architectural masterpiece. Pssst… you can learn How To Make A Kids Den with our handy fort-building guide.
[Photo by cottonbro studio]
3. Try Snow Painting
You’ll have to wait for a snow day for this one, but snow painting is very easy to do if and when the flurries arrive. Simply fill a few spray bottles with water and food colouring, then let your little artists spray colourful designs on the snow. Winter art activities like this encourage kids to unleash their imaginations and spend time outside breathing in the fresh air and enjoying some wintry wonderlands!
4. Make Christmas Ornaments
Bring the festive spirit indoors by making your own Christmas ornaments! Forage for natural materials like pinecones and twigs, then pair these with some dried fruit to create one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations which can be hung around the house or on the tree. Winter craft activities are a brilliant way to beat the boredom and inspire kids’ creativity.
[Photo by cottonbro studio]
5. Practise Winter Yoga
Introduce youngsters to the calming practice of yoga with a winter-themed session! Use fun poses inspired by winter animals or activities, like the ‘snowy owl’ or ‘frozen tree’. Active winter time activities are an excellent way to help kids burn off energy while keeping busy minds engaged.
6. Craft A DIY Bird Feeder
Help the kiddies make DIY bird feeders using peanut butter, birdseed, and pinecones. It’s super easy! All you have to do is roll the pinecones in the peanut butter and birdseed, tie on some string, then hang them outside to attract winter birds. This wonderful winter activity will help children connect with nature and learn how to care for wildlife during the colder months.
7. Snuggle Up For Stargazing
On a clear winter night, bundle up and head outside for some stargazing! If you can, use a telescope or binoculars to explore constellations and celestial events. This magical family experience can inspire a love for astronomy and spark conversations about the universe. For younger ones, our pretend play Kids Binoculars feature kaleidoscope lenses for added fun!
8. Piece A Puzzle Together
On those chilly winter days, nothing beats a family puzzle afternoon! To make it more seasonal, choose puzzles with winter or Christmas themes. The House of Puzzles' BIG 250 collection is a family favourite, with a range of Christmas puzzles for everyone to get stuck into. Beyond the fun factor, piecing a puzzle together helps children pick up new skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and improved dexterity.
9. Have A Winter Movie Marathon
Plan a cosy winter movie marathon with themed snacks and blankets - a perfect rainy-day activity! Pick films that involve snowy adventures or Christmas tales, and encourage your cute critics to share their own movie reviews or ratings afterwards! This is a great way to chill out and bond as a family during the frosty season.
10. Create A Hot Chocolate Buffet
Set up a scrumptious hot chocolate buffet for the kids to customise their own! Place a selection of toppings like marshmallows, sprinkles, syrups, and whipped cream on the countertop and let your littlens choose their favourites. This warming winter activity brings everyone together for a delicious treat and is a fabulous way to make lasting memories as a family.
11. Set Up A Frozen Toy Treasure Hunt
Challenge your tots to a frozen toy treasure hunt! Start by filling a large container with water, then pop in some small toys - animal figures are perfect for this. Freeze the container overnight, then let your children use tools like spoons or warm water to excavate their treasures from the ice block. This unique activity appeals to kids’ natural curiosity as they gradually discover what’s hidden inside!
12. Make A Winter Sensory Bin
Winter sensory activities allow youngsters to explore the textures and sights of the season from the comfort of their playroom. To create a winter sensory bin, find a large box and fill it with winter-themed items and materials of various textures. Think soft cotton balls, crunchy artificial snow, smooth ice cubes, spikey pinecones, and dry rice (you can even use some blue food colouring to give the rice a frosty look) - then let your kiddies dig in!