Winter Activities for Kids: How to Create Great Outdoor Fun
Keeping Kids Active in the Winter
Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to do anything when the air sends a chill to your bone. But it is just as important to keep moving in the winter as it is in the summer. Of course there are your normal outdoor activities that you can do, like building a snowman or a snow fort. Sometimes kids like to have a snowball fight, but you need to be careful that the snow is not ice filled. Then there is always sledding or skiing if you are close to a ski resort. But what are some things that you can do that are outside of the norm but are right outside your doorstep? Well here are some suggestions to help make winter more enjoyable for the whole family.
Building a rink
Blowing bubbles
Unique Winter Activities for Kids
- Go on a winter nature hunt. There are very different things to look for in the winter. Look for animal tracks in the snow, berries that are hanging on branches in the winter, and winter animals such as birds, squirrels, and even deer.
- Collect nature items. While on your nature hunt, you can collect things to make a collage when you get home. Sticks, berries, and evergreen branches are great items.
- Go snowshoeing. Snowshoeing can be a fun and very physically invigorating sport. You will need to purchase snowshoes and be sure to have warm clothing that allows you to move easily.
- Create snow art. Making snow art is easy. Simply fill different clean spray bottles with water and a different color of food coloring. Send the kids outside with the bottles and let them "paint" the snow.
- Go on a winter picnic. Pack warm foods and drinks for the occasion. My grandmother did this with us one year and it is one of my best winter memories.
- Blow bubbles. Although this has to be done at very cold temperatures, the time spent outside does not have to be long. Bundle up the family and head outside and see the results of blowing bubbles in the winter. You will find that it is much different than in the summer. Try it! You and your kids will be amazed.
- Build a skating rink in your backyard. This takes a little bit of planning and some effort but it is a great feeling knowing that you can step outside your door and skate whenever you want.
Activities For the Snow
Warming Up From the Cold
One of the best parts of winter outside fun is coming in to warm up. My kids love to play outside in the snow but they also love to peel the layers of clothing off to head to the kitchen table. With their red cheeks and noses, they eagerly await a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. Often times I add a couple of marshmallows to make it even more special. Then we snuggle under a warm blanket and share some wonderful stories or watch a movie. As we enter into the prime of the winter season, I hope this helps you and your family to beat the winter blues. I know that my family will be doing more than just a few of these.