There are so many great outdoor winter family activities for all ages. I know it is cold outside and that winter can be tough on your skin but bundle up and get outside and enjoy winter! You’ll be glad you did. The cold can be invigorating and outdoor family activities are great for bonding as a family. Here are some of my favorite activities to do with family in the winter.
Fun Activities To Do With Your Family In The Winter
The winter months offer a fantastic opportunity for families to engage in various fun and exciting activities. Here’s a list of winter family activities to get you and your family members started. Even the colder months of the winter season offer outdoor adventure for the entire family and the cold is actually good for you!
1. Take A Walk
This is one of my favorite family fun winter activities because there is nothing special required! You can just walk and talk, no matter the weather. It is fun to see what or who you many encounter on your walk and it feels great to get fresh air pumping through your lungs and body. It is also fun to see what topics of conversation come up when you are walking and not otherwise occupied with things like TV, a book, or one of the other many choices when at home.
2. Go Iceskating With The Whole Family
Iceskating is such a fun memorable experience. Most places have somewhere to go ice skating at, and it’s the perfect quintessential winter activity that gets you out of the house and doing something active. Slipping, sliding, and then learning to glide and spin on ice- that is one outdoor winter activity that teaches perseverance but it is worth all the effort! Bring a camera to capture some of those fun winter memories. Not all iceskating options are outdoors but I think even an indoor rink will count since it feels cold like the outdoors! It doesn’t matter if you’re a world-class figure skater or if you can barely propel yourself forward, it will still be a fun winter activity for the family.
3. Go Sledding
Here in Nashville, we don’t always get enough snow to sled but if there is even the smallest covering of snow, you can find us outside trying our best to sled. I bundle everyone up and we head out for the exhilaration of flying down our neighborhood hill and then struggling back up to the top. We love it. We can’t get enough of sledding and it is my daughter’s favorite of these family fun winter activities.
4. Snowball Fights
Have a friendly snowball fight in your yard or at a park. It’s a classic winter activity that everyone can enjoy.
5. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt list with winter-themed items and explore local parks or nature trails to find them.
6. Build A Snowman
You can’t let the opportunity pass you by. Gather up that snow and build a family snowman! It is so much fun to work on building something together or if there is enough snow, let everyone build their own and see how much individuality can shine through! You could also try building ice castles on another day or making snow angels.
7. Outdoor Photography
Take a camera or smartphone and capture the beauty of winter landscapes. It’s a great way to bond while appreciating nature. Check out these winter photography tips.
8. Go Skiing
Here is one I have to tell you that we aspire to doing as a family. My friend lives in Utah and she brings here kids skiing all the time. She says it is easier for them to learn to ski when they are so young. We have to take a car or plane trip to get to any skiing in my area but we plan to make that happen sometime soon. If you live near snow, take full advantage of it! I was 17 when I went skiing for the first time and it was amazing. I still remember it very well. Good times! My aunt’s favorite is cross-country skiing.
9. Hot Cocoa Party
Spend time in the kitchen baking cookies, making hot chocolate, or preparing warm comfort foods together.
10. Decorate A Gingerbread House
If the winter wonderland outside is not looking so friendly right now, try coming up with creative gingerbread house ideas. This is a great group project and it is so fun to see the results of working together to build and decorate something! Don’t forget to take photos to remember it by!
Conclusion
Don’t let the cold temperatures detour you this winter break. It is easy to be prepared for the cold if you just layer up or put on your ski wear. These activities can make the winter season more enjoyable and memorable for the entire family, creating lasting bonds and cherished memories. Whether it is a winter scavenger hunt building a snow fort, there is plenty of fun things to do. So what are your favorite winter family activities?
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Sahara says
I found this web site as a most excellent site for family fun ideas. Thanks for reminding us to get out and play even when it is cold. Also, great tip about Puffs with Lotion because my nose always gets chapped!
Jill says
I envy your winter weather big time. I am not sure if we’re even out of the 70’s today. It does NOT feel like Christmas. We never get snow but I’d love to at least feel that “crispness” in the air. I guess we will make the gingerbread house and pretend it is cold weather outside!
Amy Boyington says
We LOVE taking winter walks (or walks any time of year, really!). EVen though the weather is cold, it’s so important to get kids out and having fun – no need to stay cooped up in the house!
C. Lee Reed says
Can’t do any of this wonderfully fun activities as were in 80 degree Florida but I wish we had snow. The holidays just aren’t the same without it. Thanks for including the gingerbread house idea for folks like me are in warm places but still want to feel the excitement of the holiday season.
Anne Campbell says
My kids are keeping their fingers crossed for snow this year so we can do the snow activities. These outdoor winter activities look like fun!
Laura P. says
I bought cross-country skis hoping to enjoy the outdoors more in the winter but I haven’t used them nearly as much as I planned…maybe this will be my year!
Salma says
Love all these ideas for having fun even in this often gloomy time of year! Thanks for sharing these favorite winter activities.
Raven says
Really, I want to thank you for this superb blog.
Stephen says
Thank you for the fantastic list of 10 winter family activities! Your creative suggestions promise to make the colder months enjoyable and memorable for families. Grateful for the inspiration—it’s a fantastic resource for parents looking to create cherished moments with their loved ones during winter. Your effort in compiling these fun ideas is truly appreciated, offering a delightful guide for families seeking winter adventures!
Jack says
Thank you for this wonderful compilation of fun winter family activities! What a fantastic range of options to keep everyone entertained during the colder months. Such diverse ideas—it’s a fantastic resource for families looking to create unforgettable moments together. Your leg work in curating these activities is truly appreciated, providing inspiration for joyful winter adventures!