Are you looking for ways to keep kinds busy this winter? As the coldest season sets in, keeping kids entertained and engaged can be a delightful challenge. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, nanny, or another type of caregiver, avoiding cabin fever is crucial for everyone’s sanity – kids and grown-ups alike. From crafts to scavenger hunts, nature play to movie nights, let’s explore indoor and outdoor winter activities with kids.
1. Outdoor Snow Play
Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean that kids have to be stuck inside all winter. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! When kids have proper winter outdoor clothes and gear, they can stay warm and comfortable while enjoying the great outdoors.
Embrace the winter wonderland with classic outdoor activities as:
- Building a snowman
- Hosting a backyard winter Olympics
- Sledding
- Building a snow fort
- Host a snowball fight (safely!)
2. Winter Crafts
Winter crafts for kids are a lovely way to pass the time, build creativity and fine motor skills, and make memories. Crafting as a family is one of the best winter activities with kids and adults alike.
Engage kids in indoor creativity with winter-themed art projects, such as:
- Making snow ice cream
- Painting snow
- Crafting colored ice sculptures
- Make paper snowflakes
- DIY Winter Gnomes
- Make suncatchers
3. Baking Fun
Baking with kids is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond, build important life skills, and of course enjoy delicious treats! It’s one of the best winter activities with kids that’s also practical and delicious! Spend quality time together in the kitchen by baking delicious treats.
Recipe ideas for baking with kids include:
- Kid’s Favorite Butter Cookies
- Best Homemade Brownies
- Fun Emoji Cookies
- Simple Vanilla Cupcakes
- Solstice Sun Bread
- Gummy Worm Dirt Cake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Eye Spy Rice Cereal Treats
- Carrot Cake Muffins
4. Game Nights
Break out the board games or card games for kids! Enjoy a fun family game night, foster healthy competition or play cooperative games for younger kids. Playing games builds relationships, and many card games and board games for kids also strengthen important cognitive skills such as math, literacy, and logic.
For ideas on the best board games, card games, and creative games to play kids, explore:
- Best Board Games for Kids and Families
- 21 Best Board Games for Toddlers + Preschoolers
- 7 Board Games to Help Younger Kids Build Math Skills
- 6 Creative Storytelling Games for Kids
- The Ultimate List of Family Game Night Ideas for All Ages
- 10 Kid-Friendly Card Games
- 10 Games That Teach Social Skills
- The Best List of STEM Board Games
5. Volunteering
Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? Teach kids the spirit of giving by engaging in volunteer activities or simple acts of kindness within the community. There are so many ways that kids and their caregivers can get involved in their neighborhoods and communities. If you’re interested in volunteering at a local charity with kids, call first to make sure that minors are allowed to volunteer there, and what their parameters might be.
Some volunteering ideas for kids include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Offer to shovel walkways for elderly neighbors
- Start a book collection drive and donate to your school library
- Pack care kits to donate to the homeless
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Gather canned goods to donate to a local food bank
- Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog
- Foster a pet in your home
- Bring hot meals to your local firehouse
- Write thank you cards to local emergency responders
- Create a Little Free Library in your neighborhood
6. Indoor Nature Activities
Bring the outdoors inside with activities that build children’s connection to nature. Even in poor weather, you can foster a love of the outdoors with children.
For indoor nature activity ideas with kids, explore:
- Creating a nature ice wreath
- Experimenting with ice, salt, and food coloring
- Making painted ice lanterns
- Building Swedish snowball lanterns
7. Read, Read, Read!
Countless studies show how important reading aloud to children is for their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Board books, picture books, and chapter books are all wonderful ways to engage kids.
For book recommendations for kids, explore:
- Must-Have Board Books for Baby’s First Library
- The Best Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
- The 21 Best Books to Read to a 1-Year-Old
- 14 Must-Have Books for 2-Year-Olds
- Best Books for Preschoolers
- Best Read Aloud Books for Children and Families
- Laugh-Tastic Picture Books for Older Kids
- The Best Chapter Books to Read as a Family
8. Winter Scavenger Hunts
This one takes some planning, but it’s well worth it! Organize a winter-themed scavenger hunt to keep kids entertained while exploring the winter landscape. Bundle up and search for clues outside, or for truly inclement weather set up an indoor scavenger hunt for kids. This one is a tried and true favorite family winter activity.
For scavenger hunt ideas, explore:
- Outdoor Winter Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- Free Printable Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- 20 Fun Ways to Arrange a Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- Scavenger Hunt Riddles for Kids
- Winter Scavenger Hunt + Free Printables
9. Movie Nights
There’s nothing quite like cozying up for a family movie night. This is one of the best classic winter activities with kids, teens, and families alike. Bring out the popcorn, get into comfy pajamas, and settle in for an enchanting evening for the whole family.
For movie recommendations for kids and families, explore:
- 25 Best Movies for Toddlers
- The 55+ Best Preschool Movies
- 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They’re 12
- The 50 Best Teen Movies of All Time
- Best Movies for Family Movie Night
10. Decorate for Winter
Embrace the beauty of winter and decorate your home. Creating a lovely winter ambience makes your home a cozy, festive place to be in the colder months.
For winter decorating tips for the whole family, explore:
- Cute Holiday Decor for Kids’ Bedrooms and Play Spaces
- 20 Cozy Winter Decorating Ideas
- Best Winter Decorating Ideas
- DIY Winter Decor: Perfect Projects for Post-Holiday Crafting
- 19 DIY Winter Decorations to Keep Cozy after the Holidays
Enjoy Winter with Kids
There’s no need to pine away all winter! With these winter activities with kids, the whole family can enjoy the coldest season. Whether you’re looking for fun indoor activities with kids or ways to enjoy winter outdoor activities with kids, these tips are sure to keep kids entertained, active, and creatively engaged throughout the colder months. Embrace the season and make lasting memories with these fun-filled activities.