Winter Fun & Games!

Got cabin fever? You're not alone. Being stuck indoors all winter will make anyone antsy. Instead of going stir crazy, try these fun things to do with kids in winter. From unique craft projects to fun in the snow, your entire family will grow closer as you make it through the colder months together.

1. Building a Snowman

Assuming you have snow on the ground, getting outside to build a snowman is an activity all kids love! Be sure to bring the carrot nose and a hat to top things off. Be prepared for your kids to sing an off-key version of Frozen’s “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” while you work!

2. Baking

Baking together can be a great family bonding activity that also encourages your kids to use a bit of math with their measurements. Plus, not everything you bake has to be sweet and full of sugar. There are some great healthy muffin recipes online that kids will have fun making, and that you’ll feel great allowing them to eat.

3. Family Movie Night

Sure, you don’t want your kiddos to spend the entire winter cooped up inside watching movies. But once a week or so, it’s a great opportunity for you to all relax and enjoy watching something on the big screen together. And while it can always be fun to actually go to the movies, kids are often just as happy with a rental at home.

4. Ice Skating and Hockey

One of our saving graces this winter has been ice skating. There may not be snow on the ground, but at least we can put skates on and enjoy whizzing around on the ice. My toddler isn’t quite standing up on her own yet, but she sure has had fun trying!

5. Writing Letters

The rise of the Internet really has done away with the art of letter writing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t work to revive it with your kids this winter! After all, who doesn’t love getting a piece of mail that isn’t a bill? Sit down with your kids and make a list of people they would love to write letters to. Start with the obvious like grandparents, and then consider reaching out to old friends who live in other states and may have kids around the same age as your own. It could be a perfect pen pal pairing in the making!

6. Kids’ Yoga

It may not always be safe to get outside with your kids in the winter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be looking for ways to activate their little muscles. Indoor yoga can be a great way to keep kids in tune with their bodies, and to help them focus when being stuck inside has them feeling a little stir-crazy. Check local yoga studios to see if they offer any classes. Or try an at-home sequence.

7. Indoor Picnics

Grab those muffins you baked and set the scene for a living room picnic. Let your kids handle the setup with blankets and stuffed animal guests and then arrange a spread they won’t be able to resist!

8. Sledding

This is a no-brainer. If there is snow on the ground, get out and sled with your kids!

9. Making Books

Pull out the crafting supplies and make a book with your kids. Either have them write the story (or tell it to you, so that you can transcribe it) and illustrate it, or use family photos to create a picture book. This is an activity you could easily spend all day on (or several days, for kids who need lots of breaks in between), and one that will lead to an end product your kids will love.

10. Board Games

Uno, Monopoly, Go Fish, Battleship: It doesn’t matter what games are your favorite, your kids will love playing them all with you!

11. Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing

For older kiddos, getting out and learning some winter sports with Mom or Dad can be a fun and exciting way to spend the day. And if you’re feeling a little unsure of how to teach them, reach out to the local ski resorts to ask about lessons.

12. Outdoor Exploration

Most kids would be thrilled to simply be decked out in their winter gear and set loose outside. Follow along with younger children, of course, but give them free range to explore and discover what the world outside has to offer them. Getting kids a winter ecojournal can encourage them to document what they discover!

13. Compassion Packages

Perhaps your children have started to take notice of some of the homeless people who may be huddled under blankets on street corners in your area. Considering enlisting their help in making compassion packages. Fill a shoebox with items that might be helpful to someone living on the street. Things like bottled water, hand warmers, and granola bars can be a great place to start. Then, keep those packages in your car to give to those you see on the streets in the cold winter months.

14. Art Projects

Painting, coloring, building with clay? Give your kids a chance to create, and they are sure to thrive with the opportunity.

15. Snow Angels

Little ones love making snow angels, and they love it even more when you get down and join them!