Three Fun Winter Activities For Families

English: Fun ice skating in open air at city c...
Fun ice skating in open air at city center (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Looking out at all the snow in our backyard this weekend, no one felt like going outside. I don’t know about you, but we are snowed out! So what’s a parent to do?

The winter season is a perfect time to explore different activities. Just because it may be cold outside is no reason not to spend precious time enjoying each other’s company. Finding things to do in the winter time may be considered more difficult than spring or summer, but with a little planning there’s plenty you can do as a family!

1. Get out the winter gear and head outdoors

It may not snow in all parts of the world, but there is one commonality during the wintertime and that is the colder temperatures. This is a perfect time to take out the cold weather clothes, bundle up and head outdoors if the weather is nice.

If it is snowing outside, the entire family can participate in making a snowman or even have a snowball fight. Because we have little ones, making a snowman can be hard. While I was out with the kids, my husband built a snow family in the front yard. It was an awesome sight coming home (the boys literally screamed with excitement) and inspired us to get out the sleds and pull the kiddies around.

If you live in an area that is cold but doesn’t snow, you can head out on a nature hike taking in the beauty of the season and the different wildlife/plants. Spending time outdoors together as a family is a great way to connect.

2. Sit by a cozy fire or heater

So it’s cold and raining or snowing and you don’t feel like going outside – grab some warm blankets and comforters and create a cozy spot near the fireplace or heater. Creating a cozy spot everyone can be a great place for family activities to emerge.

You can get out that family game you haven’t played together in years or sift through some old movies you haven’t watched in a long time. Make some popcorn and hot chocolate and just enjoy time together. It can be surprising how fun those old games and movies you forgot about can be.

We pulled out the Legos and set up shop. It was a warm and cozy site, which we all loved. (Best of all for me? No TV!)

3.  Go to an indoor ice or skate rink

Many towns have indoor activities, such as ice rinks, that can be fun for the entire family. Even if it has been awhile since you all skated, this activity relates to the season and has a way of bringing a smile to anyone’s face.

Many ice or skate rinks allow you to rent skates, so there is no need to spend extra money on purchasing an item you will only use a few times a year. Save your money and enjoy a nice hot cup of cocoa with your kids after circling the ice or wooden rink a few times.

So if you’re feeling trapped this winter, there is no need to sit in front of the television or computer. This winter get a little creative to engage the entire family in activities that will allow everyone to reconnect.

EVOLVE: Share your great ideas for spending time as a family during the winter.

10 Comments

  1. That would be fun to take my son to the ice skating rink. And good point about using the rentals to save money! Great ideas for family time – thank you.

    1. So many families I know don’t go ice skating because they don’t own skates. It seems like an obvious thing to rent but a lot of people forget they can do that.

  2. Ive never been ice skating-would love to try that!

    1. I particularly love the outdoor rinks! Cold but fun. And the best part? Hot chocolate afterward.

  3. The best part about winter? Time as a family spent by the fireplace. Always sad to give that up when Spring arrives, and helps me adjust when I’m willing the following winter away.

    1. I do love hanging out by the fireplace. My boys are builders so it’s easy to snuggle up and make something with the Legos.

  4. Well I vote for Sit By the Fire – as it is snowing right now :-/
    Thanks for sharing!
    Visiting today from Diana Rambles Linky. I hope you can stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206

    1. I love sitting by the fire, too. We get the Legos or Magna-tiles out and build for hours and hours.

  5. I am not a winter person at all, but I think the snow is beautiful. We have had way too much winter this year. Your ideas are all great. When we get a big snow, it is fun to get into our winter gear and go outside together to clean up the walks and have fun. Visiting with Friendship Friday.

    1. Thanks for visiting from Friendship Friday. (It’s not too late to link in to my Friday Flash Blog, which actually runs all weekend long.)

      So many families I know forget what easy activities there are to do in the snow. Instead the video games go on all day :-/

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