The cold winter days have finally arrived in much of the United States recently, and here at L-Bow we absolutely LOVE IT!! Although, I am guessing many of you may not have the same appreciation for these cold days. We don’t want you to feel trapped inside with your kids and nothing to do. You know the kids will ask that inevitable question every parent dreads hearing: “what are we doing for fun today?” Have no fear! We’ve come up with a list of some fun winter activities for kids to keep them busy and entertained.
We love helping younger generations embrace the winter months. From the cozy corners of your home, to the expansive outdoors, these kids winter activities are a blend of fun, education, and physical activity. To make things easier, because what parent doesn’t love that, we’ve broken down the list into several categories - each containing outdoor and indoor winter activities for kids. Trust me, there is something on this list for everyone! Check out the list and make the most out of this beautiful winter season. And don't forget to load up on your L-Bow gear for all the outdoor adventures!
Artistic and Creative Winter Fun for Kids
Having kids participate in artistic activities keeps them busy and helps develop their creativity, concentration, and skills. They're also a great way for parents or caregivers to engage with kids in a fun and meaningful way. Here are some of our favorite creative winter activities for kid:
Indoor:
Painting: Time to pull out that bin of paint that’s been sitting in the back of your art cabinet collecting dust and let the kids get to work! Encourage kids to paint whatever their imagination conjures up and see where their paint brushes take them.
Collage Making: Using old magazines, newspapers, or printed pictures, kids can cut out and glue images onto a poster or cardboard to create a collage. Perhaps the collage could be an inspiration for a winter bucket list!
Tie-Dye Projects: Who says tie-dying is a summer activity? Lay down some cardboard and tie-dye socks, t-shirts, or pillowcases for a colorful and fun activity.
Homemade Greeting Cards: Gather some quality paper and have your kids create greeting cards for family and friends. You can use them for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, or thank-you notes -adds a sweet and personal touch.
Outdoor:
Snow Painting: No need to buy snow paint from a store. Just mix food coloring with water in spray bottles and let kids paint the snow. Watch them create colorful landscapes on a white canvas.
Winter Photography: Let your kids capture the intricate designs of snowflakes, the beauty of snow covered trees or bushes using a camera or smartphone. Kids can learn about photography and learn to appreciate the beauty of the season.
Ice Ornaments: Fill pie pans or molds with water, add natural materials like berries or leaves, and let them freeze. Hang them on trees as beautiful winter garden decorations.
Educational Things to Do in Winter with Kids
Winter can bring a wonderland of learning opportunities for kids, and there’s no reason why the fun should stop when it’s cold outside! This season is full of cool ways to turn playtime into fun learning time - check out our favorite educational activities:
Indoor:
Baking Day: Baking is a delicious way to learn about measurements and chemical reactions. Whether you make cookies, bread or a pie, cooking is a great way to bond with your kids - even if it doesn’t turn out!
Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments, like creating a homemade volcano, exploring the properties of salt and ice, or studying static electricity with balloons.
Virtual Museum Tours: Did you know many museums offer virtual tours? Find a museum that excites the kids the most and let them get lost in learning about new cultures, art, and history.
Outdoor:
Winter Wildlife Exploration: Pull out your binoculars and let the kids observe and document as many birds and other animals as they can find. Maybe even create a list for them to check off and see who can find the most!
Ice Fishing: Do your kids need a lesson in patience and local ecology? Ice fishing can help teach kids about the types of fish in their area and winter survival strategies of aquatic life.
Geocaching in the Snow: Geocaching combines technology, navigation, and adventure! You can use a geocaching app or website to find geocaches near you. A snowy fun-filled treasure hunt!
Winter Games for Kids to Get Them Moving!
You may dread those days when school or other plans get canceled because of snow. However, if you are prepared with the best winter activities, these days don't seem so daunting. This is the perfect time to get kids moving with some physical activities and games. Some of our favorites include:
Indoor:
Obstacle Course: Set up a fun and challenging obstacle course using pillows, furniture, and toys, etc.. The course can include crawling under tables, hopping between cushions, or balancing on a line of tape on the floor. Time to get creative!
Dance Party: Turn on some music, bust out a disco ball, and have an old-fashioned dance party in the living room! It's a great way for kids to get some cardio exercise.
Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for kids to find around the house. Try not to make it too easy! Think of an item from every room in the house. This keeps them moving and adds an element of fun and exploration.
Outdoor:
Build a Snow Fort: Building snow forts or igloos teaches basic building principles and helps foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Winter Sports Day: Have a day dedicated to winter sports. You can include activities like ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowball fights, and ice hockey.
Snow Relay Races: Setting up relay races in the snow, with different challenges, can be a great group activity. Call up the neighbors and get the competition started!
Winter Activities for the Family
Winter tends to be a season where you spend a lot of time with your family. It's harder to venture out and a lot of people like to hunker down. However, this doesn’t mean you can't throw in a little family fun here and there! Check out these activities and perhaps start a new winter tradition with your family!
Indoor:
Family Game Night: Break out all the board games, card games, or interactive video games like Wii Sports and enjoy a night of friendly competition and laughter!
Indoor Camping: Set up a tent in the living room, gather your sleeping bags, and have an indoor camping night. Don’t forget the scary stories and indoor ‘smores!
Theme Dinners: Choose a country or culture and host a dinner inspired by its cuisine. Decorate, put on a themed playlist, and have the whole family dress up to match the theme!
Outdoor:
Winter Picnic: Pack hot drinks and snacks and enjoy a picnic in a snowy park. Don't forget blankets!
Attend a Winter Festival: Many cities host winter festivals with activities like ice sculptures, sleigh rides, and hot chocolate stands. Check and see if there is a festival near you!
Cross-Country Skiing: If you live near a ski area, cross-country skiing is a wonderful family activity and a great form of exercise.
Conclusion
With all of these winter kids activities there’s no need to dread these cold months. Whether you're crafting indoors, exploring the snowy outdoors, or engaging in educational projects, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, bundle up, get creative, and make the most of this winter season with fun, learning, and unforgettable family bonding moments. Remember, at L-Bow, we're all about making the most of winter, and we hope these activities help you do just that!