15 Ideas to Keep the Kids Active (and Outdoors) This Winter

Winter can feel long, but with the right activities, it’s a great time for kids to burn off energy outside. Here are 15 winter activity ideas to help kids enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and embrace the season:

1. Snow Sculpting Contest

• Go beyond snowmen and let kids build animals, castles, or their favorite characters out of snow. This can keep them engaged for hours.

2. Winter Obstacle Course

• Set up challenges like jumping over snow mounds, crawling under branches, or weaving through cones. Time them or set up teams for an extra challenge.

3. Nature Walk Bingo

• Make a bingo card with winter items like pine cones, animal tracks, or icicles. Kids mark off what they see as they go on a winter hike.

4. Winter Bird Watching

• Equip kids with a simple bird identification guide and a pair of binoculars, and see how many winter birds they can spot. Setting up a bird feeder nearby can also attract more birds.

5. Snow Art with Food Coloring

• Fill spray bottles with water and a few drops of food coloring. Kids can "paint" on the snow and create colorful snow art.

6. Frozen Bubbles Experiment

• On a very cold day, let kids blow bubbles and watch them freeze in mid-air. It’s a magical way to see winter’s effect on everyday things.

7. Winter Scavenger Hunt

• Create a scavenger hunt with winter-specific items like animal tracks, pine needles, or different snow textures. This can be done in a park or your own backyard.

8. Sledding with a Twist

• Add small snow jumps or ramps on your sledding hill for extra fun and excitement. Kids can help build the jumps to make it their own.

9. Winter Bonfire & Outdoor Storytelling

• Gather around a bonfire with cozy blankets, s’mores, and hot cocoa. Take turns telling winter-themed stories or sharing funny memories.

10. Capture the Flag with Flashlights

• As it gets dark early in the winter, set up a game of Capture the Flag using flashlights. Kids will enjoy the added element of night play.

11. Ice Fishing or Ice Skating

• If there’s a frozen pond or lake nearby, bundle up and try ice fishing or skating. Both activities give kids a taste of traditional winter fun.

12. Snowshoeing Adventure

• Try snowshoeing for a new way to explore snowy trails. Many nature centers and parks offer rentals, so it’s easy to give it a try without any equipment.

13. Snowball Target Practice

• Set up targets (like cardboard cutouts or plastic cups) and have kids practice their aim with snowballs. Keep score to add a competitive twist.

14. Geocaching in Winter

• Download a geocaching app and look for hidden “treasures” nearby. Geocaching combines exploration with a bit of detective work, and it’s fun in any season.

15. Nerf War Outside

• Who says nerf wars only need to be in the summer? Plus, you can use the obstacle course you already created for extra fun with your nerf war!

 

Winter fun is all about creativity! And if you’re finding your kids are growing out of last year’s coat or losing mittens, check out our Arctic Wave jackets with built-in mittens to keep them warm and simplify your winter routines. 🌨️

 

Happy snow days,

Gina