Get a list of ideas of things to do in the winter to prevent boredom and depression from setting in. These ideas will help you pass the winter months and have fun doing it!
The idea of winter can be picturesque and leave a warm feeling in your heart, but the reality of winter is it can be long, cold, and dark. The weather can leave you feeling housebound and trapped. The winter blues are real!
You can combat this with some fun ideas of things to do as a family. The trick is to have things that excite you about winter so you do not sleep into a state of depression.
>>>Read: Surviving Bad Weather {With Kids}
Winter Activities with Kids
We live in Northern Utah, so we know what it is like to have snow on the ground starting in October and ending in April. Winters can be long! Here are some fun and cozy winter bucket list ideas for families:
1. Build a Snowman
If there’s snow where you live, gather the family to create a snowman. Add fun accessories like scarves, hats, and buttons for a personalized touch.
>>>Read: The Best Snow Clothes and Gear for Kids
2. Go Ice Skating
Whether it’s on a frozen pond or at a rink, ice skating is a fun winter activity. Enjoy the crisp air and get a little exercise while you’re at it! If you do not have an outdoor rink where you live, chances are you have an indoor rink you can go to.
3. Have a Movie Marathon
Winter activities do not have to be outside. Snuggle up with blankets and watch your favorite family-friendly winter movies or classics with popcorn and hot cocoa.
>>>Read: Movie Marathon with Kids: Over 100 Movies for Families
4. Take a Winter Hike
Explore nature in winter! Bundle up and take a walk through a snowy park, forest, or trail. Look for animal tracks in the snow and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery. You can even add snow shoes or cross country skis!
5. Bake Cookies
Get everyone involved in baking cookies or other treats. Let the kids help decorate with frosting, sprinkles, and candy! This is a great chance to teach your kids to bake different foods.
6. Go Sledding
Find the best hill in your neighborhood or nearby to go sledding as a family. It’s a thrilling winter activity that can bring lots of laughs.
7. Make Hot Cocoa from Scratch
Make homemade hot chocolate together. Try adding extra toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks.
8. Create a Winter Craft
Gather supplies to make winter-themed crafts, like snowflake decorations, homemade ornaments, or winter-themed cards to send to family and friends.
9. Go on a Winter Picnic
Pack some warm sandwiches or soups in thermoses and have a picnic in the snow or in a wintery park. Be sure to bring blankets for comfort.
10. Volunteer as a Family
Give back to the community by volunteering at a shelter or donating winter clothes to those in need. It’s a great way to teach kids about kindness.
11. Have a Winter Photoshoot
Bundle up and have a family photoshoot in the snow or a cozy winter setting. It’s a fun way to capture memories and make lasting keepsakes.
12. Attend a Winter Festival
Check out any local winter festivals with activities like ice sculptures, light displays, or horse-drawn carriage rides.
13. Host a Winter Game Night
Play classic board games or winter-themed party games like snowball toss or charades. It’s the perfect way to have some indoor fun when it’s chilly outside. See Fun Card Games for the Whole Family and Top 18 Games for Family Game Night for lots of great ideas!
14. Watch a Winter Sports Event
Whether it’s the Winter Olympics, a local hockey game, or a ski competition, watching a winter sports event can be exciting and a great way to get in the winter spirit. You can also get into other sports played in the winter like basketball and football.
15. Make a DIY Winter Spa Day
Treat yourself and your family to a relaxing spa day at home. Create homemade face masks, scrubs, and foot baths. Everyone can indulge in a little winter self-care.
16. Decorate the House for Winter
Even if it’s not the holidays, winter-themed decorations like snowflakes, garlands, or a cozy fireplace setup can help brighten up your home.
17. Plan a Family Road Trip
If you’re up for a little adventure, take a winter road trip to a nearby town or city. Explore new places, try local winter treats, and discover hidden gems. Getting out of the house for a little trip gives you something to look forward to and also gives you a break from the same old scene at home.
18. Go on a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Create a winter scavenger hunt with things to find in nature, like animal tracks, certain types of snow, or evergreen branches.
19. Host a Pajama Day
Stay in your PJs all day, watch movies, drink hot drinks, play games, and enjoy the coziness of the day together.
20. Do a Winter Reading Challenge
Set up a reading challenge where everyone in the family picks winter-themed books. Afterward, have a cozy reading time by the fire or with blankets.
>>>Read: 14 Great Winter Picture Books Worth Owning
21. Do a Beach Day at Home
When my kids were young, they would put on their swimming suits and eat lunch on our beach towels even when it was -20 outside.
22. Go Skiing, Snowboarding, or Snowmobiling
There are many winter sports you can try. These activities can be expensive, but many have student rates or discount for going at night rather than daytime.
23. Go to a Production, Play, or Musical
When the weather outside is frightful, thing of things that are done indoors that can be fun. This is a great time of year to attend productions, plays, and musicals.
These ideas help create magical memories with your loved ones and take full advantage of the season’s charm!
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