Snow days + winter breaks = kids home complaining of boredom. Need ideas to keep them busy? Here’s 15 free (or almost free) things to do with kids this winter.
There's no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy this magical season!
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”
- Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph. D. -
The winter season often finds kids at home; whether it’s a scheduled school holiday, a Christmas break, or inclement weather. This is a tough time for parents as the house is often full of bickering kids who just won’t stop shouting about how bored they are.
This post lists some fun indoor and outdoor winter activities that will help keep your kids occupied and bring sanity back into your home despite the frosty weather conditions.
And the great news is that most of them are completely free!
The weather outside may not be so inviting for some games; on the other hand, you can’t let your children play with electronics all day long as you try to do your daily chores. And more importantly, excessive screen time simply isn’t good for kids. Even when the weather is good, kids between 8 and 12 years old are already spending an average of 6 hours a day interacting with digital media.
Healthy Living Series: Screen Time - Impact on Kid's Health | Courtesy of Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Sadly, many children simply don’t know how to play anymore.
And we bet most have never heard of some of our childhood favorite games like Red Rover, Red Light/Green Light, Mother May I? Or even good ol’ Tag!
So, what do you do?
Take advantage of the special-ness of Snow Days and holiday breaks to “remind” your kids how much fun it is to play — whether it’s inside or out!
Okay, enough of the serious stuff. Let's get on to the fun!
Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids and Families
Building a snowman is a classic winter pastime but don't be boring. Do it with style.
Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean we have to give up on the good old outdoors. A breath of fresh air could be exactly what we need to curb cabin fever that’s almost hitting the ceiling after weeks of being confined indoors.
Here are some outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your kids during winter.
Remember to dress them in the right gear before heading out. Ensure they are waterproof and warm, from head to toe.
1. Host a Sledding Party
Sledding is sure to bring out the child in everyone involved.
Host an impromptu sledding party; this way you won’t have to send formal invitations. Simply make some phone calls or send e-mails informing people of the event. A winter wonderland menu will help enhance the snowy theme.
Don't have a sled? Check out the best sleds, toboggans and snow tubes of the year!
Video: Vintage Footage from 1945 of Kids Playing and Sledding in the Snow
My, how things have changed! Play in Snow (1945) | Courtesy of A/V Geeks
Don’t forget to have thermoses of hot chocolate in the sledding area.
If there’s power available outside, you can set up an appliance to keep the cocoa warm. Also, remember sledding is good exercise and the young ones will be feeling hungry within a short time. Consider offering soup or something hearty like homemade mac 'n' cheese or chicken pot pie.
For dessert, check out the next idea.
2. Make Snow Cones from Real Snow
This suggestion actually came from one of our community members, plus we checked around and found lots of other people who think it's a cool idea too (pun intended 😀)!
Video: How to Make Real Snow Cones with Snow Cone Syrup
Tutorial: Making Snow Cones with Real Snow | Courtesy of Uncensored Eats
While it's true that eating ice cream, Italian ices and snow cones are associated with summer and warm weather, but we think your kids will get a real kick out of using snow to make their own sweet treats. And you'll love them because they're easy to make and much less expensive than store-bought versions.
Here's the most important ingredient — fresh, clean snow!
When collecting snow, you want to make sure you gather it from an area that has not been disturbed and where neither people or animals have not tracked over. And you want to do it as soon as possible after the snow has fallen so it's light and fluffy! If you won't be making the treats right away, you can gather some snow in a container and set it aside somewhere safe for later.
Making "Backyard" Snow Cones is super easy — simply follow any traditional snow cone recipe replacing the shaved ice with your freshly gathered snow. There are many pre-made snow cone syrups available (some even come with the paper cones and slushy straws), or you could just use powdered drink mixes made with half the water.
For more recipes for "Real Snow" snow cones, as well as recipes for snow ice cream and snow sorbet, check out this team member post.
3. Go Bike Riding in the Snow
With the right tires, riding bikes in the snow is tons of fun!
The winter cold should not discourage you from enjoying family bike rides.
Head over to those idle railway tracks that have long been transformed into trails. These mostly go through cuttings and are surrounded by trees. They are less exposed and also happen to be on firmer ground for young cyclists.
Ensure the kids have their winter gloves and helmets on. You will also want to dress them in layers. Because they are moving around a lot, they are likely to get warm and you don't want them sweating too much. Why? Because when they do stop moving the moisture will increase the chance of chill.
The smallest ones (in child bicycle seats or bike strollers) should be toasty warm with blankets and a hot water bottle since they are not pedaling and may get cold sooner.
If this is an activity you think you and your family will do often, consider getting snow tires for your bikes, or check out the latest electric fat tire bikes many of which are great for riding in the snow.
4. Have a Rope Pulling Contest
The cold winter weather can be a good enough excuse to get together everyone in the neighborhood and go outside for some exercise and a breath of fresh air. If you have ever been part of the tug of war game in the snow, you know that it’s a whole bunch of slip-sliding fun.
To play this game, you will need two teams and a long, thick rope. Make a mid-line by flattening out a ditch in the snow. The team that manages to pull the other over the mid-line first wins!
Make sure there's a nice soft pile of snow at each end for if, and when, a team falls backwards.
5. Take Time to Appreciate Nature
A fresh layer of snow provides a perfect opportunity for kids to discover animal tracks!
Did you know that it's estimated that children spend about 90% of their time indoors?
This has become such an issue that Audubon Medal recipient and author of Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv coined the term "nature deficit disorder." We need to get our kids outdoors more, and winter provides a great opportunity to explore nature.
One of the benefits of freshly fallen snow is that it makes a perfect canvas for animal tracks. Take a walk with your kids and have them see how many they can spot. Ask them if they can tell what animal made the footprint. You could take this a step further and either have them carry a small notebook to draw the print or take a picture with phone. And then when you go back inside, you could have them do some online research to find the answer. Yes, this is using technology again, but it demonstrates a positive use for it.
For younger children, this is a great opportunity to talk about what different animals do to survive the cold. Then, before you go out, you can have them make homemade bird feeders to hang. Or you could collect pine cones while out and make them afterwards. If you don’t have any bird seed, there are DIY kids birdfeeders that can be made with thing such as oranges, peanut butter, bagels or “bird safe” cereals like cheerios.
There’s also things you can do with kids later in the day.
With the longer nights shortening the days during winter, it is an excellent opportunity to stargaze with your kids. On that clear night, sit out swaddled in blankets and simply enjoy the night sky.
You can use one of the many stargazing apps, such as the free Sky Map App, to learn a little more about the different stars you are looking at. And depending upon where you live, you may be able to see a lot of stars even without a pair of binoculars.
6. Turn Traditional Games Into Snowy Variations
Yeah, you could have a traditional snowball fight, but why not play Snowball Dodge Ball instead? The winter version of dodge ball is played exactly the same way as the traditional game, only you will need snowballs and not the regular balls. Split the family into two teams and have fun throwing the balls at one another as you run (or walk if playing with younger kids).
You are supposed to dodge the balls, but if by bad luck you are hit, then you will be out of the round. If you happen to catch the offending ball, then the thrower is the one who will be out! The game goes on until all the members of one group are eliminated. Don’t forget to pack your snowballs loosely, so they remain soft and don’t sting when you get hit!
Or you could teach your kids how to play Hopscotch but instead of drawing the “board” with chalk, have them build the lines out of snow mounds.
Remember how to play Freeze Tag? Winter would be a perfect time to teach your kids this childhood favorite from "yesteryear". Make it extra special by having them build a snowman first and have that be home base. Boy, our snowmen are taking a lot of abuse!
Kickball anyone? Create the 4 bases out of snow mounds. You may have to remake them when people slide into home. This set up is also good for baseball, wiffle ball or softball. You could even try using snowballs, just for the laughs!
Snowy soccer is also fun, and you don’t even need a net. Either dig out two “goals” in the piled-up snow on each side of the driveway, or have the kids build goals our of mounded snow on two sides of the yard.
7. Play Snowman Hat Trick
Making a snowman is a treasured activity for most kids. Let everyone participate in building the snowman, complete with attached charcoal eyes and carrot nose.
Once the snowman is complete, let everyone line up close to 10 feet away. Take turns as you try to drop the hat on snowman’s head by tossing it Frisbee style. The person who manages to launch the hat on snowman’s head within the fewest attempts wins.
Another variation is to put the hat on the snowman, and have the kids take turns trying to knock it off by throwing snowballs. The downside to this game though is that your snowman may not like it too much!
For younger children, building their first snowman is also a great chance to add a STEM lesson in frozen science and engineering.
You could even show them this video ahead of time and add another level to the contest...
See who builds the snowman that lasts the longest!
Video: STEM Lesson for Kids - Engineering and Physics of Building a Snowman
Do You Want to Build a Snowman — Engineering for Kids | Courtesy of SciShow Kids
8. Have a Snowball Relay Race
This game offers an excellent way to burn off that extra energy. To play this game, split yourselves into two or more groups. First, make a “path” in your backyard by pressing down the snow to a large oval shape.
Second, each team should make a snowball that they will use as the relay stick. To play this game, each player will run around the path, and then pass their snowball onto the succeeding player.
The game continues until all the team members have run around the path. The first group to finish becomes the winner.
9. Play Hockey — With or Without Ice
If your area has a pond, you can let older kids enjoy the pick-up sport of ice hockey. To play, set up a goal on either side of the pond. Ensure each player is wearing extra padding to protect against any falls, before setting them free on the ice.
Always remember to check the ice to ensure it is solid enough.
You can also play “street hockey” — after you have enlisted their help clearing the driveway of course. It’s a great way to reward kids for shoveling while you are doing the main job with a snowblower. If you start by telling them the plan, they won't even think of it as work.
Snow days and winter breaks don't need to be filled with more "screen time" — get creative!
Indoor Winter Activities for Kids and Families
Pillow fights can be lots of fun — except for the clean up. But hey, it's like snow inside!
On those days when the temperatures are just too low to step outside, you can minimize screen time and have your kids enjoy their indoor time with these activities.
If cleaning up after a pillow fight, or listening to the kids argue is not your idea of fun, here are some ideas to get you started.
10. Set Up an Indoor Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is an enjoyable game for all ages. You can play this as individuals or invite another family and play it as a team. Hide the treasures around the house and let the hunters find them. This does take a little bit of planning, because you do need to write up the clues.
Another version – instead of hiding treasures in each spot, you can hide the next clue which will ultimately lead to the final location. Remember to have a treasure chest with a few goodies for the winners.
By the way, you could also create an outdoor scavenger hunt while the kids are still in bed. The final destination — the kitchen where hot cocoa and cookies await!
11. Let Them Pretend to Be Sumo Wrestlers
Who says you can't burn off some steam while stuck indoors? Let the kids sumo wrestle.
Video: Family Fun Sumo Wrestling - Inside or Outside!
Sumo Suits Costume Challenge with HobbyKids and HobbyDad! | Courtesy of HobbyKidsTV
Create some space in the living area and make the corners using pillows. For the suits, you don't have to go full-on like HobbyDad in the video above. Just lend them an old t-shirt (the bigger the better) to the kids and have them stuff it with pillows both in the front and at the back. You might need to use some duct tape or masking tape to wrap around the pillows.
Or if you are looking to be more authentic, they actually sell inflatable kids sumo wrestler costumes, or you could cut a hole in the top of a white garbage bag for the neck and use a Sharpie marker to draw on it to make it look like a fat wrestler in a wrestling thong.
By the way, you could also set up your sumo wrestler ring outside. Simply shovel a circle in the snow. Then let the wrestling begin.
Be the referee and try not to laugh too much!
Video: More Kids Having Fun with Inflatable Sumo Wrestler Costume Suits
Hilarious Kids Sumo Challenge! | Courtesy of the Ballinger Family
13. Play Board Games — With a Winter Twist
Bring out your dusty collection of board games and play together.
Don’t forget to introduce the children to your favorites. You can even organize a championship and compete for prizes. You could also play a version of hangman, but instead of drawing a stick figure, use a snow man (and of course, make the words winter related!).
If you have enough time to plan ahead, there are some great games available for a Snow Day themed board game tournament. Remember Don’t Break the Ice? We'll the classic game is still around for under $10, or you could go for the Disney Frozen version.
And we would be remiss if we skipped the obvious "winter is coming" reference with so many different Game of Thrones themed board games out there including GOT versions of classics like Monopoly, Clue and Risk.
14. Hold a Themed Movie Marathon
Okay, we know we started out this article by saying that kids spend too much time in front of the screen. That’s absolutely true. But the reality is that sometimes you have things to do and need to keep them busy. Or perhaps you need something to do after they have been playing for a while.
What we are talking about here is making TV time something different than mindless watching the boob tube.
Instead, make it special and give your movie marathon a theme.
Networks like Hallmark and Lifetime are always showing winter and holiday themed movies and it won’t cost you a dime. If you subscribe to a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu and the new Disney service, you probably have access to a lot of great movies already. Or if you don’t subscribe to one of those, Amazon offers a free 30-day trial to their service.
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You could also tie in some outside games or arts and crafts in with your movie theme.
Did the kids build a snowman? You could go with Disney’s Frozen, but do you really want to hear “Let it Go” one more time? We suppose it could be fun to have "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" playing if you were building a giant Olaf like this guy did.
It stopped traffic, got news attention and raised over $6000 for Opération Enfant Soleil.
Video: Building a GIANT Olaf Snowman from Disney's Frozen
Building a Giant Olaf [For fun and Charity] | Courtesy of Ben Willingdorf
Your kids not as ambitious?
You could watch Jack Frost with Michael Keaton as a snowman that comes to life. Or name your snowman “Oscar” and then watch some of the best kids’ appropriate Oscar-winning films and have an unforgettable time. Don’t forget to introduce your kids to some of your childhood favorites as you also get acquainted with some of the newer ones.
Your theme doesn’t have to be “winter” related. Have kids who love pirates? Have them make pirate hats, patches and even play swords and then watch all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies in a row. If your kids are into sports, make that your theme. After they have tired themselves out playing outside, settle in with some great real-life sports movies with a message. Miracle would be a great choice!
Completely snowed in?
Turn your all-day movie marathon into a giant pajama party. Put everyone’s name in a hat and take turn choosing the next movie.
Don’t forget to pass the popcorn! Or better yet, really take the winter theme a step further and make those snow cones or snow ice cream!
15. Read a Good Book
Yes, you can always turn to good old books.
Check out your local library for some good books, find a comfortable spot in your house and curl up with your children and have a good read. Don’t forget blankets, pillows, and your favorite stuffed animals.
Afterwards, you could have your kids draw pictures of their favorite scene or character from the book. Or, you could also tie the book that you read in with TV time and watch either a movie that is related, or if you finish the book, the movie that is based on it.
Too much snow outside to make it to the library?
Here’s where the digital age comes to the rescue — for a good reason. Services like Amazon Kindle give you immediate access to just about every book possible (and like their streaming service, if you are not already subscribed, there are free trial memberships).
A Few Final Words...
“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.”
- Dr. Charles E. Schaefer -
So, do you have any plans for this winter?
Yes, it’s not a very exciting time like the summers where there’s a lot of night swimming and vacationing but you can create your own fun and enjoy those three or so months of cold.
You don’t have to stay cooped up in the house until the cold goes away. Any of the the above indoor and outdoor activities should get you moving! Or create some of your own.
Winter is coming... Enjoy the snow!
Yeah, forgive us, we just couldn't resist leaving you with that last G.O.T. reference.
With a bit of creativity, you may actually look forward to those snow days like this teacher whose Snow Day parody of Adele's Hello went viral — only for you it will be because of all the fun you and your kids can have!
Video: "Snow" Music Video - Teacher Parody of Adele's "Hello"
Mary Morris: “Snow” an Adele "Hello" Parody | Official Music Video
Featured Image Background Vector Created by brgfx at FreePik