12 Winter Activities For The Whole Family

Keeping the entire family entertained all winter long can be a Herculean task. The days are cold, dark and boring. Once winter boredom sets in, it’s all too easy to adopt unhealthy habits—like overeating and spending too much time in front of digital screens. But the truth is, you don’t need to let the frigid weather ruin your family fun. There are actually tons of fun winter activities for the family, both indoor and outdoor.

Need some ideas to help conquer winter boredom? Whether you prefer to hunker down in a warm and cozy house or embrace the beautiful, snowy landscape, here are 12 winter activities that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Visit a Christmas tree farm 

Still searching for the perfect Christmas tree? Make a visit to a Christmas tree farm! The whole family will have a blast picking out a tree and tying it to the roof of the car. Even if you already have a tree, consider making the trip anyway. Many Christmas tree farms have family-oriented activities, like sleigh rides and hot cocoa. If you have a little one in tow, be sure to bundle them up in a snug baby cap and other newborn winter clothes to keep them nice and warm.

Bake and decorate cookies

Many of us have fond memories of decorating cookies with our parents and grandparents. Pass the tradition down to your kids by whipping up a delicious batch of sugar cookies and letting them decorate with fun frosting and sprinkles. Don’t have time to bake cookies from scratch? Pick up a cookie decorating kit from the store and skip to the fun part!

If you live somewhere that gets heaps of snow, take advantage of all that beautiful powder by going sledding as a family. Sledding is affordable, easy, and, above all, insanely fun! There’s nothing better than watching your kids zoom down a snowy hill, screaming with laughter the entire time. 

Go sledding

If you live somewhere that gets heaps of snow, take advantage of all that beautiful powder by going sledding as a family. Sledding is affordable, easy and, above all, insanely fun! There’s nothing better than watching your kids zoom down a snowy hill, screaming with laughter the entire time.

Make DIY Christmas ornaments

Why spend money on Christmas ornaments when you can simply make your own with the kids? With a few basic craft supplies, you and the kiddos can make adorable DIY ornaments that give your tree a personalized touch. Kids of all ages can make these salt-dough ornaments. (Psst…these ornaments also make great gifts for the grandparents!)

Have a movie marathon together

If the weather has you stuck inside, pop some popcorn and have a movie marathon with the kids. Pick movies that have sequels—Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel movies—and spend an entire Saturday binge-watching your favorites.

Build a blanket fort and read together

Admit it: You’d be into this idea even if you didn’t have kids. Who doesn’t love changing into their pajamas, building a cozy blanket fort and getting lost in a good book? Tip: Use spare holiday lights to set the ambiance for your blanket fort.

Go ice skating

Sure, you could go ice skating in the spring or fall. But if we’re being totally honest, it just isn’t the same experience. Besides, going ice skating in the winter gives you the unique opportunity to skate on an outdoor ice rink, which maximizes the winter charm.

Make homemade gifts

Feel like spreading some holiday cheer this year? Consider making homemade gifts for your friends, family, and neighbors. If you need some ideas, this Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar or this hot cocoa mason jar gift is sure to be a big hit with everyone. You can let your little ones help you put them together by pouring the ingredients into the jar.

Hit the slopes

If you live near a ski resort, rent some skis (or snowboards) and head to the slopes with the family. The older kids will love speeding down the slopes and breathing in that fresh mountain air. If your little ones have never been skiing before, you can sign them up for lessons first. Tip: Make sure their helmet and ski boots fit perfectly for maximum safety and comfort.

 Have family game night

Family game nights are another great way to have some screen-free fun when you’re stuck inside. To build excitement for game night, start by making some delicious treats for the family. (Brownies are sure to get everyone hyped.) Then, bust out the board games and start playing. If you have little ones, classic games like Candy Land are a good choice. For older kids, consider playing charades or Catan.

 Decorate a gingerbread house

Gingerbread houses are so much fun—not to mention, absolutely delicious. Pick up a gingerbread house kit from the grocery store—they’re not difficult to find this time of the year—and have an afternoon of DIY fun with the kids. If you’re really ambitious, you could take a stab at making a DIY gingerbread house from scratch. 

 Admire holiday lights and decorations

Many people leave their holiday lights up until early January, which gives you plenty of time to admire them with the family. Pack everyone into the car and drive to the neighborhoods that are known for going all out with their holiday decor. Try to find the house with the best light display.

Your family doesn’t need to spend all winter glued to digital screens. With these winter activities, everyone is bound to have a good time. Who knows? Winter might just become your new favorite season!