Easy and Free Winter Activities For Kids
Winter is peeking around the corner, already teasing with a dusting of snow (in October people…wth??). Anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of winter AT ALL. I dread going outside in the cold and snow. I am meant for warmer climates. But my boys for some reason love it. (I’d blame their father, but he’s not a fan either.)
So, what to do when winter strikes, and even I get a little stir crazy indoors? When I just can’t justify any more electronic time, and I know we need to try something different? Here’s some ideas for easy and free winter activities for kids.
Fun In Your Own Backyard
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This one is a given. Bundle the kids up and toss them outside in the back yard! But mine get bored easily and usually want me outside playing with them. Try building snowmen, making a fort (a sno-brick maker is the best, or try an empty baby wipes container), or making life size mazes or labyrinths. If you’re adventurous, hit an open field at a local school or park.
Even if you’ve got just a dusting of snow, you can get out and try snow painting. Grab some cheap spray bottles, tempura paint powder or even food colouring (make sure it’s washable) and water. Release your inner artist!
If you live where there isn’t much snow, you can still enjoy the outdoors. Make “ice jewels” by freezing coloured water in balloons. Go for a walk in your neighbourhood, gather up leaves, twigs, interesting bits of nature and freeze in a shallow tupperware container filled with water.
Venture further afield to a nearby hiking trail or wilderness area. Try a scavenger hunt to see if you can track animals in winter! For more outside winter activities in the woods, try this article.
Winter In The Community
Check out your local community for winter activities and events. Pioneer villages, museums and historic sites often host free or low-cost winter themed events or holiday activities that harken back to times long past. Local parks may put on candlelight walks in the woods. Libraries and community centres often plan winter-themed activities.
Consider donating your time to local soup kitchens, out of the cold programs, or gather up used winter coats and mitts for those in need. When the weather gets colder, the need is greater. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about giving, and how to appreciate what we do have.
Winter Craft Ideas
There is no end to the extravagant winter craft ideas you can find on the internet. But what about returning to your own childhood and introducing your kids to making paper snowflakes…
You can even make snowflakes with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. Great for adding to your hot chocolate to warm you up after being outside!
If you’re sticking with the paper theme, try making paper airplanes, simple origami or even paper lanterns.
Have a Cozy Indoor Day
Plan a day where the theme is cozy and warm! Stay in your pyjamas, bundle up with warm socks and sweaters. Grab pillows and blankets and make a blanket fort! Read books, play board games, have a movie marathon (our favourite is Harry Potter) or just day dream while you’re snuggled up. Naps are the order of the day!
We like to make meals and snacks cozy on these days too! Try grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (or any cozy fall soup), mac and cheese, loaded baked potatoes…all the comfort foods you enjoy. Warm apple cider, hot cocoa, steaming mugs of tea.
Hygge in Winter
The Danish have a word for this…hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). Learn more about these cozy pursuits here…
Like this article? You might also enjoy these…
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