50 Best Winter Activities For Kids Indoor And Outdoor Ideas That Are Fun, Educational And Build Bonding - Breathe To Inspire (2024)

Winter is the season of togetherness, and what better way to celebrate this cold, cozy holiday season than with Fun Winter activities for kids that foster bond, teamwork, and connection among kids, parents, and teachers?

Winter is a magical time for children and adults, with snow-covered landscapes offering endless opportunities for fun and exploration.

In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of 50 exciting indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids that are not only entertaining but also educational and team-building.

From collaborative art projects to winter-themed scavenger hunts, these activities will not only keep your little ones active but also strengthen their bonds of friendship.

Get ready for a winter filled with laughter, shared accomplishments, and memories that will warm the heart long after the snow has melted away.

50 Winter activities for kids:

Winter offers a variety of activities for kids to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. It provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to engage in a variety of fun and festive activities

Following are some of the most exciting winter activities for kids and the things to do with the kids.

Fun winter activities for kids

1. Create a cozy blanket fort and snuggle in with an enjoyable book:

Get comfy and warm indoors during winter by building a cozy fort with your kids. Use lots of blankets, pillows, and whatever else you have. Add favorite stuffed animals, books, and maybe even twinkle lights for a magical touch. Then, enjoy a relaxing and warm afternoon in your special winter hideaway.[i]

2. Create delicious baked goodies:

Bake a variety of sweet treats like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes with your little chefs in the kitchen. It’s a fun activity for the kids, and your host parents will enjoy a tasty treat after a busy day. Remember to wear aprons and clean up afterward.

3. Build a Snowman:

Make sure to stay warm! Put on your gloves, scarves, hats, and coats before you venture into the snow. Once everyone is appropriately dressed, dive into the snow to build snowmen, create snow angels, or even have a friendly snowball fight. Dress your snow figures with the necessary accessories, and remember to include a carrot nose.

Certainly! Building snowmen is a classic winter activity that involves shaping snow into humanoid figures, typically consisting of three snowballs stacked on top of each other.

4. Winter Crafts:

Winter crafts refer to creative and artistic activities that are themed around the winter season. These crafts often incorporate elements associated with winter, such as snow, ice, holidays, and festive decorations.

Winter crafts can include a wide range of projects, from simple and kid-friendly activities to more intricate and detailed artistic endeavors.

5. Hot Chocolate Bars:

A hot chocolate bar is a delightful and interactive setup that allows individuals to customize and enhance their hot chocolate experience. It’s often featured at parties, gatherings, or during the winter season.

Provide a warm and rich hot chocolate as the base. This can be made from scratch or by using a high-quality hot chocolate mix. It provides a soothing effect to your body.

Also read: 200+ Christmas activities for kids, toddlers, pre k, kindergartens, from 1-10 year old’s and 1st-10th grade students

Educational Winter Kids activities

Educational winter activities for kids are engaging and informative experiences that promote learning while incorporating the theme of winter. These activities are designed to enhance various skills, stimulate curiosity, and provide opportunities for exploration. Here are some examples:

1. Winter Wildlife Observation:

Winter wildlife observation involves actively observing and studying animals in their natural habitats during the winter season. This activity is driven by a curiosity about how various species adapt to and interact with the challenges posed by winter weather.

It provides an opportunity to appreciate the resilience of wildlife in colder climates and to learn about their behaviors, habits, and survival strategies.

2. Winter Story Writing:

Winter story writing involves the creation of fictional narratives or creative compositions that are set in the context of the winter season.

Writers, often children or students, craft stories that unfold against the backdrop of winter, incorporating elements such as snowy landscapes, holiday festivities, cold weather challenges, and the unique atmosphere associated with winter.

3. Winter Themed Art and Craft:

Winter-themed arts and crafts refer to creative activities that incorporate elements associated with the winter season.

These activities often involve using various materials to craft decorations, ornaments, and artworks inspired by the colder months, holidays, and winter landscapes.

Winter-themed art and craft projects are popular for engaging children, adults, and artists in expressing their creativity while embracing the spirit of winter.

4. Winter Reading Challenge:

A winter reading challenge is a literary initiative or program designed to encourage individuals to engage in reading during the winter season. It typically involves setting reading goals, exploring diverse genres, and sometimes incorporating themed or seasonal reading lists.

The challenge aims to promote a love for reading, foster a sense of community among participants, and provide an opportunity for intellectual and leisurely enjoyment during the colder months.

5. Winter Geography Challenge:

A winter geography challenge is an educational activity that encourages participants, typically students or individuals interested in geography, to explore and expand their knowledge of geographical concepts and locations during the winter season.

The challenge involves tasks and questions related to geography, with a winter theme that may include aspects like winter climates, holiday traditions, and geographic features associated with colder regions.

Team Building Kids winter activities

Winter team-building activities are a great way to foster collaboration, boost morale, and create a positive team environment during the colder months. Here are some team-building activities suitable for winter:

1. Winter Olympics:

The Winter Olympics is a major international sporting event held every four years, featuring a wide range of winter sports competitions. It is part of the Olympic Games, alternating with the Summer Olympics.

The Winter Olympics brings together athletes from various countries to compete in cold-weather sports, showcasing their skills and athleticism on a global stage.

2. Winter Charity Drive:

A winter charity drive is a philanthropic initiative organized to collect and distribute essential items, resources, or funds to support those in need during the winter season.

These drives aim to address specific challenges that individuals or communities may face during colder months, such as extreme weather conditions, increased expenses for heating, and the holiday season.

3. Snowshoeing Expedition:

A snowshoeing expedition refers to a journey or outdoor adventure in which individuals use snowshoes to travel across snow-covered terrain. Snowshoeing is a form of winter recreational activity that involves walking or hiking over snow with the aid of specially designed footwear called snowshoes.

These expeditions are popular in regions with snowy landscapes, providing a means of exploration and outdoor enjoyment during the winter season.

4. Winter Campfire Gathering:

A Winter Campfire Gathering refers to a social event held during the winter season where individuals come together around a campfire to enjoy each other’s company, share stories, and partake in winter-themed activities.

This gathering combines the warmth and coziness of a campfire with the beauty of the winter landscape, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.

5. Team Building Games in the Snow:

Team-building games in the snow are outdoor activities designed to foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork among participants in a winter setting.

These games take advantage of snowy conditions to provide a unique and often challenging environment, encouraging individuals to work together to achieve common goals.

These activities are suitable for groups in various settings, including corporate team-building events, school outings, or community gatherings.

Indoor winter activities for kids at home or in the house

Indoor activities for kids during the winter provide a fun and engaging way to keep them entertained, active, and stimulated when it’s too cold to play outside.

1. Indoor Obstacle Course:

An indoor obstacle course is a creative and physical activity that involves setting up a series of challenges or obstacles within a confined indoor space.

The purpose of the obstacle course is to provide entertainment, promote physical activity, and enhance various skills such as coordination, balance, agility, and problem-solving.

Indoor obstacle courses are particularly popular for children, but they can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

2. Balloon Games:

Balloon games are recreational activities that involve the use of balloons as the primary equipment. These games are versatile, entertaining, and often suitable for various age groups.

Balloon games can be played indoors or outdoors, making them a popular choice for parties, events, or casual gatherings. These games range from simple activities to more competitive and organized challenges.

3. Yoga for Kids:

Yoga for kids refers to a form of yoga specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of children. It incorporates playful and interactive elements to make the practice enjoyable, engaging, and accessible for younger participants.

Yoga for kids aims to promote physical activity, flexibility, relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional well-being in a format that aligns with the developmental stages and energy levels of children.

4. Building with Blocks:

Building with blocks refers to the creative and educational activity of constructing structures, designs, or arrangements using various types of blocks. This activity is commonly enjoyed by children but can also be a form of artistic expression and architectural exploration for individuals of all ages.

Blocks come in different materials, shapes, and sizes, allowing for diverse building possibilities and fostering skills such as spatial awareness, coordination, and problem-solving.

5. Story Marathon

A storytime marathon in winter refers to an extended and immersive session of storytelling activities conducted during the winter season. Typically organized for children or families, this event involves the continuous reading or sharing of stories in a cozy and wintery atmosphere.

The purpose of a storytime marathon is to create a festive and enjoyable experience,

fostering a love for literature, imagination, and community engagement.

Outdoor winter activities for kids

Outdoor winter activities for kids provide opportunities for fun, exploration, and physical activity despite the colder temperatures. Here are some outdoor winter activities that children can enjoy:[ii]

1. Winter Camping:

Winter camping refers to the practice of camping outdoors during the winter season, typically in colder temperatures and often in snowy conditions.

This form of camping requires additional preparation, specialized gear, and an understanding of the challenges posed by winter weather.

Winter camping can range from overnight trips to more extended backcountry excursions, and it offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the serene beauty of winter landscapes.

2. Winter Photography:

Winter photography involves capturing images during the winter season, highlighting the unique beauty and characteristics of snowy landscapes, frosty scenes, and winter activities.

Winter photography provides photographers with opportunities to showcase the magical and serene aspects of the colder months, often resulting in stunning and visually captivating images.

3. Winter Picnic:

A winter picnic is a leisurely outdoor gathering where individuals or groups come together to enjoy a meal and recreational activities in a natural setting during the winter season.

Unlike traditional picnics often associated with warmer months, a winter picnic embraces colder temperatures and snowy landscapes, providing a unique and cozy experience.

4. Ice Skating:

Ice skating is a recreational activity and sport that involves gliding on ice using specially designed ice skates. Participants, known as ice skaters, use the edges of the skates to propel themselves forward, and backward, and perform various maneuvers on ice surfaces such as rinks or frozen lakes.

Ice skating can be enjoyed for leisure, fitness, or as a competitive sport with various disciplines, including figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating.

5. Winter Olympics:

Winter sports refer to a diverse range of recreational and competitive activities that take place on snow or ice during the winter season. These sports often require specific skills, equipment, and, in many cases, cold weather conditions.

Winter sports can be enjoyed for leisure, fitness, or as competitive endeavors at various levels, from local competitions to international events like the Winter Olympics.

Winter Solstice activities for kids

What is Solstice?

Have you ever pulled into the variation in day length between summer and winter? This fluctuation occurs throughout the year. Around June 21 or 22, we witness the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year.

Conversely, on December 21 or 22, the winter solstice occurs, representing the shortest day of the year.

It has been an important occasion that is celebrated with great enthusiasm across various cultures, people have engaged in solstice celebrations for millennia.

Our ancient ancestors, whose livelihoods depended on hunting, gathering, and agriculture, found the seasons and weather to be pivotal aspects of their existence.

Solstice activities for kids can be both educational and entertaining, allowing them to explore the significance of the solstices while having fun.

Therefore, there are several activities to do on this day. A few are listed below

1. Sun and Moon Crafts

Sun and Moon Crafts in the context of solstice activities refer to creative and artistic projects that involve making representations of the sun and moon.

These crafts are often designed to engage children in a hands-on exploration of the celestial bodies associated with the changing seasons, particularly during solstices.

2. DIY Earth Models

Creating a DIY Earth model according to solstice involves constructing a simple representation that highlights the axial tilt of the Earth and its relationship to the changing seasons, including the solstices.

Help kids make a simple Earth model using a ball and craft materials.

3. Decorate a Solstice Tree:

“Decorate a Solstice Tree” is an activity that involves adorning a tree with festive ornaments and decorations in celebration of the winter solstice.

This activity is often inspired by various cultural traditions and symbolizes the transition from the darkest day of the year towards the return of longer days and the promise of renewed light.

4. Bake Solstice Cookies:

“Bake Solstice Cookies” refers to the activity of making and decorating cookies as part of a festive celebration to mark the winter solstice.

This activity combines the joy of baking with the symbolic elements associated with the winter solstice, such as themes of light, warmth, and the return of longer days.

And discuss the changing seasons while enjoying the tasty treats.

5. Solstice Shadow Play:

Solstice Shadow Play involves creating visual displays with shadows to explore the changing angles of sunlight during the solstices.

This activity is an interactive and educational way to demonstrate how the Earth’s axial tilt affects the length and direction of shadows at different times of the year.

Have kids experiment with making shapes and figures with their bodies and objects, observing how the shadows change throughout the day.

Winter art activities for kids

Winter art activities for kids are a great way to engage their creativity while exploring seasonal themes. Here are some fun and festive winter art activities for kids:

1. Snowflakes Painting:

Snowflake painting is an artistic activity where individuals, often children, create unique and intricate snowflake patterns using paint and various painting techniques.

The goal is to mimic the delicate and symmetrical nature of snowflakes while allowing for creative expression. This activity is particularly popular during the winter season and can be a fun and festive way to engage in art.

2. Penguin Finger Painting:

Penguin finger painting is a creative and hands-on art activity where individuals, especially children, use their fingers to paint and create adorable penguin-themed artwork.

This artistic technique involves applying paint to fingers and hands, and then using them to make prints, patterns, or even detailed images on paper or canvas. The result is a charming and personalized representation of penguins.

3. Cotton Snow-Ball Scenery:

A Cotton Ball Snow Scene is a creative and crafty project that involves using cotton balls to create a wintry landscape, complete with snow-covered elements.

This activity is often enjoyed by children and provides a hands-on way to express creativity while exploring the theme of winter.

Kids can create a snowy landscape by gluing cotton balls to the paper to represent snow. Add details like snow-covered trees or houses using markers.

4. Snowman Collage:

A Snowman Collage is a creative art project where individuals, often children, use a variety of materials to construct a visually appealing composition featuring snowmen.

This artistic activity encourages the exploration of textures, shapes, and colors while expressing the festive and whimsical aspects of winter.

Using white paper, glue, and various materials like buttons, cotton balls, and colored paper, kids can create a snowman collage. They can also add details like mufflers and hats.

5. Winter Animal Crafts:

Winter animal puppets are creative and playful representations of animals associated with the winter season.

This artistic activity involves making puppets shaped like winter animals using various materials, allowing individuals, especially children, to engage in imaginative play and storytelling.

Winter break activities for kids

Winter break is a great time for kids to enjoy a variety of activities that are both entertaining and educational. Let’s have a look and explore it

1. Visit to Local Zoo:

Visiting a local zoo in winter involves going to a zoo or wildlife during the colder months. Zoos typically house a variety of animals, and in winter, visitors and kids can observe how certain animals adapt to the season.

Some zoos have indoor exhibits or heated enclosures for animals, making it possible to enjoy the experience even in chilly weather. Winter visits to zoos may offer unique opportunities to see animals in different settings and to participate in seasonal events or programs.

2. Winter Themed Science Experiments:

Winter science experiments for kids can be both educational and fun, allowing them to explore scientific principles while engaging in winter-themed activities.

Conduct simple winter-themed science experiments at home. Explore concepts like freezing and melting, or create snow-like substances.

3. Winter Family Photoshoot:

A winter family photo shoot refers to the organized and intentional process of capturing family photographs during the winter season.

Families often take advantage of the unique scenery that winter offers, creating a backdrop of snow, frost, and other seasonal elements to enhance the visual background of their pictures.

These photo shoots are typically conducted outdoors, making use of the winter landscape, or can be staged indoors with a cozy and festive winter theme.

4. Winter Board Games and Puzzles:

Winter board games and puzzles refer to tabletop games and brain-teasing activities that are played indoors, especially during the winter season.

These games and puzzles are designed to entertain and engage individuals or groups, providing an enjoyable way to spend time indoors when the weather is cold.

Whether played solo, with family, or with friends, these games and puzzles are a popular choice for cozy winter evenings.

5. Virtual Tours:

Winter virtual tours refer to online experiences that allow individuals to explore winter-themed destinations, attractions, or activities from the comfort of their homes using technology or digital platforms.

These virtual tours aim to provide an immersive and interactive experience, allowing users to virtually visit winter landscapes, and cultural sites, or participate in activities associated with the winter season.

Interesting Winter activities to do with kids

Certainly! Here are some unique and interesting winter activities for kids

1. Winter Bird Feeding:

Winter bird feeding refers to the practice of providing food and sustenance to birds during the colder months when natural food sources may be scarce or less accessible.

This activity is commonly undertaken by individuals, families, or communities to support local bird populations and enhance bird-watching opportunities.

Winter bird feeding is especially important in regions with cold climates, where snow and freezing temperatures can limit the availability of insects, seeds, and other natural food for birds.

2. Ice Sculptures:

Winter ice sculpture art involves the creation of intricate and artistic sculptures using ice as the primary medium. This unique form of art takes advantage of the natural beauty and characteristics of ice, often showcased in winter festivals, events, or competitions.

Kids can use various tools to carve, shape, and manipulate blocks of ice into detailed and visually stunning designs.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Painting:

Glow-in-the-dark snow painting is a creative and visually enchanting winter activity that involves using a mixture of glow-in-the-dark paint and water to paint or spray snow.

This activity is particularly popular during the winter months, especially in regions where snowfall is common. The glow-in-the-dark effect adds a magical and luminous touch to the snowy landscape, creating a unique and captivating outdoor art experience.

4. DIY Globe Craft:

A DIY snow globe craft is a creative and festive project that involves making your miniature snow globe using a few simple materials.

Snow globes are charming decorative items that often feature a winter or holiday theme with a scene encapsulated in a glass or plastic globe.

Creating a DIY snow globe allows individuals to customize the scene and add a personal touch to this classic and whimsical decoration.

5. Frozen Bubble Wrap:

“Frozen bubble wrap” could refer to bubble wrap that has been exposed to freezing temperatures or incorporated into an activity involving freezing conditions.

Best Winter stem activities for kids

Winter STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities for kids combine learning with fun, encouraging exploration and discovery during the colder months. Here are some engaging and educational winter STEM activities:

1. Snowflakes Science:

Snowflake science involves the study and exploration of the unique and intricate structures of snowflakes, as well as the scientific principles behind their formation.

Snowflakes are ice crystals that form in clouds when water vapor condenses and freezes. The study of snowflakes encompasses various scientific concepts, including crystallography, physics, meteorology, and atmospheric science.

2. Frozen Bubble Experiment:

The “Frozen Bubbles Experiment” is a captivating and simple science experiment that involves blowing soap bubbles in freezing temperatures to observe the freezing and crystallization of the soap film.

This experiment combines elements of physics and meteorology and offers a visually stunning display of how cold temperatures affect the properties of soap bubbles.

3. Snow Maths and Measurement:

“Snow measurement and math” refers to the process of quantifying and assessing the depth or volume of snowfall using mathematical concepts and measurements.

This activity involves using mathematical skills to gauge and record the amount of snow that has accumulated in a specific area.

It provides a practical and educational opportunity to integrate mathematical principles with real-world observations during winter weather conditions.

4. DIY Ice Skating:

“DIY Ice Skating” refers to the practice of creating a do-it-yourself ice-skating surface, typically in a backyard or other outdoor space, for recreational ice skating.

This is often done when natural frozen ponds or lakes are not readily available, and individuals want to enjoy ice skating in a controlled environment.

5. Winter Weather Station:

A winter weather station is a setup or facility designed to monitor and measure various meteorological parameters specifically during the winter season.

These stations are equipped with instruments and sensors to collect data related to temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, and other weather conditions that are characteristic of colder months.

Winter weather stations play a crucial role in providing accurate and timely information for weather forecasting, research, and public awareness during winter weather events.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, engaging in winter activities for kids provides a wonderful opportunity for both fun and learning during the colder months.

Whether it’s building snowmen, participating in creative crafts, or exploring the science of snowflakes, these activities not only foster a sense of joy but also encourage children to connect with the season in a meaningful way.

From the magic of a blanket fort to the excitement of a snowball fight, winter activities offer valuable experiences that promote creativity, teamwork, and an appreciation for the beauty of winter.

As children immerse themselves in these diverse and entertaining endeavors, they not only make lasting memories but also develop a deeper understanding of the winter season and its unique wonders.

So, bundle up, embrace the chilly air, and embark on a season of delightful winter activities with the young ones!

References

[i] https://www.aupaircare.com/stories/keep-kids-busy-winter

[ii] https://artfulparent.com/winter-activities-for-kids/