Three Fun Winter Activities For Families

The winter season is a perfect time to explore different activities for families to do together. Just because it may be cold outside and the days seem shorter is no reason to not spend precious time enjoying each others company.

Finding things to do in the winter time may be considered more difficult than spring or summer, but with a little planning there’s plenty you can do as a family!

 

1) Get out the winter gear and head outdoors

It may not snow in all parts of the world, but there is one commonality during the wintertime, and that is the colder temperatures. This is a perfect time to take out the cold weather clothes, bundle up, and head outdoors if the weather is nice.

If it is snowing outside, the entire family can participate in making a snowman or even having a fun game of a snowball fight.  Having your kids help you with shoveling, can be a real fun time.  Take advantage of the fact they want to help.  If you live in an area that is cold, but doesn’t snow, you can head out on a nature hike taking in the beauty of the season, and the different wildlife/ plants. Spending time outdoors together as a family is a great way to increase the bonding amongst all members.

I remember when we were kids we were outside all day building snow forts.  You can even use this time to engage your child’s creative side.  Get some small spray bottles and put some water and food dye in and let them create their masterpieces in the snow. 

2) Sit by a cozy fire

So it’s cold and raining or snowing and you don’t feel like going outside – grab some warm blankets and comforters and create a cozy spot near the fireplace. This cozy spot for everyone can be a great place for family activities to emerge.

You can get out that family game that you haven’t played together in years, or sift through some old movies that you haven’t watched in a long time, make some popcorn and hot chocolate and enjoy time together. It can be surprising how fun those old games and movies that you forgot about can be.

3) Go to an indoor ice or skate rink

Many towns have indoor activities, such as ice or skate rinks that can be fun for the entire family. Even if it has been awhile since you all skated, this can be the perfect time to laugh and enjoy the company of each other. This activity relates to the season and has a way of bringing a smile to anyone’s face.

We were very fortunate because every year my Dad built our very own ice skating rink in our backyard.  It was a great time, all the kids in the neighborhood would come over and their would be either be an ice hockey game going on with the boys or the just free skate.  I got my Dorothy Hamil going a few times.

Then we would all go inside and my Mom had tons of crafts for us to do.  Our house seemed to be the house that everyone would come to.

Many ice or skate rinks allow you to rent skates, so there is no need to spend that extra money on purchasing an item that you will only use a few times a year. Save your money and enjoy a nice hot cup of cocoa with your children after circling the ice or wooden rink a few times.

There is no need to sit in front of the television or computer during the winter season and feel trapped by the cold. This is the season where you just need to be a little creative to engage the entire family in activities that will allow everyone to reconnect.  With the Kinect and Wii you can take your family on adventures or have a bowling match.  It’s great to spend time playing as a family.

What is your favorite activity in the winter?