The summertime is full of fun activities to do with your family such as swimming, hiking, outdoor games, fireworks and events. When the winter comes, it can be hard to keep your kids and spouse entertained. Don’t let the cold weather keep your family at home. Here are ten family-friendly winter activities everyone will enjoy.
1. Sledding
Sledding is one of the most awesome activities for kids of almost all ages. If you live in a snowy climate, pick up a couple sleds or snow tubes and find a big hill to climb. Sledding (or snow tubing) is fun and doesn’t require a lot of equipment or skill.
Even little kids can do it, and they will enjoy it just as much as you. There are many sleds for babies that will keep your little one safe and cozy, so make sure you buy the best one.
2. Skiing
If you’re able to shell out a little more money for the whole family, try skiing. Go on a winter vacation to a ski resort if you aren’t lucky enough to have some slopes nearby. Start small so that the whole family can learn to ski.
3. Hiking
Hiking isn’t just for the summer and fall. Bundle up and bring a map, first aid kit, snacks, water and other necessary items to enjoy a stroll through the woods. Walking in the snow will wake up new muscles in your body. Kids will have fun exploring and the pictures will come out great.
4. Crafts
You don’t have to do a physical activity or go anywhere to have fun with the family. Check out Pinterest to find fun craft ideas the kids will love. Start a project yourself and you can all work together. This is one of the easiest ways to keep your little ones busy during the winter season.
More: 10 Easy New Year’s Crafts for Kids
5. Trips to the museum
You might be surprised how many museums are around where you live that you have never been to. Pack up the kids and teach them something about science, history or art. Even if you’ve been there before, there are always things you might have missed.
6. Follow the alphabet
Find new things to do with the alphabet. Go to a different restaurant or do a different activity that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Try baking twenty different cookie recipes. Come up with a goal that the family can complete together. Cooking with kids might be a bit messy, but you will have loads of fun.
7. All-winter project
Do you have a project that might take a while? Make it a goal to complete the project by the end of the winter, and do it as a family. For example, if you want to build a piece of furniture, everyone can have a job like building, staining or painting and sewing linen accents.
8. Family night
Make a family night once a week. This is great no matter how old your kids are. Everyone can play a game or just come together for good food. Get everyone in on it, and cook together. Play your favorite board games, or consider indoor camping. Come up with a new activity every week.
9. Take a trip
You don’t have to wait for the summer to take a vacation. Go away for the weekend over winter vacation. Go for a short drive to a cabin or small town you’ve never been to. You don’t have to go on an overnight trip either. Go sightseeing at a mansion or shopping. Find a place you know the whole family will enjoy.
10. Watch a movie
Anytime you feel like you haven’t had enough family time together, a movie is always a great way to bring everyone together. Look for a family-friendly movie that is not only appropriate but enjoyable for everyone. Go to the movie theater or rent a movie at home, and don’t forget the popcorn.
More: 10 Fun Family Weekend Activities
Activities don’t have to be expensive or difficult to entertain the family. Give everyone a chance to get involved. Ask everyone’s opinion. You might be surprised by the ideas your kids come up with. Make this winter season the best season ever. What are your favorite winter activities? Feel free to add them to the list?