Fun Freetime: Cold Weather Family Activities

In the Summer, Fall, and Spring months, almost everyone wants to be outdoors. And then comes winter with cold days, along with long and dark nights. Some people suffer from seasonal depression with the lack of sun on their skin. But this doesn't have to be so. Winter is a wonderful time of the year to get out and enjoy the splendor of the season or cozy up next to a warm fire and do a craft. I've put together a list of some winter activities that the whole family can partake in. I hope that you find one or two that suits your fancy.

Ice Skating

Many towns have outdoor ice skating rinks while others have indoor rinks. Some even have both. The nice thing about ice skating is that it's a fun event that the whole family can partake in together. Look up and check out your local rink schedule. You'll want to go at the open skate time. That is the time scheduled for all abilities and ages. If this is your first time on skates, have no fear. You are in for a treat. Get ready to hold that wall and tip toe around the rink while your family giggles. Some rinks even have walkers that you can use to help you keep your balance. If ice skating is too hard, then try roller skating.

Sled Riding

No winter is complete without at least one trip to your local community hill. Maybe you are even blessed to have your own hill. Dress warm and pack a pillow in your pants if you need to and get ready to laugh as you speed down the hill over bumps. You might even become airborne, which will give your family and you a memory to laugh at. Did I mention packing a pillow? Well, maybe not a pillow, but you might want to wear double pants and a snow suit for the bumpy rides. You'll thank me later. Have fun and create a memory doing this activity that has been around since sleds were invented.

Take A Painting Class

Most towns have painting classes that are appropriate for the whole family. They are usually two hours in length. An artist will walk you through step by step to help you create your own canvased masterpiece. This is such a fun time and one of my favorite winter activities to do with my daughter. In fact, we just did our yearly winter painting class tonight. Now, we both have a Christmas barn painting complete with a snowman and "Merry Christmas" greeting on it to hang in our living room. More importantly, every time we look at our paintings we remember the fun memories that we made creating them.

Create and Enjoy a Hot Chocolate Bar

Winter and hot chocolate or hot cocoa if you will, just go together. How about getting some fun ingredients together and creating a hot chocolate barn for your whole family to enjoy. In addition to the hot cocoa, you could have bowls filled with chocolate chips, peppermint candies, marshmallows, whipped topping, chocolate syrup, etc. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and taste buds.

Movie Theater Day

Let's face it, sometimes it's just too bitter cold to enjoy the outdoors in the wintertime. Or maybe it's too windy. This is a great time to gather the kids and pick out a family-friendly movie to attend. If you are like me, you can go all out and order extra large popcorn with free refills and some other tasty treats. That can be half the fun of the movie itself. Enjoy some warm time inside while the winds and freezing temperatures howl outside. If you'd rather stay home, then rent or buy a DVD to watch from the comfort of your living room. But don't forget the popcorn!

Build a Snowman

No winter is complete without building at least one snowman together with someone that you love. Snowman building is a great family activity. And the best thing is that you have a finished product to admire and marvel over as you look out your window later. You could go the traditional route with the carrot nose, broom and top hat, or make your own totally unique creations. How about a snow lady with an apron or a big white snow dog? Have fun and create some memories.

Make a Fort

One of my favorite childhood memories is making forts with my family. The family dog would even come out to help. Most kids love to play in forts. Why not build one together? Then when parents are back to the normal swing of things like work, paying bills, and doing boring adult things, the kids can play in the fort and remember the fun time that was had by all when making it. Don't forget to take photos of the family in the fort. Self timers on cell phones work great for moments like these.

Create Snow Angels

Snow Angels require no planning. All you need is some fresh snow. This activity may last only 5 minutes or longer if you want to make lots of them. Kids will love watching their parents act so childlike. And parents, this may even make you feel younger. Just do it. When you look back at the angels the next day, I know it will bring a smile to your faces.

Have A Family Football Game in the Snow

So many movies show families going out and having that yearly game of football. Mine always had one too, both on Thanksgiving and on Christmas. We lived in the snow belt of Erie, Pennsylvania, so there was never a lack of snow. If you are blessed with snow, get the whole family out and have a game of football. You actually don't even need snow, though it does make the falls a bit softer. Make some memories and keep score, but don't be afraid to bend the rules a whole lot since you will most likely have a wide range of ages from adults to young kids.

Go Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing can be such a fun winter activity. If you don't have snow shoes, look into renting them. Or go hiking or cross-country skiing. The point is to get out there as a family, move around, get some exercise and enjoy God's beautiful winter creations. The fresh air will do everyone good.

Final Thoughts 

If you noticed, a small percent of the activities I mentioned required money. Or if payment is required, it is minimal. There are so many activities that you can do as a family that only require a willing heart. Take some time to enjoy all that winter has to offer. Take photos, have fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Rachel Watson is the website manager at OurStart.com. OurStart is a lifestyle blog for women in their 20s and 30s, that regularly publishes content around pregnancy, parenting, and marriage. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exploring cute cafes, and playing with her miniature schnauzer. 

Looking for information about seasonal affective disorder? Check out the infographic for information.