17 Winter Activities for Kids
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Quick answer: 17 Winter Activities for Kids. This guide gives 17 ideas in 4 sections: Frosty outdoors; Warm indoor play; Bake, cook and make; Look forward. Budget: Mostly free or under 拢10. Best for: Ages 3 to 11, wrapped up warm.
- Time: 20 minutes to an afternoon
- Budget: Mostly free or under 拢10
- Best for: Ages 3 to 11, wrapped up warm
By January the novelty of the festive season has gone and the days are short, grey and cold. It is also the time children most need to burn off energy and find something to look forward to.
These winter activities mix wrapped-up outdoor adventures with warm indoor ideas. Layers, gloves and hats are the secret, plus a hot drink waiting at the door.
Top tip: Put gloves, hats and scarves in a basket by the door and dry them on a rack when you come in. A quick routine turns “I do not want to go out” into a proper adventure.
Frosty outdoors
Even a grey day has something to find.
- Frost hunt: Look for frosty spiderwebs, leaves and puddles on a cold morning. Take a magnifier and photograph the patterns. You will need: magnifying glass, kids gloves.
- Snowman kit: Keep a bag with a carrot, buttons and scarves ready. If snow arrives, you are set. Use pebbles and sticks if it does not. You will need: snow shovel, snowman kit.
- Sledging: Choose a gentle slope clear of roads, trees and water, and supervise closely. Helmets help, and wrapped feet keep everyone happier. You will need: kids sledge, kids helmet.
- Ice painting: Fill tubs with water and food colouring, freeze them and paint with the blocks on paper. A magical experiment on a freezing day. You will need: ice cube moulds.
- Bird feeding station: Birds struggle in winter, so make a feeder and keep it topped up. Break ice on water dishes every morning. You will need: bird feeder, bird seed.
Warm indoor play
Embrace the cosy side of winter.
- Hot chocolate bar: Set out mugs, marshmallows and sprinkles. Let the children choose toppings. Allow the drink to cool before sipping. You will need: marshmallows, hot chocolate mugs.
- Winter den: Pile blankets over chairs and add fairy lights. A winter den is a world of cushions, snacks and stories. You will need: fleece blankets.
- Indoor snowball fight: Roll up pairs of socks or soft pom poms for a soft snowball game. Mark a line, build a fort from cushions and play. You will need: indoor snowballs.
- Paper snowflake gallery: Fold and cut a dozen snowflakes and hang them in a window with tape. Each one is different, just like real ones. You will need: white paper, kids scissors.
- Winter jigsaw marathon: Set a jigsaw on a tray and leave it out all week. Everyone adds a few pieces whenever they pass. You will need: jigsaw puzzle.
Bake, cook and make
Winter calls for warm food and projects.
- Cheese scones: Mix, cut and bake simple scones with an adult handling the oven. Check labels for allergens such as gluten and dairy. You will need: scone cutter.
- Winter soup: Children can wash vegetables and stir. An adult should use the knife and hob. Serve with bread for dipping. You will need: child safe knife.
- Salt dough decorations: Mix flour, salt and water, cut shapes and bake low. Paint when cool and hang. Not edible, and keep away from pets. You will need: cookie cutters.
- Knit or finger knit: Try finger knitting a scarf for a toy. It uses only wool and fingers, and builds patience. You will need: chunky wool.
Look forward
Give the grey weeks something sparkly.
- Candle free lantern walk: Make a jam jar lantern with battery tea lights and walk at dusk. Safe, pretty and warm to hold. You will need: battery tea lights, jam jars.
- Stargazing: Wrap up, take a flask and look for the moon. A free app can help name constellations. Early darkness makes it easy to do before bedtime. You will need: star chart.
- Plan a spring garden: Look at seed catalogues and choose what to grow. It gives children something to look forward to. You will need: seed packets.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
- English Heritage: places to visit: Castles, abbeys and gardens with family events through the year.
- Forestry England: Forest walks, trails and family activities across England.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep children warm outside?
Use layers, a waterproof coat, warm socks and dry gloves. Keep spare gloves in your bag, because wet hands get cold quickly.
What if there is no snow?
Frost hunts, puddle stomping and woodland walks are just as fun. Ice painting and indoor snowball games bring winter play to the living room.
Is sledging safe?
Choose a gentle, clear slope away from roads, water and trees, and supervise. Check the ground for hidden hazards and never use roads or car parks.
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