Finding winter activities for kids that get them outside can feel daunting when temperatures drop and daylight fades. But winter offers unique opportunities for outdoor family adventures you simply can’t experience in warmer months – from tracking animals in fresh snow to discovering how your favorite summer spots transform in the cold. This guide shares over 50 winter activities for kids and families, from quick backyard projects to day-long adventures, so you can keep your children engaged, active, and connected to nature all season long.
Winter Outdoor Activities for Kids
winter activities for kids: PLACES to VISIT
The best winter activities for kids often start with simply exploring familiar places through a new lens. When building your list of destinations, consider old favorites alongside new discoveries. Ask your children where they love to go in summer, then imagine how those spots might transform in winter. Beaches become windswept treasure hunts for sea glass and shells. Playgrounds offer the same thrills without the crowds. State parks reveal animal tracks in fresh snow.
But don’t stop there – winter is also the perfect time to discover places you might have overlooked during busier seasons. Contact your town hall about conservation land maps. Research nearby nature preserves or botanical gardens you’ve never visited. Look into historic sites that take on a quieter, almost magical quality in the cold. You might be surprised by how many outdoor destinations exist right in your own community. Here are some excellent places to explore with your family this winter:
state or national parks:
State parks and national parks are a perfect place to start for winter outdoor adventures with kids because they offer wide-open spaces, well-maintained trails, and plenty of room to explore safely. In winter, these parks are quieter and less crowded, making it easier for kids to notice animal tracks, frozen streams, and seasonal changes in the landscape.
Many state parks remain open year-round and are free or low-cost to visit, making spontaneous winter outings simple and accessible.
To find your National Park next adventure, check out https://findyourpark.com/.
conservation land:
Many of us aren’t aware of the full extend of conservation land around us, and our access to it. Contact your town and ask if they have a map of local trails. Research conservation and nature organizations nearby. Look into your state’s Department of Conservation and see what public lands are available for use.
nature preserves / wildlife refuges:
Research the nature preserves near you. Audubon properties, the Nature Conservancy, statewide conservation organizations (such as the New Jersey Conservation Foundation or Indiana Department of Natural Resources) are a great starting-point.
land trusts:
Land trusts are non-profit organizations that hold and manage land for conservation (natural habitats, farms, scenic views). Many of them allow (and encourage) visitors and may include an interesting variety of properties.
The Trustees (of Reservations) in Massachusetts, for example, is the first and oldest land trust in the US. This non-profit manages over 120 properties, including beaches, farms, historic homes, gardens, museums and woodlands. There’s always something new to discover!
favorite playgrounds:
Playgrounds are an obvious choice on a sunny day, but tend to be overlooked in colder weather. But with proper clothing, playgrounds can still offer the same thrills and challenges! Be aware of ice and other challenges.
botanical gardens:
Botanic/botanical gardens are a great place to visit with kids. They can learn about local flora while exploring the property. Find one nearby that offers trails and outdoor exploration.
historic sites:
Look into local historic sites nearby and see if the properties allow for exploration. WWII bunkers? Revolutionary War sites? Historic homes? Old mills?
Some of our favorites in New England:
- Old North Bridge (Concord, MA)
- Assabet River Nature National Wildlife Refuge (find the bunkers!, Sudbury, MA)
- Odiorne Point State Park (Rye, NH)
- Fort McClary (Kittery Point, ME)
- Fort Adams State Park (Newport, RI)
skate parks or pump tracks:
When there is no snow (or ice) on the ground, skate parks and pump tracks remain great options for getting kids outside in the winter. Whether on skateboards, scooters or bikes (bmx or otherwise), kids — and their parents — can zoom around and have a great time!
Want to check out a pump track? Use pumptrack.com to find the closest one. Velosolutions also builds a great track!
unique attractions:
Find those unique hidden gems or roadside attractions often listed in insider guide books.
Thomas Dambo Trolls: These giant, whimsical trolls made from recycled wood and promote sustainability and encourage people to connect with nature. Hidden in the woods or on a rocky point, these enormous trolls are sure to surprise and delight. Use the trollmap to find the nearest one!
Atlas Obscura: Use this search engine to find unusual, quirky and wondrous places, from secret gardens to historical oddities. Use their world map to find your next destination.
favorites:
You likely already have a list of your family’s favorite destinations for winter activities for kids. Don’t miss ours!
Winter Hiking Near Boston With Kids: 4 Unique Family Favorites
winter activities for kids: PROJECTS to DO
If you’re looking for winter activities for kids, consider various projects/crafts! Projects are another great way to bring your family together with a communal feeling of accomplishment and pride. From small nature crafts to backyard construction projects, there are options for all skill level and time commitments.
make a birdfeeder:
Making a birdfeeder doesn’t have to require a hammer and nails. Birdfeeders come in all shapes and sizes, using recycled materials to construct or cookie cutters to form.
make an insect hotel:
Even if you don’t see many insects out and about, you can still keep them in your thought! Make an insect hotel to help insects over-winter. It may be too late in the season for the insects, but you’ll be ready for them come springtime! Be aware that there really is a proper way to build and maintain your insect hotel — read more about it here.
write your own scavenger hunt:
Sit down as a family and talk about things you might see on a nature walk. Think about things that are relatively easy (a smooth rock) and things that might take more patience (a feather). Your items can either be specific (a tree with few leaves) or abstract (something that makes you smile). Write down your list and then head out on a walk to see how many you can cross off. Another options is to use our build-your-own scavenger hunt, having your kids choose the things they might see outside today.
write and deliver kindness notes to neighbors:
Write kindness notes or draw pictures for your neighbors, then go for a walk or hop on a scooter/bike to deliver them to their mailboxes.
make furniture for a fairy or gnome home:
If you’re not yet ready to build your fairy or gnome home (you may decide to wait for the spring), you can still get started on the preparations. Gather supplies (small twigs, acorns, leaves, pinecones) and start planning. What do you want to make? A table? A bed? A sink? A bath? What will your fairy or gnome need? Twig chairs, a swing, an acorn birdhouse (scroll down), a bird’s nest?
make ice ornaments:
Using treasures from your yard (berries, leaves, twigs, pine needles, make ice ornaments to hang outside.
make a bike feature:
Make your own backyard bike park by building DIY bike features (berm, ramp, jump, skinny, log roll). The cold weather may make digging a challenge, so consider wooden features to build instead.
build a snow lantern:
(traditional Swedish snölykta) A collection of snowballs, patience and some battery-powered lights will yield a beautiful and heart-warming backyard feature.
winter activities for kids: NEW ACTIVITIES to TRY
This might just be the year to explore the winter activities for kids that you’ve always wanted to try. You know the ones I’m talking about! Are they on the list below?
geocaching:
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. (https://www.geocaching.com/play)
cross-county skiing*:
Make your own tracks, or look for groomed trails at ski mountains, parks or golf courses.
*If you don’t have the necessary equipment, see if it can be rented or borrowed locally. Some stores (such as REI) are still offering rentals at some locations. And many public libraries now feature a Library of Things, from which you can borrow items such as telescopes and binoculars.
animal tracking:
After fresh snow, take the opportunity to check for animal tracks. Check out this article for tips on tracking wildlife with kids.
nature walk scavenger hunt:
Scavenger hunts in nature are just as fun in winter as in summer! Check out our winter scavenger hunt or our I Spy scavenger hunt.
stargazing:
Take time to learn more about the night sky and what is visible from your area — either with the naked eye or with a telescope*. On a clear night, dress warmly (don’t discount your snow gear, even if there’s no snow!), take a blanket and/or sleeping bag outside, lie back and gaze at the stars. How many stars do they see? Any constellations or planets? (Research ahead of time to see which ones might be visible.) You can also consider keeping a Sky Journal. There are many apps that can help you identify the stars that you *If you don’t have the necessary equipment, see if it can be rented or borrowed locally. Some stores (such as REI) are still offering rentals at some locations. And many public libraries now feature a Library of Things, from which you can borrow items such as telescopes and binoculars.see, including SkyView ($1.99), but make sure they don’t spend all their time looking at a screen.
snowshoeing*:
Snowshoeing is an activity that can be done with kids at any age. Hike it Baby has great tips for getting started.
*If you don’t have the necessary equipment, see if it can be rented or borrowed locally. Some stores (such as REI) are still offering rentals at some locations. And many public libraries now feature a Library of Things, from which you can borrow items such as telescopes and binoculars.
scootering at a skate park:
Though not on most lists of winter activities for kids, scootering is a great option even for the coldest season. If you haven’t had snow in a while and surfaces are dry (and free of ice), check out your local skate park. Bring along your skateboard, scooter or BMX and work on your skills. Scootering skills and tricks to try include the hop, fakie, manual, nose pivot, tail whip, no footer and bar spin.
photo walk:
Grab a camera or mobile phone and head out into nature. You can make your photo walk open-ended, taking photos of what inspires you along the way, or you can make a list ahead of time and turn it into a scavenger hunt. A photo safari is another great way to keep them engaged, keeping them alert to any animals (birds, insects too!) they encounter along the way. Challenge them to take photos from different perspectives: from far away, from up close, from below, from above. Think of a list of categories or items ahead of time and see how many you can cross off.
birdwatching:
With fewer leaves on the trees, birds can be easier to spot in the winter. Using binoculars and an identification book or app, see how many different birds you can name. The Audubon Society is a great resource for tips on birding with kids.
outdoor play after dark:
There are many options for outdoor play after dark, even in the winter! Play flashlight tag, DIY glow in the dark bowling, or go on a moonlight walk. Read the blog post for even more ideas!
carve a banked sledding path:
When your regular sledding run has lost its luster, you’re limited in space, or you need an extra challenge, consider building a banked sledding run. Build up a large berm and see how they do! With more room, time and patience, consider a backyard luge!
tree identification:
Tree identification in the winter is at the same time easier (evergreen vs deciduous is more obvious) and harder (the absence of leaves can be a challenge). But armed with a few more clues (branches, buds and bark), you can improve your tree ID skills. More tips here and here.
ice fishing:
Ice fishing with kids may seem like an extreme sport for parents, needing good preparation, the right equipment and a whole lot of patience. One option is to simply observe others who are already ice fishing, requiring a smaller commitment on your part!
free play:
This may not be a new concept, but the time for free play is now!
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up indoors. With the right clothing and a spirit of adventure, these winter activities for kids can transform the cold months into some of your family’s most memorable times together. Start with just one activity from this list this week – whether it’s a winter playground visit, making ice ornaments, or trying your first geocaching adventure. Before you know it, you’ll have created your own collection of favorite winter activities for kids that your family looks forward to year after year.
