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Winter can feel long and chilly, but I’ve found that it’s also the perfect season for making unforgettable memories with my kids. When the snow falls and the temperatures drop, there’s no need to stay cooped up inside all season long. Over the years, we’ve come up with a fun winter bucket list that keeps my kids excited, active, and always looking forward to what we’ll do next. Whether it’s building snow forts or baking snowflake-shaped cookies, there’s always something to make winter days more special.
I love how each activity lets us spend time together, bonding in new ways and finding joy in the simplest moments. From outdoor adventures like snowshoeing and sledding to cozy indoor days with movie marathons, we make the most of winter as a family. I hope this list inspires you to embrace the wonders of winter with your own kids and make this season one filled with laughter, creativity, and tons of fun.
1. Build a Snow Fort
I can’t count how many hours my kids and I have spent building snow forts in our backyard. There’s something magical about creating your own little igloo, shaping snow blocks, and making secret entrances. It’s the perfect way to burn off energy while getting them outside for fresh air during those cold months.
What’s even better is that once the fort is complete, it becomes a whole new world for imaginative play. My kids often pretend it’s their secret hideout, and we sometimes even bring out some hot cocoa to sip while sitting inside. A snow fort is one of those timeless winter activities that never gets old.
2. Create Snow Paintings
This one’s a favorite in my house! All you need are some squirt bottles, food coloring, and water, and suddenly you’ve turned a snowy backyard into a giant canvas. The kids love making colorful designs in the snow, from rainbows to silly faces. It’s a great way to add a pop of color to all the white snow.
The best part? It’s an easy clean-up since the snow melts away with the next sunny day. My kids love experimenting with different color combinations and techniques, and I love watching them get creative while staying warm and active outside.
3. Go on a Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt
Even though the trees may be bare, there’s still so much to discover in nature during the winter months. I like to give my kids a list of winter-specific things to find, like pinecones, icicles, animal tracks in the snow, or frozen puddles. It turns a regular walk into an exciting adventure.
I usually let them bring a small bag to collect their treasures, and we take our time exploring together. It’s a wonderful way to get some fresh air and observe how the natural world changes during winter. Plus, it helps my kids appreciate the season in a whole new way.
4. Make Ice Sun Catchers
This is such a beautiful and easy craft, and my kids get so excited about it. We gather natural items like leaves, berries, and small twigs, place them in a shallow container, and fill it with water. After leaving it outside to freeze overnight, we hang the frozen disks from tree branches or in the windows, and they look stunning when the sun shines through.
It’s a fantastic way to combine outdoor time with a creative project, and my kids love hunting for the perfect natural materials to include in their creations. Plus, it feels like they’re making their own little winter decorations without needing to buy anything extra.
5. Bake Snowflake-Shaped Cookies
Baking is always a hit with my kids, and in winter, we like to make snowflake-shaped cookies. They get to help cut out the shapes, and the best part is decorating them with icing and sprinkles. It’s a cozy, indoor activity that keeps us all warm while the snow falls outside.
Once they’re done, we have a mini tea party with our creations. I love how involved they get in every step of the process, from mixing the dough to sneaking a bite of cookie dough when they think I’m not looking! It’s a sweet tradition that we repeat every winter.
6. Go Sledding
Sledding never fails to bring out the biggest smiles and the loudest laughter. We bundle up, grab our sleds, and head to the nearest hill. The thrill of speeding down and the anticipation of climbing back up makes for hours of fun.
My kids love racing each other down the hill, and I sometimes even join in for a little friendly competition. There’s nothing quite like the rosy cheeks and breathless giggles that come from a good day of sledding. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of the snow while getting in some exercise.
7. Make Frozen Bubbles
Blowing bubbles in the cold is one of those winter science experiments that feels like magic. When the temperature drops low enough, the bubbles freeze mid-air or on the ground, creating a delicate, icy shell. My kids absolutely love watching them turn from shiny, wobbly bubbles into frozen orbs.
We often spend a good chunk of time outside trying to get the perfect frozen bubble and seeing who can create the most. It’s such a simple thing, but it never fails to amaze them—and me, too! The best part is, you only need a bubble wand and solution to make the magic happen.
8. Have a Winter Picnic
Who says picnics are just for summer? We bundle up in our warmest clothes, pack a thermos of hot cocoa and some snacks, and head outside for a winter picnic. Sometimes we even bring a blanket to sit on (or snow pants if it’s really chilly!).
It’s a fun twist on a classic summer activity, and it feels like such a special treat in the winter. We sit and sip our hot drinks, enjoying the quiet of the snowy surroundings. The kids love the novelty of it, and it’s a great way to embrace the cold rather than hide from it.
9. Make Snow Angels
There’s something about falling backward into the snow to make a snow angel that never gets old. Even my kids, who are always bouncing off the walls, will slow down for a moment to carefully create the perfect angel. It’s a simple but classic winter activity.
After they finish, we take a step back to admire their snowy masterpieces, and then, of course, they challenge me to make one, too. It’s always followed by lots of laughter, and sometimes we even try to make a whole row of snow angels, each one bigger or smaller than the last.
10. Try Snowshoeing
For kids who love a little adventure, snowshoeing is a great way to explore the snowy landscape. We strap on our snowshoes and set off on a trail, and it feels like we’re walking on top of the world. My kids enjoy the novelty of walking on snow without sinking, and it’s a fantastic workout for the whole family.
We often pause to look for animal tracks or simply enjoy the quiet stillness of the winter woods. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and give the kids a sense of accomplishment as they tackle the trails.
11. Create a Snow Obstacle Course
On days when my kids are full of energy, I like to challenge them to a snow obstacle course. We set up different “challenges” in the snow, like jumping over snow piles, crawling under makeshift tunnels, or doing snowball tosses into a bucket. It’s a creative way to keep them moving.
They love competing with each other to see who can complete the course the fastest, and it’s an activity that can be as simple or complex as we want. Plus, it’s another way to enjoy the snow without just sticking to snowball fights and snowmen!
12. Have a Snowball Target Practice
Instead of a traditional snowball fight, we sometimes set up targets like buckets or trees and have a snowball target practice. My kids get so excited to see who can hit the most targets, and it becomes more of a fun challenge than a competitive fight.
It’s also a great way for them to practice their aim and coordination while enjoying the outdoors. And, of course, I join in too—because who can resist the satisfaction of a well-aimed snowball?
13. Go Winter Stargazing
Winter nights can be so clear and crisp, which makes them perfect for stargazing. I bundle my kids up in warm blankets, and we head outside with a telescope or even just our eyes. The stars always seem brighter in the winter, and we love pointing out constellations.
Sometimes we’ll even bring a thermos of hot chocolate and sit quietly, taking in the beauty of the night sky. It’s a peaceful way to wind down after a busy day, and my kids are always amazed at how many stars they can see when it’s this clear.
14. DIY Ice Sculptures
My kids love playing with ice, so we decided to try our hand at DIY ice sculptures one winter. We freeze water in different molds—like plastic containers, balloons, or even cookie cutters and then use the frozen pieces to create ice sculptures in the yard.
They get so creative with their designs, and I love watching them figure out how to stack the ice pieces just right. Plus, when the sun hits the sculptures, they look absolutely magical!
15. Have a Winter Movie Marathon
When it’s just too cold to go outside, we love having a winter movie marathon. I let my kids pick out a few of their favorite movies, and we all snuggle up with blankets and popcorn. It’s the perfect way to spend a cozy day indoors.
We often mix in some hot cocoa and cookies for extra comfort, and it becomes a little tradition we all look forward to. It’s also a great way to take a break from the usual busy routine and just relax as a family.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to feel like a time of year where we’re just waiting for warmer days to come back. Instead, I’ve found that by making a winter bucket list, we get to turn these cold months into some of the best times of the year. My kids and I love checking off each activity, from simple pleasures like making snow angels to the excitement of a winter scavenger hunt. These moments not only keep my kids engaged but create lasting memories that we’ll look back on and laugh about for years to come.
As a parent, it’s amazing to see how much fun we can have together, even when it’s freezing outside. The best part is, these activities are about spending quality time, being active, and enjoying winter to the fullest—without relying on holidays or special events. I hope this bucket list brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine, and that you find new ways to enjoy this beautiful season with your kids!
