1. Snowy Obstacle Course
Transform your backyard into a winter obstacle course! Use snow piles for climbing, avoid flying snowballs, set up tunnels with large cardboard boxes, and mark out zig-zag running paths with sticks. Add a challenge to see who completes the course the fastest.
Pro Tip: Ensure kids wear sturdy boots to prevent slipping and avoid wearing all black clothes or wear reflective apparel or reflective tape if it's getting dark.
2. Create a Snow Volcano
Create a volcano using the snow around a plastic water bottle (don't put the cap on). Pour some baking soda, food coloring, and vinegar into the plastic bottle, then watch it erupt!
The Science: The baking soda (a base) reacts with the vinegar (an acid) producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbly eruption.
3. Build a Snow Fortress
Go beyond the classic snowman and construct a snow fortress. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity, and a bit of engineering. For some extra fun use the fortress as a snowball target.
Safety Tip: Don't pack the snowballs too much, encourage soft, loose-packed snowballs to prevent injury and avoid throwing them at faces.
4. Ice Lanterns
Fill balloons with water, add a few drops of food coloring, and leave them outside overnight to freeze. Once solid, peel off the balloon and place an LED tea light inside for a glowing ice lantern.
The Science: Freezing traps the food coloring in the ice, creating beautiful colorful patterns. This experiment also demonstrates how water changes state from a liquid to a solid.
5. Snow Race
Get some fresh air and a good workout running in the snow! Create short or long-distance races to see who can cross the finish line first. For more of a challenge make it a multi-day challenge and see who can accrue the most snow miles during the winter time. Keep a chart to track all participants' miles and whoever has the most is the winner!
Fun Idea: Participate in a virtual run - run the Iditarod and race with the sled dogs.
6. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Bundle up and head to the local park or trail for a winter scavenger hunt. Make a list of items like pinecones, animal tracks, icicles, snowmen, and unique leaves. Kids will love searching for these treasures while getting some exercise.
Fun Idea: Bring along a magnifying glass and inspect the various snowflake designs up close.
7. Ice Skating
If there's a local rink or frozen pond nearby (that's deemed safe), Ice skating is a wonderful way to stay active. For beginners, bring a chair or cone to help with balance.
Safety Tip: Always check the ice thickness with a professional if skating on a natural surface and ensure kids wear helmets and/or pads to protect against falls.
8. Sledding and Tobogganing
Sledding is a classic winter activity that never gets old! Find a safe hill away from roads, and let the kids zoom down the hill. Try organizing a sled race or building small ramps for an extra thrill.
Safety Tip: Avoid steep hills and make sure the area is clear of trees, rocks, or other hazards. If it's a chilly day some Vaseline on the cheeks and nose can help protect against the cold.
9. Make Frost on a Can
Fill a can halfway with ice and add a good amount of salt and some water. Wait a few minutes and watch the frost form on the outside of the can.
The Science: The salt lowers the freezing point of water, causing it to absorb heat from the can, making the surface cold enough for frost to form.
10. Winter Hiking and Wildlife Spotting
Many animals leave tracks in the snow, making it a perfect time to observe nature. Take a family hike and look for signs of deer, rabbits, squirrels, or birds. Bring binoculars to spot animals from a distance.
Safety Tip: Layer clothing and pack warm drinks like hot cocoa to enjoy the trail and stay warm.
11. Melting Race
Pack snowballs and place them on different materials (salt, sugar, cinnamon, black pepper) to see which one melts the fastest. Turn it into a game if you have a group of kids where each person picks one material and whoever snowball melts first is the winner!
The Science: Materials like salt lower the freezing point of snow, while darker materials absorb heat faster, speeding up the melting process.
12. Snow Painting
Bring some color to the white landscape with snow painting! Fill Spray bottles with water and food coloring and let the kids create colorful masterpieces in the snow.
Pro Tip: Create stencils out of cardboard for fun and unique designs
13. Frozen Bubble Fun
Blowing bubbles isn't just a summer activity! On especially cold days when the temperatures are below freezing, bubble solution freezes into icy orbs. Watch as the bubbles land and crystallize. Sometimes you might even see them crystallize as they float.
14. Cross-Country Skiing or Snowboarding
If you have access to the equipment, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore snowy trails while staying active. Many parks rent gear, making it accessible for beginners.
Pro Tip: Choose an appropriate slope or trail for your skill level. For younger kids choose the shorter trails to avoid fatigue or bunny hills to build up confidence to tackle the bigger skiing hills.
15. Winter Stargazing
On clear nights, the winter sky offers a stunning view of stars and constellations. Grab blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate, and a star chart or phone app to identify celestial wonders.
Winter Safety Tips
1. Dress in Layers
Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating layers, and top with a waterproof jacket. Don't forget hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks.
2. Stay Visible
Nightfall starts early, so add reflective gear, avoid dark clothing, and carry flashlights if you are out past dark.
3. Hydration
Kids still need plenty of water, even in cold weather. Keep water bottles handy.
4. Know When to Head Inside
Watch for signs of frostbite (red or pale skin, numb or tingling feeling) or hypothermia (shivering or fatigue) and head indoors to warm up.
5. Use Safe Areas
Conduct experiments away from icy patches or roads.
6. Leave No Trace
Leave the area as you found it to protect the environment.
Winter is a season full of opportunities for adventure and discovery. With these activities and precautions, your kids will stay active, healthy, and entertained all season long.
