What Are Some Winter Activities For The Whole Family?
*** Cook A Meal Together ***
If your crew makes microwave meals and orders takeout a tad too frequently, try learning a new skill as a family. Refer to any one or more of the healthy and fun recipes out there, or sign up the whole group for cooking classes (many Sur La Table stores offer family lessons) or enlist their help with your latest grocery box delivery. While you’re at it, consider purchasing a new Instant Pot and ask your little helpers for assistance making yummy soups, stews, porridge, and even cakes. Top off the chef's sesh with a special meal! Make it even easier by signing up for one of the meal delivery kits where everything is included and all you have to do is read directions, letting each person in the family do one or more of the steps!
*** Take an Art Class ***
You’d like to engage in creative projects but feel like you lack the skills to produce anything, um, decent. Before you turn your back on your inner Picasso, consider taking an art class where you’ll learn new techniques and maybe even discover a new passion. From pottery to drawing and even improv, the (art) world is your oyster.
Of course, we here at Pinot's Palette, are always up for hosting a painting party! From IN-STUDIO CLASSES to PAINT-AT-HOME options, we've got something for everyone!
In the studio, one of our instructors will walk you through the paintings, step-by-step, as you make a work of art that you can always cherish.
Spend the day at home when it's too chilly to step out and paint from the comfort of your own space! Paint along with video or written instructions as you work at your own pace and make your painting, your way!
*** Make paper snowflakes and decorate your house. ***
Give your house some winter cheer with homemade decorations. Paper snowflakes are easy, and unique, and make the house look like a winter wonderland.
*** Go for a Walk ***
Grab some warm cocoa and go for a walk on a beautiful winter night. And if you have snow, listen to the sound of snow crunching under your boots.
*** Read a Book or Two (or Three) ***
Movies can catch their attention for a few hours, but nothing beats a great book or, better yet, a book series for capturing your kiddo’s innate imagination. BigFoot Visits the Big Cities of the World, the You Are (Not) Small boxed set and the Judy Moody Most Mood-tastic Collection Ever are all top-ranked bestsellers in demand on Amazon that make a great indoor winter activity for kids.
*** Have a Bonfire ***
Sit by the bonfire and tell snow stories. Do this winter activity with friends to make fabulous memories.
*** Play a Board Game Together ***
Playing board games together as a family bumps up the fun factor. Not only do they lure kids away from addictive video games, but board games can also be educational, giving kids lessons in decision-making, consequences, and strategic thinking. Besides, we’re just a little bit obsessed with the Amazon Choice game Bears vs Babies. It’s from the creators of Exploding Kittens, comes in a furry(!) box, and it’s the perfect antidote to those cold winter weekends
*** Go on a nature scavenger hunt ***
Have the kids pick up pinecones, and sticks and take photos of what you find on the trails.
*** Host a Sledding Party ***
If you have a slope or hill in your yard, invite some friends over to sled!
No hill. No problem. Find one near you and gather your friends for a couple of hours of amazing winter fun!
My husband grew up in the south and they sled ON THE GRASS with cardboard. Sounds like a lot of fun.
*** Create an Arts and Crafts Masterpiece ***
Check out these easy-to-make and easy-to-clean-up DIY ideas that make use of everyday items you probably already have at home (for instance, an old winter glove missing its mate!). If not, a quick trip to your local crafts store or an Amazon Prime order can deliver everything from paints, construction paper, beads, glitter, glue, and more for creative indoor projects for toddlers and big kids. Art not only makes kids smarter, but it can also make them more empathetic — plus, it can keep them occupied for hours when they’re cooped up inside on a frigid day indoors.
*** Treat the family to a hot cocoa bar ***
Whip up one of these creative drinks, and adorn the bar with whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, cherries, and everything else to make for a fun night of indoor sipping.
*** Learn Something New ***
If they love music, winter is the perfect season to try educational activities and introduce a new instrument — piano or keyboard, flute or saxophone, guitar or drums. They’re all popular options for aspiring musicians, as is an at-home karaoke session for your little vocalist with the big pipes. Equally interesting and potentially even more useful are language lessons. For kids who are curious about faraway places and foreign travel, download Duolingo or purchase a Rosetta Stone subscription. They’ll be practicing their new Spanish skills while you plan the family spring break trip to Mexico. Or, if your kid is a budding photographer, investigate photography classes — or purchase an inexpensive instant camera.