Outdoor Winter Activities For Kids

Do you remember when you were a child, playing in the snow and inventing games and activities to keep yourself busy? Provided that the temperatures are at safe levels for your children to play outside, winter does not mean children have to stay indoors. Pass those fun winter ideas from your childhood on to your children with this list of 5 fun winter activities!

Sledding

There's nothing better than gliding through the cool air on a sled. Find a good hill and grab your tube, toboggan, or saucer for hours of entertainment. Sledding is fun for all ages, but toddlers should ride with a parent, and should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm and cushion their tumbles.

Biking

Encourage your children’s competitive streak with a spot of mountain biking. There are trails suitable for most age groups and this is a sport with growing popularity, meaning new bike facilities are being opened up every year. Combine a bike trip with visits to a National Park or wilderness area.

Camping

A winter camp introduces an aspect of surviving in the raw wild that kids love; not too raw, though. It helps if you are bedding down in a heated cabin, or a yurt with a cozy log-burning stove. Waking up in the cold wilderness and seeing their breath in the crisp air as they build the breakfast campfire is an unforgettable experience for kids.

Snowboarding

As with skiing, little ones can start snowboarding young, but few children strap on a board before age 5 or 6. Snowboarding is most popular among tweens and teens because they have the strength and skills to stay upright and try more tricks. Lessons and safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards, and hip pads, are recommended because snowboarders of all ages have their share of spills.

Ice Skating

This slippery activity will be tricky for newcomers. But once they get the hang of it, they might get addicted. Age 4 or 5 is a nice time to begin skating or take lessons. Most children wear figure skates or hockey skates to start out. After they get more into skating, they can try the sports of speed skating, ice dancing, figure skating, or hockey. Have beginners wear a helmet, and offer them a hand to help with balance.