13 Things To Do With a Child During Winter

Last updated on June 10, 2020

First, we grew up and still live in Minnesota – So I know a thing or two about winter.

Needless to say, we have our fair share of bone-chilling cold months up here. And, by fair share, I mean about 6 months per year.

Winter is one thing when you are an adult and you are totally fine starting a fire, grabbing a glass of whiskey, and watching a movie on a -50 degree night. It’s quite another thing when you have young children in the house.

They can only play with the same toys in the same place before they (and you) start to go insane. Cabin fever sets in very quickly and you need to get out of the house.

I decided to put together a list of things you could do with children during the winter. Obviously, the age of the child is a big determining factor. But, most of these you should be able to do with a kid any age.

Go Sledding

This is an obvious one that almost everyone says – but it is so true. Sledding is incredibly simple, cheap, time-consuming, energy-consuming, and any age can do it.

All you need is a $10 plastic sled and a hill to have some fun in the winter. And, the constant walking back up the hill will wear your kids out fast.

Go to the Zoo

Some zoos keep their indoor exhibits open during the winter. You can go see birds, fish, seals, and more. Sure, you won’t be able to see the cool lion, tigers, and bears but it is still a great time.

Walk a Mall

Seriously, you don’t even have to go shopping. Just go to a mall and walk around and see if anything catches your eye. Most malls have some sort of kid-friendly area your kids can play in.

You can also easily grab food if your child starts to get hangry. We are lucky enough to have the Mall of America here in Minnesota and our family has been there 5 times this winter just to get out of the house.

Go Skating

If your child is old enough, take them skating. It is not an easy thing to learn but it is a good workout. It also might lead to a life long hobby like hockey or figure skating.

If they aren’t old enough you can still take them. Simply put a helmet on them, hold them, and skate slow around the rink. They will have a blast!

Indoor Water Parks

These aren’t always easily accessible but if you live close to one, you should go for the day. Your kids will have a ton of fun on water slides and it gets them feeling like its summer again.

Most indoor parks have other things to do as well like food, arcades, mini-golf, etc.

Snow Boarding or Skiing

Again, this one will be for older children but it is a great activity. Snowboarding and skiing are a full-body workout and your kids will be exhausted after a day on the mountain or hill.

This is another lifelong skill they can take into their adult life on ski trips to Colorado, Utah, etc.

Go to a Brewery

This is something my wife and I love to do with our daughter. Before you judge, hear me out.

I’m not saying go get drunk at a brewery with your child. Drink responsibly and be safe.

The thing about breweries is that they typically have a lot of games, dogs, events, and more that you and your kid will love. In my opinion, it is better than going to a sit-down restaurant where your child gets impatient.

Find Fun Outdoor Events

Guess what? Other people are sick of sitting inside all winter too. That typically leads to outdoor events planned locally.

We took our daughter to the polar plunge where people jump into icy lake water for charity and she thought it was hilarious. We also took her to the US Pond Hockey Tournament where there were thousands of people watching pond hockey.

Find local events in your area and plan to go to one or a couple.

Build a Snowfort

Who says you have to drive somewhere to get out of the house. Go into your backyard and build something with the snow.

We love to build a snow fort or igloo (but we are pretty advanced with 34 years in Minnesota) but you could also build a snowman or just make snow angels. Just bundle up and get out there!

Take the Dog for a Walk

You are not the only one with cabin fever in your home. Your dog probably feels a little antsy too.

If you get a decent day, build up the family and take the dog for a walk and get some fresh air.

Indoor Playgrounds

Most cold-weather states have some sort of indoor playgrounds or amusement parks. They typically have some sort of playground but also have things like go-karts, laser tag, batting cages, and more.

Get a group of friends together and let them go run around and let loose.

Build a Bonfire

Show your kids some survival techniques by showing them how to build a bonfire. Not only is this a useful skill to learn but it will provide warmth to be outside together.

Obviously, safety is key with this one so if you don’t know how to build a bonfire properly or don’t have a safe area to build one – skip this one.

Have a Snowball Fight

This is a really good one if you have more than one child. Pick some teams and have the whole family play.

First, build some forts or barriers and then start the game. It is a lot of fun for the kids and adults.

Just make sure the game doesn’t get too heated and the snowballs don’t get too hard.

The Hardest Part

Listen, the hardest part is always getting all bundled up for the elements. It takes a while to get jackets, hats, gloves, scarfs, snow pants, and boots on.

Staying in and staying warm always seems like a better option but, trust me, you are missing out. So, make some plans a follow-through. You will have a lot of fun and have a great memory

Aaron Written by:

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