The snow is falling, the hot chocolate is steaming, and your kids (and you) are going a little stir-crazy. We’ve been there! While it can be tough to enjoy activities in the winter, it’s far from impossible.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite fun winter activities you and your family can enjoy that won’t break the bank.
Ready? Bundle up, and let’s go!
If you feel like your back is going to break if you hear, “Mom, can you carry my tube?” one more time (been there), you’ll definitely want to pick up a snow tube with a towable leash (currently $39.99 on Amazon). You’ll get to watch your kiddos soar down the hill time and again, and you (or your kiddos) can haul their tubes back up the hill with less effort.
Winter offers a different view of nature than you’ll get in the warmer seasons, and it can be fun to take your little ones out to explore all that the chilly temperatures have to offer. From winter scavenger hunts to looking for winter birds to finding tracks in the snow, it can be fun to snag a kid-friendly digital camera (like this one for $16.99). They’ll get to print out their photos instantly, creating a collection that they can show off long after your walk is over.
If you have an artistic little one, they’ll love painting the snow in all the colors of the rainbow. You’ll just need some water, food coloring, and a few spray bottles like these (on sale for $6.99), and your kid is ready to go to town! Important note: the food coloring may stain driveways, so ask them to keep their artwork contained to grassy areas.
If you’ve had enough of chilly outdoor activities and are ready to get cozy, check out the Baketivity cake pops baking kit (currently on sale for $29.99 on Amazon). It features step-by-step instructions that make it easy for both you and your kid to end up with a delicious treat that you can enjoy together.
Ice skating is a great workout, a fun way to try something new with your kiddos, and the perfect way to get some of that cold-weather energy out when you feel like you’ve been cooped up inside for days. While you can certainly rent ice skates at your local rink, buying your kids their own can help them glide across the ice in style. You can get a pair with several different color options on Amazon right now for $30.39.
Ready to channel your inner Buddy the Elf? A snowball maker can take some of the frustration out of trying to make snowballs for little ones, and can also help older kids (and you) build up an arsenal to gain ground in a serious snowball battle. You can get everyone in on the fun with a 2-set snowball makers, currently on sale for $18.99.
Snowshoeing is surprisingly easy to learn and a great way to burn off energy. Whether your kid wants to walk across the front yard or you’re interested in giving it a try together on a nature walk, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the outdoors together, all while learning a new skill. Get your kiddo their very own pair of snowshoes, like these ($74.99), without putting too much of a dent in your wallet.
Birdwatching is simple, quiet, and a great way to get your kids’ eyes off screens and out into nature. With fewer leaves on the trees, birds can be easier to spot in the winter than in the summer, making it the perfect time for your little ones to spot cardinals, sparrows, and blue jays. You can make it even easier to spot birds with these kid-friendly binoculars (currently on sale for $19.99).
Making snow angels is a classic winter activity, but we know that you want your child to stay warm without spending a ton on snowsuits (after all, they outgrow them pretty much every season). Good news—we’ve found this Arctix chest-high bib snowsuit on sale for $33.99 that will keep your child warm all season. Don’t forget to size up if you want to make it last through next winter!
Ice fishing can sound intimidating, but it’s actually a great way to unplug and recharge. If you have an ice shack on a lake nearby and are interested in catching your own dinner, ice fishing is a good way for you and your kids to enjoy the winter. Check out the Widden ice fishing rod (normally $39.99 on Amazon, currently on sale for $24.99) to get started.
Is there anything better than watching your kiddo giggle as they fly down the hill on their favorite sled? We found an option that’s easy to pack up, if you’re not lucky enough to live close to a good sledding hill. This 26” foldable snow sled ($20.99) is easy to tuck into your trunk, features a comfortable grip handle (we didn’t have those back in my day!), and is made from durable nylon to last for many winters.
Of course, you don’t need any accessories to build a snowman… but it’s certainly a fun bonus. With a snowman accessory set ($14.99 on Amazon), your kiddos can set up your chilly weather front yard resident in style, no carrot required.
If you’re nervous about taking your kids skiing or snowboarding but still want them to enjoy the thrill of flying down a hill, check out the Geospace snow scooter (on sale for $59.99). It has a quicker learning curve than you’d think, and you might end up taking it for a spin as well.
There’s nothing quite like a cup of hot chocolate after an hour or so outdoors in the winter, and the Bali Outdoor tabletop fire pit ($33.99) will be the perfect gathering place for you and your family to warm up. Bonus: You can also roast s’mores over the fire, or toast marshmallows to top off your cup of hot chocolate.
Want to warm up inside while still enjoying a snowy vibe? Your kids (and you, honestly) will love the Discovery Frozen Earth science kit (on sale for $27.42). It’s the perfect fit for snow days when you still want your kids to do something educational while they’re out of school.
Life can get expensive, but not everyone has the time to find good deals! We started Simply Sales to help busy moms like you get the break you deserve. You can visit our website for honest product reviews, activity ideas, current deals and promotions, gift guides, and more. We’d also love to see you in our Facebook group, where you can connect with other moms and get real-time updates on upcoming deals.
