Winter can be terrible. While the beauty of snow isn't lost on me, the season also brings things like freezing rain, dirty slush, and frigid temperatures. In general, I miss the days of Summer, Spring, and Fall when you didn't need 10 layers of clothing to make life outside bearable. And because of all this, I like to find every excuse under the (hidden) sun to stay inside, but when you have a kid, that task can be incredibly difficult. They have tons of energy they need to get out, they want to be entertained at all times, and they can get bored easily. So what are you supposed to do? Luckily — with both a little planning and a little creativity — there are tons of unique and fun indoor Winter activities for kids that they (and you!) will enjoy. Keep reading to see them all now.
Indoor Winter Activities For Kids
20 Indoor Activities So Good, Your Kids Will Actually Start Dreading Warmer Temps
1. Have a "Pool" Day
Don't let your kiddie pool collect dust in the garage until Summer. Just turn it into a ball pit for the kids to jump in and get out all of their unused energy. They'll be entertained for hours!
2. Create Your Own Movie Theatre
Transform your living room, family room, or basement into a home movie theatre. Either dim the lights around your regular TV or put up a projector and a large sheet for some extra magic. Just don't forget to make a yummy snack station for the kids to enjoy.
3. Have a Board Game Day
Play a variety of board games throughout the day to keep busy, from the classics to some more unique ones. You can even turn it into a family tournament with fun little prizes to really make things interesting!
4. Host a Cooking Class
Find a recipe that's easy to follow for your children's age group. Place the ingredients on the table, write (or print out) the recipe, and have them follow the steps with you. Bonus if you make something they can decorate after, like cookies or a plain cake!
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5. Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
Display flavoured hot chocolate, marshmallows, toppings, straws, and mugs for kids to dig into during a cold, snowy day. It's like edible art!
6. Colour the Snow
Bring a little snow inside, place it in a clear container, and let kids transform the colour using paint or food colouring. Just make sure you keep it in a cool place so the snow doesn't melt.
7. Build a No-Snow Snowman
Pompoms, pipe cleaners, and felt are just as good as the real deal. Plus, they can really make their creations come to life with more details since they won't be freezing cold!
8. Make an Igloo Out of Milk Jugs
Recycled milk jugs can be put to good use with a little time, patience, and dedication. And when you're done, you can teach your kids all about recycling.
9. Have a Camp Out
If the kids are daydreaming about Summer camp and warm nights outside, set up a few tents (or make your own) in the living room, roast marshmallows over a candle, and have a camping sleepover. And if you have some of those glow in the dark stars to put on the ceiling, well, that's just perfect.
10. Make Paper Snowflakes
This classic Winter craft can be dressed up with some glitter and adhesives, or kept as simple and beautiful as they are. Make an afternoon out of it by decorating your entire house (or at least one full room) with as many snowflakes as you can. Your kids will love bringing a Winter wonderland inside.
11. Craft DIY Slime
Slime isn't just super satisfying to look at and feel, it's also fun to make! And since slime seems to be all the rage right now, your kids will have a blast with this.
12. Host a Winter-Themed Story Time
Put the coziest pillows you can find in a circle, grab a few snacks, and have the kids sit back and relax as you read them their favourite, snow-filled books.
13. Prepare a Scavenger Hunt
The scavenger hunt items kids are required to find can vary depending on their age group, so parents can either make their own list or find a themed one that they like. You can even have your little ones invite a friend or two over to participate.
14. Sing Karaoke
Kids can put on a solo performance, form a group, or compete against each other in a talent competition, whether they're belting out tunes on a karaoke machine or just using a hair brush.
15. Have a Fort-Building Contest
Put your children's fort-making skills to the test by hosting a competition to see who can make the best one. When they're done, cosy up inside!
16. Have a Winter-Themed Movie Marathon
Obviously I've popped in Frozen approximately 1,000 times since the temperatures have dropped, but bonus points if you have your child dress up as their favourite character, too!
17. Have a Picnic
Don't wait around for the warmer weather to enjoy a picnic. Spread out a blanket, pack a basket, and share some treats during your very own indoor picnic lunch.
18. Make a Maze
Masking tape, Legos, cardboard — any of these household items become a labyrinth for creative parents and kids. You can make it big enough for kids to run through themselves or small enough so that their cars and trucks can use it as a roadway.
19. Hit the "Beach"
If you really can't wait for Summer, have a make-believe beach day with the kiddos. Lay out towels, wear sunglasses, and hang out in your favourite bathing suits!
20. Have a Staycation
Book a cosy night in at a local hotel, rent movies, order room service, and build forts with pillows. Many hotels offer Winter packages for families, so be sure to look at all your fun options!