Hello all. The wonderful Chloe has kindly let me put together a guest post for her wonderful blog.
So here’s a little about me. I’m Sally and I blog over at Life Loving and All That Grows. Life Loving is my lifestyle blog, which covers a lot of areas – parenting, food & drink, days out, travel, home and more. It’s my piece of the web which hopefully inspires others to enjoy life more. All That Grows is more focused on my passion for gardening and you can follow what I’m growing in my garden.
My husband and I have two very lovely (and cheeky) children aged four and one, so I thought it would be good to share some of my ideas about how you can keep the family entertained this coming winter.
Winter Activities For Families
I don’t know about you, but I love the winter months and the precious time it gives you together as a family. Some of the most magical memories are made in the winter. Winter is a time for embracing the cold weather with outdoor activities but also enjoying a cosy home and snuggling up with your loved ones. I’ve put together some of my thoughts about winter activities for families. Pick and choose your favourite, grab your loved ones close and enjoy making this winter extra special.
Indoor Winter Activities
Board Games or Card Games
When the winter weather is cold, grey and miserable, being outside is the last thing on your mind. Why not hunker down indoors and enjoy an afternoon of family card games or board games? Pick your family favourites and spend the whole afternoon (and evening) playing with your nearest and dearest. Even the littlest members can join in the fun of game night as there are plenty of board games out there that can be played with children as small as two or three. If your kids are older, why not teach them some of your favourite card games and see who can become the champion? You might try classics like Hearts, Spades, or Solitaire, which are perfect for friendly competition. And if you don’t have a deck of cards handy, you can always play these online at sites like Solitaire Bliss for just as much fun.
If your family enjoys those card classics, it’s worth introducing them to Mahjong too — a centuries-old tile game that’s surprisingly easy to pick up together. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged on a cold winter afternoon, and beginners can learn the rules in just a few minutes using sites like Mahjong 4 Friends, which walk you through the basics and let you play as a group online.
Party Tea and Dance Party
If the weather is putting you off being outside, why not blast out some tunes and enjoy an impromptu dance party? Once everyone is worn out from busting their grooves on the makeshift dancefloor, you could put on a party tea spread. Jam sandwiches, party rings, fruit, and carrot sticks all make for a fun and exciting party tea for the whole family.
Family Film Night
Cosy up on the sofa with blankets and popcorn for a family film night. Let each family member take turns choosing their favourite movie. It’s an excellent way to enjoy some downtime while bonding with your loved ones. If you aren’t sure what to watch, pick a Disney classic which everyone will love.
Here’s a whole list of adventure and action movies for tweens and the whole family to watch together.
Build a Gingerbread House
This is one of my favourite activities to do with my kids. A gingerbread house is brilliant fun for everyone to get involved in. Take turns piping icing on the roof, stick a few jelly sweets on but, of course, make sure a few of them don’t make it on the house. Half the fun of making a gingerbread house is eating a few of the sweets. If you don’t want to bake the gingerbread house from scratch, there are plenty of ready-made kits out there which save the hassle of baking. Although that is half of the fun!
Hot Chocolate Station
Winter is synonymous with hot chocolate, and creating a hot chocolate station can be a fun winter activity for the whole family. Provide a variety of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavoured powders or chocolate for a delicious treat. I’m not sure what’s more fun – creating the hot chocolate or drinking it!
Create a Winter Scrapbook
As you navigate the winter months, take some time to document your winter adventures with a family scrapbook. Include photos, drawings, mementoes, and notes about your favourite winter activities. It’s a great way to preserve memories and reflect on the fun times you had during the winter. A scrapbook is a beautiful thing to do with children and it’s something physical that you can all look back through for years to come.
Make A Snow Globe
Snow globes are a magical item to most children. There are so many tutorials out there which show you exactly what to use to create the snowing effect within your chosen scene. It’s a beautiful way to make a wintery keepsake that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Indoor Winter Crafts
There are plenty of things you can create with basic crafting supplies during the winter season. From cutting out paper snowflakes to spray bottle snow art, the possibilities are endless. You don’t even have to buy anything special, you can simply gather up sticks and leave and make a collage. But if you are feeling really crafty, you can create much more elaborate pieces. Why not get the children to create Christmas cards which you can give to your extended family?
Decorate Your Home
Embrace the festive season by turning your home into a winter wonderland. Decorate your living space with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and other seasonal decorations. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Get the kids involved in making the decorations. It’s amazing what you can make with cardboard, paper, glue, glitter and a few crafty bits.
Family Plans
As the new year approaches, take some time to sit down as a family and discuss plans and ideas for the year ahead. Discuss what each family member would like to do or achieve in the coming months, both individually and as a family. This might be something like one family member wanting to take up a new hobby or perhaps a big one like planning a family holiday together. Make some time to listen to the hopes and dreams of your children and help them make the next year the most amazing one yet.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Create a winter scavenger hunt for the kids in your family. Start by making a list of which are commonly found during the winter season, such as pine cones, icicles, Christmas lights or animal tracks. Split into teams and see who can find everything first. It’s a great way to explore your local area while bonding with your loved ones. The fresh air and fun will do everyone good.
Winter Hikes
Winter hikes are excellent ways to get some fresh air and exercise during the cold days. Have a look on local websites and you’ll be sure to find a park or trail nearby. If you live further north and your area enjoys snow, you could also think about strapping on your skis for a spot of cross-country skiing. Even just a ramble through the local woods will be such an adventure for your little ones. Fresh air is also very good for your mental health and well-being.
Ski Resorts and Snow Sports
In the UK, we don’t tend to get lots of snow but if we do, we know full well that schools will be closed and there’s the opportunity for a lovely family snow day. That being said if it doesn’t snow, there are plenty of dry ski slopes dotted around the county and a few places with real snow, these all offer a fantastic way to get your family out and about during the chilly days. These ski slopes offer options for skiers of all skill levels, making it easy for everyone to have a great time. Whether you want to slip and slide around in the real snow or take a few lessons on the dry slope, there are options for everyone. Having ski lessons at one of the UK venues can set your family up for enjoying a mountain adventure on one of Europe’s mountains – or beyond. For the younger kids, ski lessons can be both fun and educational
Snow Forts and Snowball Fights
Building a snow fort or an igloo and getting everyone involved in an epic snowball fight is an essential part of the winter experience – it’s where most of my favourite winter memories have come from. Get the entire family involved (and possibly the neighbours too). You can construct a sturdy fort that can withstand a flurry of snowballs. It’s a great way to combine outdoor activities and family fun. You’ll be amazed at how warm you get whilst tossing snowballs at your nearest and dearest.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a timeless winter tradition. Many cities across the UK have pop-up ice-skating rinks which are open from November to January. Most are decorated with twinkly Christmas lights and festive trees. Some are set against the most amazing backdrop. You can also visit your local ice rink which is open year-round. Get your family together and enjoy some time on the ice.
Snow Angels
If it does snow this winter, you should encourage your family to head outside and create snow angels, snowmen, and other winter sculptures. It’s a fun way to enjoy the magic of the snow before it melts and disappears. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and a carrot for your snowman.
Day Trips
Long, dark wintery days can lead to a bit of cabin fever for the whole family. Make sure to break up the days spent inside with ones out and about. Why not plan some days out to a museum, a local attraction or even go and something at the theatre? There are always pantomimes, plays and musicals running, so you’ll be sure to find something that the whole family will love.
Local Events
Winter or Christmas Markets
You’ll find that local Christmas markets start to pop-up all over the UK during November. They can vary in size and what they offer. For some markets, it will simply be a few food and drink stalls for you to shop from. Other markets will offer rides, music, light shows, entertainment and more. If you are lucky enough there might even be a temporary ice rink or the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Winter markets are really magical and often help support local producers and small businesses. They are a great place to pick up Christmas gifts whilst also providing a fun day out for all the family.
Volunteer
The winter months are a time for giving, and involving your family in local charities like offering to help at a soup kitchen, visiting care homes or putting together Christmas boxes can teach valuable lessons about empathy and community. Spend a day volunteering together, and you’ll find it to be a rewarding experience. Charities need all the help they can get, particularly over the winter months when people’s personal circumstances can often become worse.
Christmas Lights Trails
Christmas light trails have been gaining in popularity all over the UK in recent years. If you and your family enjoy looking at the magic and wonder that comes from twinkly lights, then have a look to see if there is a Christmas light trail near you. If you are on a budget, research your local area and see if there is a road which all the houses get involved in dressing the street. You can enjoy a family amble up past all the pretty installations.
Christmas Light Switch-On
Most towns, villages and cities have some form of a Christmas light switch on. Find out from your local newspaper or online resource when your area will be having these events and take your family to watch. They are full of joy and merriment!
Winter is a gorgeous time to strengthen the bonds within your family while enjoying the magic of the season. Whether you prefer outdoor winter activities in the fresh air or cosy indoor activities in the warmth of your own living room, there are plenty of ways to have a great time and create long-lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever.
