Thinking of fun, winter weekend activities for families can be challenging, especially if you have younger kids. But even with the shorter days and colder weather, there are still tons of exciting things you guys can do together! By embracing all the wonderful things winter has to offer, you can plan something memorable for everyone in the family.
Some of these activities are done outdoors, while others don’t require you to leave the comfort of your home at all! So bundle up, get creative, and enjoy all of these magical things you can do during the winter!
Winter Weekend Activities for Families to Enjoy Together
Go to a Concert or Musical
If you’re looking for the perfect, indoor weekend event during the colder months, consider getting tickets to see Wicked, the musical that inspired the upcoming blockbuster movie, live! Whether it’s your first time in the land of Oz or you’ve been clicking your heels together three times in hopes of making it back, this fantastical and acclaimed musical celebrates the beauty of friendship and staying true to yourself. Get your tickets at Event Tickets Center today!
Explore Mother Nature
There’s something peaceful and relaxing about being in nature. So if you’re looking for a fun winter weekend activity, then consider going on a winter hike or nature walk. Check your local area to see if there are any trails where you can embark on a good old-fashioned family hike. Make sure to bundle up (hats and gloves are a must!) and bring a thermos of hot cocoa for a cozy break.
Host an Indoor Movie Night
If the weather is especially cold where you live, then you can always host an indoor movie marathon night. Start by picking a theme, or by letting everyone in your family choose a movie of their choice. Then deck out your living room with plush blankets, pillows, and cushions to make sure everyone has a comfy spot. Don’t forget the popcorn, soda, and favorite movie theater snacks to keep tummies full for the entire night.
Plan an At-Home Camping Trip
You don’t have to take time or spend lots of money to enjoy a winter getaway with the fam. Instead, transform your home into your ideal winter wonderland in just a few easy steps! Take the kids “camping” by setting up tents in your living room and roasting s’more in the backyard. If you have a patio heater, you can also go stargazing just like you would in the great outdoors.
Organize a Scavenger Hunt
For a special winter activity, consider planning a scavenger hunt for the family. While it may take a bit of prep and planning, a scavenger hunt can be a great bonding activity for everyone. This can be done in your own home by hiding specific items around the house and writing clues. Or you can take the scavenger hunt outdoors to a local park or village. Whoever collects or sees all the items on their list wins a prize of their choice!
Visit a Museum
If you want to get out of the house, a museum visit can be a great way to pass the time. Look for ones that offer hands-on or interactive exhibits, like science centers or natural history museums. These ones tend to be more entertaining for the little ones compared to museums that solely focus on history or art. They may even offer classes, courses, or weekend camps. Best of all, most museums offer family package pricing (or discounts for annual visits), which makes visiting with kids more affordable.
Take a Family Vacation
Winter is one of the best times to plan a family vacation. Compared to summer, there are fewer crowds and lots of great deals to be found. Head to the mountains for a weekend of skiing or book a hotel in the big city for fun activities and good food. Or you can just book a hotel in your home town for a short trip (it doesn’t require a lot of traveling)! But if you’re craving a bit of warmth and sunshine, then a cruise can also be the perfect winter escape (MSC Cruises goes to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and even Asia!).
Volunteer at a Local Charity
With the holidays right around the corner, giving back to the community is a wonderful activity for winter. This is an especially crucial time for many food banks or animal shelters, as the colder months increase the demand for help and supplies. Volunteering also teaches kids the importance of empathy and gratitude, and how small actions can help those in need. Check your nearby organizations to see if they are hosting any volunteer events. Or you can canvas the neighborhood to collect supplies like coats, canned food, or toys to donate to the community.
Be Creative with Arts and Crafts
Doing an art project together as a family is great for bonding and for the imagination! Plus, it’s a great way to get kids away from the screens so they can channel their creative side. Use this time to explore what hobbies or interests your little ones may have. If they’re into cooking, then whipping up a gourmet meal together can be fun. Or you can paint, make jewelry, or collage with found leaves or flowers. For more inspiration, check out this list of DIY crafts for kids to do at home.
While winter may be more limiting than spring and summer, there are still tons of great winter weekend activities for families. And while it can be hard to please everyone, don’t be afraid to try something new. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about creating long-lasting memories with the ones you love most. And who knows – you might just end up finding something that will become your annual winter tradition!
