The winter weather may be cold, but your family can still enjoy plenty of fun outside. Celebrate the great outdoors all season long with these fun outdoor winter activities.
Participate in Winter Sports
Bundle up in your warmest clothing and grab your sports equipment. Enjoy some of Canada’s traditional winter sports as you spend time together.
- Go sledding on your backyard or community hill. Challenge your family members to see who can slide the furthest.
- Hit the slopes! Go skiing or snowboarding at a nearby ski hill or cross-country trail.
- Lace up your skates and take the family to your local ice rink or pond.
- Ice fishing is a centuries-old tradition. Select a spot with ice that’s at least four inches thick.
- Snowshoeing encourages exploration in almost any winter weather. Children as young as two can participate in this fun activity that doubles as a cardiovascular workout.
- Head out for a winter camping adventure. Whether you go RVing or tenting, invest in the right gear.
Build Something
Use your creativity and teamwork to build things out of the snow in your backyard and neighbourhood. Research designs in advance or create on the go.
- Build a snow family with parents, kids and pets. Add faces using twigs, leaves, berries, pine cones, and other items from nature. Don’t forget the hats and scarves!
- Construct an igloo or fort. Enjoy a snack and hot chocolate or play a board game inside after you finish building.
- Design a maze. Stomp a trail and a few dead ends for the neighbours to follow. Include interesting sculptures along the maze path.
- Erect a pyramid using moulds. When the pyramid is finished, use sticks or paint to write messages on the walls.
Make Snowballs
There are so many ways you can use snowballs for fun with the family without starting a snowball fight.
- See who can toss their snowball the farthest or try throwing it through a hoop or other obstacle.
- Challenge your family to find out who can roll the largest snowball. Anyone could be the winner!
- Measure your bodies using snowballs. First, guess how many snowballs tall each person is before you lie on the ground and use snowballs as a measuring stick.
- Go snow-bowling! Set up twigs as pins and try to knock them down with a snowball.
Take a Walk
Bundle up and spend some time exploring your favourite trails or discovering new ones.
- Challenge each other to a scavenger hunt. Add colours, textures, shapes, and any items you want to your list.
- Search for animal tracks or make your own. Research animal behaviour and habits after you see their tracks.
- Host a picnic. Find a scenic spot and share soup and hot chocolate or foil pack meals. As you eat together, enjoy the view.
Play Games
Modify your family’s favourite outdoor games for wintertime play. Or try a new game that’s ideal for snowy conditions.
- Blow bubbles and chase them until they freeze.
- Draw a tic-tac-toe board. Use twigs or sticks to make the Xs and Os and a broom to clear the board after each game.
- Play football, soccer or disc golf. Mark out a field in your backyard or use the field at your local playground.
- Dress up snow angels. After you make the angels on the ground, paint their faces and dress them in clothing and accessories.
If you’re wondering how your family can spend more time outdoors throughout the entire year, consider this list of fun outdoor winter activities. Enjoy your favourites or try something new as you bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors together.