4 Family-Friendly Winter Activities
Do not let winter and its colder temperatures bring you down. Winter is perfect for spending time with family and making memories you will all cherish forever. Here is a list of family-friendly winter activities sure to bring you all closer together. Bundle up and appreciate the season with these suggestions!
Try a winter-focused sport
Winter sports like ice skating, hockey, snowshoeing, and skiing can get your heart rate up. Whether you and your family are seasoned professionals or rookies at a winter sport, you will love the rush of adrenaline, friendly competitiveness, and challenge of tackling a physical activity. Plus, Harvard Health Publishing notes that exercising outdoors in the winter can help combat seasonal affective disorder and prevent weight gain, which can come in handy over the holidays.
Make the most of snowy days
Snow can bring more than just an icy mess. It can create a wonderland of fun for you and your family. When the snow piles high, grab your crew and a sled, and hit the slopes. “Sledding packs a wintery double whammy: Not only is sailing down a snowy hill the perfect blend of exciting and terrifying, but hiking back up to go another round is great cardio exercise,” writes Good Housekeeping contributor Lizz Schumer.
If sledding is out of range for you and your loved ones, put your creativity to the test and build a snowman outside, Schumer adds. Of course, a snowman is just to start. Snow is easy to mold, and when it’s plentiful, you can use it to create all sorts of sculptures on your lawn. Let your imaginations run wild!
Warm up inside with yummy treats
Hot cocoa is only the beginning of the deliciousness a cold season calls for. When the temps are too low to brave, move your plans indoors and break bread together. You can try out a new recipe or indulge in fan favorites. Real Simple writer Lisa Milbrand suggests dessert ideas that are sure to please a crowd, including freshly baked cookies, pies, baked apples, caramel popcorn, and cinnamon rolls. Heartier fare might include a cheesy casserole, chili, homemade soup, or a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. No matter what’s on the menu, though, make food prep a family affair. “Give everyone a task. You can work on one recipe together, or assign different dishes to each family member for a potluck-style meal,” writes Verywell Family contributor Elisa Cinelli.
Let the games begin
Once your appetites are appeased, bust out the board games. Or, turn on the TV and dust off your gaming skills. “Move over, teenagers. Video games are fun for all ages. Whether you go down an RPG rabbit hole, engage in a little hand-to-hand combat, or race around a track, some friendly competition can heat things up inside, no matter what the weather’s doing,” claims Schumer.
Winter may be harder to navigate thanks to its lower temperatures and snowfall. But, you can make the best of it when you spend time with your family. Whether you choose to enjoy the elements outside, treat yourselves to delicious food, or compete in a game, you’ll create memories to warm your heart.