Hygge with Kids: Tips for Embracing Coziness as a Family

September 22, 2024
5 mins read
Stephanie Simmons
Author: Steph Simmons

In today’s non-stop world, hygge invites us to pause and cozy up. This delightful Danish concept centers around simplicity, comfort and closeness, perfect for building deep family connections.

Imagine lighting candles, cuddling under a soft blanket, and sharing stories.

Hygge is all about these warm, fuzzy moments. It’s a way to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures and turn ordinary days into treasured memories with your kids.

Ready to sprinkle a little hygge magic in your home? Let’s discover some joyful ways to make each day with your children a little cozier and a lot more memorable.

a mom and son snuggled on a sofa with a blanket practicing hygge

What Is Hygge? A Danish Tradition for Family Togetherness

Hygge, a cozy Danish idea, brings comfort and togetherness into our homes. It’s all about creating a warm, inviting space where families can unwind and give each other their full attention. In Denmark, hygge is a cherished way to connect during the long, dark winters, turning chilly days into cozy gatherings under blankets.

Imagine settling down for hygge time with cozy blankets, a warm drink, and a board game. This simple setup can transform an ordinary evening into a fun way to bond. Whether it’s enjoying a warm drink or laughing over your favorite board games, these moments allow families to engage deeply with each other.

Hygge also encourages us to appreciate the little things, like sharing a meal or reading together. These activities are best ways to slow down and savor life’s joys, drawing us closer to our loved ones.

Adaptable to any family’s preferences, hygge ensures that time spent together is cherished and full of warmth. It’s a reminder to prioritize connection and create lasting memories, helping families to thrive in a fast-paced world.

hygge family of three snuggled up on a sofa

Creating a Hygge Home Environment for Kids

Hygge is perfect for making our homes warm and welcoming. The idea of hygge is especially lovely during the winter months when families spend more time indoors. By adding a touch of hygge to daily lives, your living room can turn into a cozy retreat with blanket forts and warm blankets, ideal for family time.

Start by piling up soft blankets and cushions to make every corner inviting. Soft lighting, like fairy lights or candles, can make your living room feel like a safe, magical space where kids love to play and relax.

Encourage simple joys like building blanket forts or having a warm blanket ready for storytime. These activities are fun ways to connect and create memories. Setting up regular family nights with games or crafts can also bring everyone closer, showing that joy comes from being together.

By embracing hygge, you create a home where Danish families’ values of warmth and togetherness are alive, making every day feel special and connected.

hygge mom and child cuddling

Hygge Activities for Kids: Embracing Cozy Moments Together

Embracing hygge life with kids means enjoying cozy, comforting activities that bring everyone closer. Here are some of the best ideas to make every moment special:

  1. Arts and Crafts: Use leaves, pinecones, and colored pencils to make seasonal art. It’s a fun way to talk about the new year and the changes it brings.
  2. Storytelling: Curl up with a good book or make up stories under warm lighting. It’s one of our favorite ways to spark imagination.
  3. Cooking and Baking: Bake pumpkin muffins or make hot cocoa. Sharing these treats during a movie night is one of the best things about hygge.
  4. Outdoor Fun: Go for nature walks or stargaze. It’s an easy way to connect with nature and each other.

These activities are not just fun; they create a safe, warm space where laughter and love grow. Try these ideas to bring a little more hygge into your family’s daily life.

a mom and little girl baking - hygge with kids

Embracing Simplicity: Hygge Parenting Tips for a Cozy Family Life

Hygge helps create a nurturing, comfortable atmosphere at home, making everyone feel content. Here are some top tips to bring the hygge factor into your family life, perfect for busy parents and older children alike:

  1. Create a Cozy Spot: Make a cozy physical space at home where the whole family can relax together. This could be a corner with a soft rug, lots of cushions, and a few blankets for a cozy feel.
  2. Enjoy Simple Pleasures: Engage in simple activities that foster togetherness. This could be working on a jigsaw puzzle, enjoying a cup of warm cocoa, or sharing stories during bath time. These small things go a long way in creating quality time.
  3. Minimize Distractions: Make a conscious effort to reduce tech use during family time. This helps create a safe place where you can enjoy each other’s mere presence, improving your mental state of well-being.
  4. Weekly Routine: Adding hot drinks like a cup of hot chocolate to your weekly routine can make regular evenings special. It’s an easy way to add a bit of comfort and joy to your days.
a family of three on a nature walk in fall

Hygge Outdoors: Nature-Based Activities for Cozy Family Time

Embracing hygge outdoors is a perfect way to enjoy family time and connect with nature, even during the cold months. This Danish concept brings a feeling of contentment and joy to everyday life. Here’s how you can add a touch of hygge to your outdoor activities:

  1. Nature Walks: A simple walk in the park or forest is a great idea. Dress warmly, bring a thermos of hot cocoa, and enjoy the beauty around you. Notice the frost on leaves or the winter sky, and share what you see and feel. It’s a good way to enjoy the simple things together.
  2. Outdoor Picnics: Even in cold weather, a family picnic can be fun. Pack warm soup, snacks, and blankets. You can play games or tell stories while cuddled up. It’s a cozy way to spend time together and make lasting memories.
  3. Fire Pit Gatherings: Gather around a fire pit with cozy blankets and marshmallows for toasting. The warmth of the fire and the joy of being together create a perfect hygge atmosphere. It’s a good way to enjoy the crisp outdoor air and the company of each other.
  4. Winter Stargazing: Bundle up and go stargazing on a clear winter night. Bring along a telescope or just lie back on a blanket to watch the stars. Sharing the vastness of the night sky can be a magical and humbling experience for the whole family.

These activities are not just fun; they’re a good reason to get outside and enjoy the happiness that comes from a hygge way of life. It’s a perfect time for outdoor play, helping your family become one of the happiest, just like in the happiest countries. So bundle up and step out—there are tons of ways to enjoy hygge with your family outdoors!

a dad reading his little son a bedtime story

Bringing Hygge to Bedtime: Cozy Routines for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

Bringing hygge to bedtime is a great way to end the day with comfort and peace. This Danish happiness secret can make bedtime the coziest part of your day, especially for little ones in their early years. Here are some helpful tips to create a hygge mindset and ensure your family enjoys the happiest nights:

  1. Cozy Lights and Candles: Turn down the bright lights and maybe light a few candles for a soft, warm glow that invites relaxation.
  2. Comfy Bedding: Layer your beds with soft blankets and pillows to create an atmosphere of comfort that makes it a joy to snuggle in.
  3. Bedtime Scents: Adding a soothing scent like lavender to your room is a good idea. It helps calm the mind and prepares everyone for sleep.
  4. Quiet Activities: Read a calm story together or enjoy a warm cup of herbal tea. These cozy activities are perfect for winding down and spending quality time with your kids.
  5. Mindfulness: Try some simple breathing exercises or a short meditation before bed. This can help everyone feel more relaxed and sleep better.

By turning these steps into a nightly routine, you teach your kids the art of hygge and the importance of a good night’s sleep. 


Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.

Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!

She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.

Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness! 

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