Winter can feel long and grey, can’t it? But honestly, it’s the perfect time to get yourselves outdoors together. I’ve pulled together some simple activities for kids that will bring movement, connection, and joy to your cold days.
You don’t need snow, just curiosity, warm layers, and a willingness to play.
1. Frozen Nature Art
Get the kids to gather leaves, berries, or petals and pop them in shallow containers of water to freeze. Once they’re solid, you can hang your icy artwork from trees and watch how it catches the light. It’s one of those nature play ideas that will blend creativity and calm beautifully.
2. Family Winter Campfire
Light a small, safe fire in your garden or a fire pit. Toast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate, and share stories about the year that’s just passed. Simple traditions like this will turn your Christmas holidays into beautiful memories.
3. Winter Sound Hunt
Head out together and see how many winter sounds you can find. The crunch of leaves, crows calling, wind through bare branches. Noticing each one will really build presence and wonder in your children.
4. Winter Balance Trail
Create a mini trail using logs, stones, or low branches. Challenge everyone to cross without stepping off. These outdoor activities for kids will build coordination, balance, and confidence without them even realising it.
5. Nature Photography Challenge
Give your children a camera or phone and ask them to capture ten winter details like shadows, textures, or splashes of color. This will really slow the pace and help them see familiar places in completely new ways.
6. The Listening Ladder
Sit or stand together outdoors and listen in silence for one minute. Then two. Then three. Each time, share a new sound you’ve noticed. It’s such a gentle reset for your busy family minds.
7. Nature Noughts and Crosses
Use sticks to make a grid on the ground and play noughts and crosses with pinecones and pebbles. This classic idea will turn into a lovely nature moment that suits all ages.
8. Nature Ninja Training
Set up a short trail with natural “missions”: crawl under branches, balance along a log, leap over puddles. Your kids will absolutely love pretending to train like forest ninjas, and it’ll keep everyone moving and laughing.
9. The 20-Minute Dash
Set a timer and pack a burst of movement into twenty minutes outdoors. Climb, skip, balance, or race to touch different trees. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it’s an easy way to boost your energy on those dark afternoons.
10. Speed Scavenger
Call out prompts like “something round,” “a sound you love,” or “a bright colour.” Everyone rushes to find or point to each one. It’s fast-paced and engaging, perfect for family fun when your time’s short.
Enjoying Simple Winter Moments
Even short bursts of time outside can lift everyone’s mood and strengthen your connection. If you’re looking for winter family activities or family outdoor adventures that don’t require much planning, these outdoor winter play ideas are a great place to start. You’ll be surprised how much joy you can find in outdoor games for children and winter nature activities, even during the coldest Christmas holidays.
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!
