5 Ways to Win Winter With Kids
One week into January and I’m starting to feel like I’ve fallen back into the holiday slump. Do I know what day it is yet? Not a clue. Have I thrown out the abundance of Christmas chocolate? Nope, only the wrappers. Are we hearing “I’m bored” echo through the hallways? Absolutely. The holiday magic has faded, the days are still short, and my kids somehow have more energy than ever and little willingness to play with the 198345872340 toys they’ve just piled into the toy cupboard.
We’re all a little stir crazy. And as much as I hate to admit it, everyone is happier when we get outside, even when it’s cold. Especially when it’s cold.
So, from one (tired) parent to another, here are five outdoor winter activities that keep kids entertained and parents relatively sane. No perfect planning required, just fresh air, movement, and a little willingness to embrace the chill.
1. Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt (a.k.a. Walk Without Complaints)
This is my go-to when I need fresh air but lack the energy to entertain so much.
Before heading out, I give the kids a simple list. For your audible learners, you can create a catchy little song or read the items out to them as your cruise around. For literary or visual kids, a few doodles with names on a scrap piece of paper do the trick. Tactile learners get a little extra prep here by finding some items first that they can hold and find a ‘match’ to.
A few ideas
Something white
An animal track (if you have more developed learners, you can do a scavenger hunt just on footprints and try to identify the creature culprit!)
A pinecone or stick
Something crunchy (snow counts)
Something shiny
Suddenly, a walk around the block turns into an expedition. They’re focused, curious, and (temporarily) distracted from the cold. This activity can be surprisingly calming, and watching kids slow down and actually noticing things feels like a small parenting win.
Mom Win:
Minimal prep, zero cost, turns whining into the will to participate.
2. Snow Art (Because Snow is basically a Giant Canvas)
If there’s (fresh) snow on the ground, this one is *chefs kiss*.
Fill a few spray bottles with water and food coloring, bundle everyone up, and let the kids ‘paint’ the snow. If you need a makeshift tool, fill up a plastic water bottle, pierce a hole through the top and let them go wild. It’s basically chalk for the middle of winter.
It’s creative, sensory, and uses up that pent-up energy. And unlike indoor crafts, the cleanup magically disappears/melts.
Mom Win:
No mess inside the house and kids stay engaged far longer than you expect.
3. No-Prep Playdates (When the Snowstorm Hits Unexpectedly)
This one deserves a standing ovation.
If you’re expecting a snowstorm, if it’s currently snowing, if the school buses JUST canceled for the day, or if you truly cannot handle one more day of the kids begging to watch Zootopia (I am here) make it a playdate.
Send out a quick blast to your local moms group chat or text a few neighborhood families. This one is something of a ‘potluck’ playdate. Pick a time that works for your family and invite parents to come along with their hot beverage of choice (and maybe something a little extra) toted along in a travel mug.
Ask kiddos to bring one sharable winter item:
A bucket for snow forts
A makeshift sled
Shovels, trucks, or whatever they already have
No pressure. No hosting stress. The kids stay busy together, and you get adult conversation which honestly feels just as essential as fresh air this time of year.
Mom Win:
Shared supervision, happy kids, and a reminder that you’re not in this winter parenting marathon alone.
Oh, and here’s a pro-tip if you want just a ‘little’ bit of prep. Line a track from your outdoor entrance to the potty with towels or a runner. Future you will thank you.
4. Sensory Bins but make it Winter
Sensory play doesn’t stop just because it’s cold out, it just moves outdoors. You can bring out some water-proof bins or plastic laundry baskets to create-your-own winterized sensory bins, or just step back, give some direction and let them play. Some ideas you can try:
Scooping snow into buckets with smaller cups until they’re full (competitive kids + 2 large buckets = at least a coffee break for mom)
Burying small toys and ‘excavating’ them
Mixing and ‘baking’ snow with sticks, or versatile kitchen tools
This is especially great for younger kids who need hands-on play. The cold adds a whole new sensory experience, and being outside means you don’t have to worry about water, mess, or noise.
Mom Win:
Gives your living room and mind a break.
5. After-Dinner Drives With Hot Chocolate (The Sneakiest Parenting Win)
This one feels indulgent, but it’s not…and that’s exactly why it works.
After dinner, bundle everyone up, pour hot (warm for younger ones) chocolate into travel mugs, and hop in the car. Take a drive to see Christmas lights that are still lingering around in January. Many drive-through light displays stay open through the end of the month, and this is the perfect time to go. Less traffic, more magic.
Put the kids in their pajamas before they put on their outdoor gear. When you get home, bedtime is almost done. Add an audiobook or calming music in the car, and all that’s left is teeth brushing and a quick potty break.
It’s a fun change-up for the kids, core-memory material for everyone, and (let’s be honest) a break for mom and dad too. (P.S. if you’re smart, you’ve already called shotgun for the passenger seat.)
Mom Win:
Low effort, cozy vibes, and a smoother bedtime transition.
Winter parenting is no joke. You’re doing a lot keeping kids entertained, managing schedules, and trying to stay patient when the sun sets at 4:30 p.m. These activities aren’t about being the ‘fun mom’ or filling every minute. They’re about survival with a side of joy.
Getting outside for some fresh air and play truly resets everyone. The kids move their bodies (tiring them out is always a bonus), the parents get a break from being hands-on, and the day feels maybe just a little more manageable.
So grab the snow boots, send the group text, embrace the chaos, and remember: you don’t need perfect plans, just a willingness to step outside and let winter work its magic.
