Living
The Ultimate List of Cold Weather Winter Activities
It’s that time of year again. For some, it’s a time to hibernate and feel those winter blues. But what if we changed our approach to winter? What if we embraced the unique beauty of winter? I decided to shift the way I approach the winter weather – to slow down, cozy up, make my home a haven, and embrace being indoors on these chilly days. We are in the middle of a cold spell here in Chicago. It feels like it’s -25, the holiday season has come to an end, and for many of us, the winter blues might be starting to kick in. This is my 14th winter season in Chicago, and I feel the happiest I’ve felt in the winter months. Since everyone is in layering and hibernating mode, I thought I’d share my cold weather perspective shift, and share the winter activities to help you get through winter with young kids.
The Ultimate List of Cold Weather Winter Activities
The best part about winter, is, for me, the holiday cheer. But that ends just a few weeks into the cold winter months. At first, the winter was exciting and new, but after a few years, I started to dread January. The Christmas lights come down, and it’s just cold. So I decided to shift my perspective.
The Perspective Shift
But there’s something really nice about a slow, cold winter day. It’s the perfect time to cozy up and have a family game night or movie night with a cup of hot cocoa. There’s also something about the first warm day. The first time you see a flower bloom in the spring. The first sound of waking up to birds chirping. The world slows down in the winter. I’m using this time to reconnect slow down and connect with my kids and the simple pleasures in life. We’re doing lots of creative projects and embracing the coziness of winter. It’s a great time to snuggle up in a warm blanket, enjoy hot chocolate by the fire, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Sure, there are fun winter activities like skiing, making snow angels, and ice skating at outdoor rinks. And I know the importance of getting outside, but some days, it’s just too cold for outdoor activities, and we don’t get a lot of snow (at least not regularly) in Chicago. When the weather allows for it, we try to get out to go sledding, build a snowman, go ice skating, have a snowball fight, or go for a winter walk. My kids love playing in the snow, but only last so long when it’s cold. I’ve found that there are plenty of things to do indoors, but it’s definitely a challenge with an active toddler. We rely in indoor play spaces, kid-friendly restaurants, visits to Grandma’s house, and even little errands like trips to the car wash, target, and driving through Starbucks. Anything to pass the time.
Indoor Winter Activities
I am a bit of a homebody, but this is especially true in the winter months. One of the best things about winter, for me, is that things slow down, and I can curl up with a new book. But I’ve found plenty of ways to keep the whole family busy and from getting too stir crazy on those frigid days.
Make Your Home Cozy
I love working on house projects in the winter months. I’ll organize and purge the playroom and our closets, and just generally tidy up. It’s also a great time to tackle your storage closet or reinvent your entryway closet. This year, I finally ordered sconces for the fireplace wall in our family room, and make the room feel so much cozier and more finished. We’ve been finishing up some bigger projects as well and just wallpapered the half bath. It feels so nice to do these projects when we’re spending more time at home.
Crafts
My girls (ages 4 and 6) and I love beads, diamond painting, and coloring books. These are fun things I wouldn’t necessarily do on my own, but I love doing these things with my kids. My son has gotten really into play dough, and I like that it’s a fun, sensory activity that isn’t too messy. We love magic markers and paint, too.
Games
Our family has been on a big Go Fish kick. Both my girls love it, and it’s way more fun than Candyland (which I really don’t enjoy playing). We’ll play monopoly and do puzzles, too. I’ll link our favorite puzzle board below.
Cook and Bake
There’s no better time to make a warm, hearty soup or crock pot meal. And my kids always enjoy baking muffins or cookies when it’s cold.
Build a Fort
My girls live for building forts, and a fort is truly the perfect way to pass the time on a cold, winter day. They primarily use their Nugget to build walls and then bring in blankets, stuffies, and all their tiny things. There’s something so fun and magical about this, and to extend the fun, they’ll bring in their Toniebox and sticker books.
Movie Nights
Pop some popcorn, grab some cozy blankets, and enjoy your favorite family-friendly movie. Watch a movie on TV, or set up a projector for an even more memorable experience.
Spa Treatments
My kids love getting manicures and pedicures, and winter is always a nice time to amp up my winter skincare. It’s when I get the most into my masks, and when I’m the most diligent with my red light mask and anti aging tools.
Read a Book
This is a relaxing activity that you can do solo or with your kids. My oldest can read now, and we love to sit and read at night. Grab a new book and cozy up in your favorite spot.
Amazon
Rotating Puzzle Board
Cheek's Paper Room
Silicone Art Mat
Paint Gem
Diamond Painting
Lola Blankets
The Softest Blanket
Droplette
The Droplette
