5 Best Things to do When it’s Cold Outside for Families

Are you looking for fun things to do when it’s cold outside?

During the winter, we usually do things like Christmas activities, but there’s so much more we can do that doesn’t have to be festive. These can be something to bond as a family and create some lovely, long-lasting memories.

Winter is about more than just what to do when it’s cold outside; it’s a time for slowing down. Unfortunately, in our day and age, it often means sitting in front of screens like TVs, phones, computers, and iPads.

It is so easy to let ourselves stew in front of the TV, but it isn’t the healthiest thing to do. Trying to do more family activities will help you bond better, feel closer and happier, and be more productive. 

Grow A Winter Garden

Although novice gardeners may get excited about planting things in spring and summer, if you look at the winter aspect of gardening, not everything is dead and hibernating until spring and summer. There are still abundant things you can grow and harvest in the winter.

If you have some way to protect the plants, you can grow many more things, too. The staples for winter growing are carrots, parsnips, potatoes and Brussels sprouts, which are also excellent editions for your Christmas dinner.

You can also grow leafy goods like winter lettuce, kale and spinach. Doing this as a family will teach your children how to plant and grow foods, how much effort and time it takes to grow food, and show them it doesn’t just come from the supermarket. 

Explore Nature

Even in the cold months, you can still explore nature and the wilderness and see what it offers. You could even try camping in the winter if you have equipment to keep you warm, like heaters and winter sleeping bags.

An excellent way to look at this is to live more seasonally, this way you can appreciate what each season brings. Each season brings different lessons to learn, and winter is about slowing down and conserving energy. There will be a big harvest ready to preserve food over winter in autumn, so you don’t have to do as much.

Living seasonally also benefits kids and families as it gives you ways to enjoy time together. And what does the season bring without being on screens all the time? Things like playing in the snow, ice skating, and walking briskly in the cold weather, followed by a warming hot chocolate in front of the fire when you get home. 

Volunteer As A Family

Volunteering as a family is a great way to set good examples and teach them about helping others. Helping them understand that others may not have what they have and how to be more grateful. During the winter, the rough sleepers or less fortunate may struggle due to cold weather and not having access to warm clothes and hot food.

You could do a few different activities, such as volunteering at a food stand to hand out food and drinks to the rough sleepers. You could also help at a food bank or organise warm clothes and coats for those who can’t afford them.

As you get close to Christmas, you can get them to donate their old toys or go shopping for toys to donate to a toy appeal. So it can go to someone who may not get anything for Christmas. 

Stargazing: A Magical Winter Night Activity

Winter nights offer a clear view of the stars, making stargazing a magical activity. Bundle up, bring a telescope or binoculars, and explore the night sky together.

Discuss constellations, planets, and astronomical phenomena, turning it into an educational and enchanting experience.

Learn To Cook And Bake

You may be spending more time indoors during the winter months. Undoubtedly, people want to indulge more in comfort foods. You could all contribute together to make some delicious meals and desserts.

You could have it as a family cooking night where you team up and make dinner or dessert. Why not try the classic home comforts like a casserole, mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, lasagna or a roast dinner? My favourite is that you have many winter dessert options, from cheesecake and biscuits to brownies and apple pie.

You can change it up each week and let the children get involved. This will help them learn how to measure ingredients, follow recipes, and make delicious meals. These skills will follow them for the rest of their lives, making it one of the fun things to do when it’s cold outside with friends and family.

Before You Go: Making Winter Memories Last

These activities offer diverse, engaging ways to enjoy the winter months. Encourage your family to step away from screens and delve into these enriching experiences.

Please share your stories and photos of your winter adventures on social media. Use the hashtag #AdoreFamilyWinterFun and inspire others to create their memories.