Screen-Free Winter Activities for Kids
Today I am sharing some of our favorite screen-free winter activities for kids.
Winter months can make it challenging to keep kids entertained, especially when the temptation of screens is always within reach. And let's be honest - it's not just the kids that are tempted to jump on a screen! As a mom, I sometimes want my kids to have a little screen time - so I can take a breath. So there is no judgement here!
However, we know that screens should be limited and carefully monitored with kids, and sometimes that takes some thinking outside the box. Or even just some reminders about other fun options for kids during these cold winter months.
There are lots of ways to encourage creativity, imagination, and connection indoors and out even when the temps make us want to curl up under a blanket.
Here are some of our family favorite screen-free activities for kids to do in the winter.
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10 Screen-Free Activities for Kids To Do In the Winter
10 fun activities for your kids to do on your next snow day!
#1: Build a winter fort.
My kids love to do this. Get out blankets, cushions, and chairs to create a cozy indoor fort. Add fairy lights and stuffed animals to make it extra special. Kids can use their fort as a reading nook, pretend play area, or even a snack spot for hot cocoa. My five-year-old can spend hours making forts.
They also make some fun fort building kits. We have a kit similar to this fort building set. This would make a great gift for a family!
#2: Have a DIY craft day.
Pull out craft supplies like construction paper, glue, pipe cleaners, and markers and let your kids get creative. Some winter-themed craft ideas include: paper snowflakes, cotton ball snowmen, or make homemade Valentine cards for loved ones.
If you want more structured craft activities, I love the Mondo Llama line at Target. They make super simple craft kits, most in the $5-$10 range. Check out these pom-pom love bugs, this paint your own heart set, or this cute craft stick character set for Valentine's Day.
#3: Bake up a yummy treat.
This is one of my personal favorite things to do with my kids on a winter weekend indoors. Choose simple recipes like cookies, muffins, or banana bread, and let the kids help with measuring, mixing, and decorating.
For an easy recipe to make together, check out my homemade granola.
#4: Break out the board games.
Board games are a great way to provide entertainment, foster connection, and spend some time screen-free. Let each person choose a game - the options are endless!
A few family games that we have and love: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Chuckle & Roar Family Charades, Uno and Cards Against Humanity Family Edition (for older kids).
#5: Create an indoor obstacle course.
All three of my kids love doing this! It makes a bit of a mess, but it gets them working together and doing something active. Transform your living room into an obstacle course using pillows, furniture, and toys, whatever you have. We like to make it a 'floor is lava' game - you have to make it across the room without touching the floor.
You certainly don't need to buy something to do this, but we have these stepping stones and they are almost always a part of this actvity. They make a great gift and provide for some movement indoors when it's too cold to get outside.
#6: Have a tower building contest.
Take out all of your blocks, magna-tiles, and other building toys. Give your kids the challenge of building the tallest tower, or a garage for their matchbox cars, or a model of your house - the sky's the limit. Even my 11 year old still loves to do this. You can do this type of open-ended creative building activity with Legos as well.
#7: Do a puzzle together.
Puzzles always bring back memories of the pandemic. It seems like everyone was doing puzzles while at home. I did enjoy doing a few with my family, and it's something that we'll still pull out now and then on a winter weekend. It's amazing the hours we can spend on them! There are so many puzzle options for all ages, you'll easily find something that fits your family.
I love this Snowy Night puzzle from Galison (they make so many pretty puzzles) and this National Parks puzzle for families to do together.
#8: Take a trip to your local library.
If you want to venture out, the library is a great place to go. Your kids can pick out all of the books they want, then you can go home to cozy up and read them - all at no cost. You might also look into storytimes or other free activities that might be happening at the library if you need to get out of the house on a winter day.
#9: Take a winter walk or hike.
It's amazing what some fresh air can do for moods and energy levels - for both kids and adults. Bundle up and get outside for a way to get some energy out and enjoy the outdoors.
#10: Play in the snow.
If you have snow - getting outside to play is a no-brainer. Most kids just love it! You can sled, build snow forts, have a snowball fight, etc. This outdoor play will tire them out in the best way. Then come inside for a nice mug of hot cocoa.
Bookmark this post for your next snow day!
Keeping kids engaged and entertained during the winter months doesn’t have to involve screens. With a little planning, there are lots of fun things to keep kids busy indoors.
And remember, there is no judgement about using screen time as a mom. We use it all the time. It's about balance.
Hopefully this list of screen-free winter activities for kids is helpful during those cold winter days when you are out of ideas!
For more things to do with your kids this winter, check out these winter bucket list ideas for families.
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