Best Winter Activities for Kids

Best Winter Activities for Kids

Posted by WinterKids on Monday, December 10, 2012

When it is cold outside, it makes it a lot easier for all of us to hibernate.  On those days when we just feel like taking a break from the slopes, there are countless winter activities that everyone can enjoy.  Being one of the busiest time of the year, having ideas stashed in your back pocket before the house arrest days is a great idea. Check out our ideas below for recommendations of fun wintertime family activities:

Motivational movie night Indoor hibernation does not have to mean lack of motivation.  One of the best ways to get inspired to ride, while lounging on the couch (yes, that is possible!), is to watch documentaries of professionals on the mountain.  The kids will get excited for the fresh powder days and gain some extra confidence to work on their skills.  A couple of our recommendations:
  • Warren Miller’s: Bloopers, Blunders, and Bailouts. This particular film highlights the resilience of the human body.  Even if you are a pro, you are going to have wipe outs.  In this Miller film, he showcases that not all moments on the mountain are beautiful and graceful, but that we can bounce back, and keep moving down the mountain.  When kids watch this, it helps their mentality on the slopes.  Learning to ski or snowboard, as we can all remember, means (for most of us) spending a lot of time on the ground.  They can observe that it is okay to fall,  the important thing is to get up and not to give up.
  • The Art of Flight. This Red Bull documentary that was released last fall, is a tremendous inspiration for everyone.  Snowboarder Travis Rice tests the boundaries of possibility, and showcases what can be accomplished on the mountain.  After this one, the entire family will be dreaming about the next time they get to hit the slopes.
Baking a friendly and delicious competition  If you are a family full of active skiers, or snowboards, it is okay to eat all of the holiday cookies (at least that is how we justify it).  Take the friendly competition to the kitchen and have each family member try their hand at making a different winter sweet treat.  Of course we are partial to these adorable ski cookie recipes.  When it's cold, but there is no snow on the ground, this can be a great indoor activity.  And just like the movies, cookies can help push you to the slopes.  Perhaps the winner of the friendly family bake off will get to select the first run of the day down the mountain! Or perhaps they get to pick which ski/snowboard trip the family is going to take next!  Another thing to do, put on the music while you are baking, and share amongst family and friends your slope songs.  Take turns selecting music that you groove to on the mountain to get some new ideas for your iPod.

Become a snow artist  When there is fresh powder in the yard, but no time for a trip to the mountain, it is time to play.  You can make snow angels, construct snowmen, build forts and tunnels, and of course, have snowball fights.  We all do not have the fortune of Buddy the Elf’s impressive snowball making skills so, grab your kids the Snow Brick Maker set from Lucky Bums for perfectly crafted snowballs.  All artists need the proper tools for their craft so, be sure to get the kids an excellent pair of waterproof gloves or mittens, so their hands stay dry and warm during all of their snow construction.  For additional warmth, and extended hours of play, make sure to  have HeatMax Hot Hands in a box by the front door, so they can stick them in their gloves on the way out.

Walking in a lighted wonderland  Around this time of year, most town centers are full of lights and decorations for the holiday season.  Put some delicious hot chocolate in a travel mug, and take the family down to walk though the sparkly center.  Our favorite time to take these walks is at night, when there is snowfall, and all of the snow is illuminated by the lights.  We know that when one person gets cold, walking around outside is no longer fun.  So, make sure that everyone is bundled up appropriately for the weather. Oh, and be sure to take a camera, because we know we all look good in our favorite winter hats!  This is also a great time to test out the warmth and functionality of your new winter gear.  Layer up with your new base layers, fleeces, and jackets to find the perfect combination of clothing for the perfect day on the mountain.  A lot of towns also offer fun winter activities such as ice skating, both outdoor and indoor.  That way you can also test out your gear while being active.  We would love to hear about your winter activities, especially the ones that take our minds to the mountains!



Categories: Family Fun

Add a Comment


« Previous Post Next Post »