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Winter break activities for kids can get overwhelming when you’re suddenly juggling wide-open schedules and a chorus of little voices asking, “What can we do now?” Keeping everyone happy without relying on screens is tough…but not impossible.
We’ve experimented over the years with lots of low-prep, low-stress ways to keep the little ones engaged during snow season. With a few ideas in your back pocket, you can turn these cozy weeks at home into sweet moments of gratitude, connection, and fun.
In this post, we’re sharing our top tried-and-true winter break activities for kids. They’re simple, creative, and genuinely enjoyable for the whole family. Most use things you already have at home, and none require a Pinterest-level skill set. Pick a few and try them at home!
Creative Indoor Activities Kids Will Love
When the icy weather keeps you inside, it helps to have a few go-to ideas to spark imagination without creating extra work.
These activities give kids space to play and get creative in simple, engaging ways. They’re also flexible enough for a wide range of ages, which is always a bonus!
1. Build a Reading Fort or Blanket Hideaway
Kids love creating their own little world, and a reading fort gives them a perfect cozy spot to do it. Let them layer their choice of blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, then add a flashlight or lantern to make it feel extra magical. Once they crawl in, they can read, draw, or play.
2. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a favorite of ours! They boost energy and keep kids moving in a purposeful way. Create a list of items to find, or hide tiny “treasures” around the house. You can tailor it to different ages, so everyone stays engaged. It’s quick to set up and always a hit.
3. DIY Hot Cocoa Bar
Setting up a hot chocolate bar feels fancy but only takes a few minutes to set up. Fill small bowls with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or anything else you have on hand. You can even try a goat milk version for an extra creamy, nutrient-packed twist.
Whipping up your hot cocoa from scratch? Try the Johnson family's favorite homemade hot chocolate recipe to find out why we love it so much!
Kid-Friendly Art Projects for Winter Days
Crafting is such a cozy way for kids to express themselves, especially when the weather has them stuck in the house…but it can also get messy fast. That’s why we prefer to look for low-mess ideas to encourage creativity without deep-cleaning the whole house afterward.
4.Make Paper Snowflakes
All you need is paper, scissors, and a little imagination to turn your living room into a winter wonderland. Show the kids how to fold and snip fun shapes, then let them create their very own DIY snowflakes. Hang them across windows, tape them to walls, or string them together to build an “indoor snowfall” that makes your home feel magical.
5. Winter Scrapbook or Memory Book
A blank notebook can turn into an amazing winter scrapbook. Let your children fill it with drawings, photos, stickers, and items they collect from nature. It’s a calm, creative activity that helps them reflect on their days and notice the little blessings God places in front of them.
6. Decorate Gingerbread Cookies Together
Decorating gingerbread cookies is a classic winter activity that truly never gets old. Set out frosting, sprinkles, candies, and let your kids decorate their masterpieces however they like. It’s a sweet way to spend time together—and the little ones get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!
High-Energy Winter Break Activities for Kids
It’s easy to turn to TV or video games when you’re stuck indoors, but kids still need an outlet to move and release energy. These winter break activities are perfect for high-energy afternoons when your living room becomes a fun zone, but without the chaos.
7. Living Room Snowball Fight
Use craft balls or rolled-up socks to have a silly indoor snowball fight. Kids can throw them safely without worrying about breakage. You can even add a tape line down the center of the room or target zones to make it a more structured game. It’s guaranteed to bring out the giggles!
8. DIY Obstacle Course
With a few everyday household items placed intentionally, you can create an exciting obstacle course that gets their bodies moving and their brains thinking as they problem-solve each new challenge. Think pillows to hop over, chairs to crawl under, and painter’s tape for balance lines. Every time you rearrange it, the fun starts all over.
9. Freeze Dance, Dance-Offs, or Musical Statues
Put on your favorite playlist and shake it like a Polaroid picture. Freeze dance keeps kids guessing, while dance-offs encourage them to showcase their creativity. It’s the quickest way to shift the mood in a positive direction. Bonus: you will definitely get a little workout in, too.
Outdoor Snow Day Activities
Fresh air and outdoor play give kids a chance to move their bodies and connect with nature. If winter break brings snow your way, round up the kids for a few of these snow day activities.
10. Build a Snowman (or Snow Family!)
Stick with our classic button-eyed, carrot-nosed friend, or let your kids create their own characters. Add food coloring spray for a little extra “oomph” and bring it to life with stick arms and a scarf to keep your new friend snug. Teamwork, creativity, and tons of fun in the snow!
11. Backyard Sledding
Find a safe hill in your yard or at a nearby park for some good old-fashioned fun. Sledding is a great way to help kids burn energy, all while enjoying the crisp winter air. Don’t have a sled? Try using an inner tube, a sturdy baking sheet, or a (clean) trashcan lid instead.
12. Treasure-Hunting Nature Walk
Bundle up and set off on a peaceful exploratory walk. Encourage kids to look for pinecones, cool leaves, unique rocks, or icy patterns. Collect the “treasures” to use in crafts later or place them on a shelf at home to display until the next treasure hunt.
We love this winter break activity because it helps our little ones appreciate the beauty of the world around them!
Screen-Free Ways to End the Day
After a long day of play, a calming evening routine helps everyone wind down and reconnect. When you find ways to make your nights feel cozy and intentional, it gives your children a sense of comfort and predictability—and makes bedtime way smoother.
13. Warm Bath Time for a Cozy Reset
There’s nothing like a warm bath at the end of a cold day. This time of year, we love adding a scoop of Bend’s Winter Woods Milk Bath for an even more soothing, nourishing bath. Kids love how silky it feels, and parents love knowing the ingredients are clean, gentle, and skin-friendly.
14. Gratitude or Reflection Jar
Set up a jar with small slips of paper where each person can write one thing they enjoyed that day. This simple practice encourages mindfulness and helps kids focus on positive moments. At the end of winter break, read the notes together and start an adorably heartwarming tradition.
15. Winter-Themed Puzzles
This time of year, we love sitting around the table and working on a puzzle as a family. It’s a wonderful exercise in teamwork and patience, and the kids love watching festive winter landscapes come to life in front of them. Set it up on a table you can return to throughout the week—it might just become your new favorite wintertime tradition.
Here’s to Little Moments That Make the Season
You don’t have to plan your kids’ winter break down to the minute, but adding a few screen-free activities into the mix can go a long way. It’s how we fill the season with connection, creativity, and sweet new memories.
Cold weather can leave skin feeling dry and tight by the end of the day. Our goat milk soaps and bath products are made with natural ingredients that hydrate deeply and calm irritation from the winter chill. End your winter days with the ultimate reset—your skin will thank you later.
What winter break activities are your kids most excited for this year? Let us know in the comments! For more seasonal inspiration and crunchy lifestyle tips, check out our other blog posts on The Sudsy Scoop.
