Whether you're snuggled up at home, venturing out, or planning a trip to Disney, winter is full of opportunities for family fun.
We've compiled the ultimate winter bucket list, filled with activities for little kids, teens and the whole family to help inspire your adventures all season long. Get ready to make this winter your most memorable one yet Don’t forget to grab your free printable wish list below!
winter wish list
for little kids
Little children thrive on hands-on, magical experiences. Here are the activities designed to bring wonder to the winter season:
Paint snow with food coloring
If it snows, provide your child with a spray bottle filled with water and food coloring. Let them create colorful masterpieces in the yard.
Make a bird feeder
Make a simple bird feeder using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them outside and watch the birds enjoy their winter treat.
Build a snowman (or sandman)
If you live in a snowy area, wrap up your kids and build a classic snowman with a carrot nose and button eyes. No snow? Head to the beach or backyard and make a sandman—get creative with shells and seaweed!
Experiment with ice
Freeze the water into different shapes (like balloons or trays) and let your kids explore the ice. Add food coloring for even more fun and watch how it melts.
Read a book about winter animals
Introduce young children to animals that thrive in the winter, such as penguins, polar bears, and foxes. Pair story time with stuffed animals for an interactive experience.
Host a Holiday Craft Party
Set up a craft station with kid-friendly supplies like construction paper, glitter, and glue sticks. Make ornaments, snowflakes or holiday cards to send to family and friends.
Take a winter light walk
Take an evening stroll through a neighborhood known for its holiday lights. Grab a bottle of hot cocoa and enjoy the magic of twinkling decorations through your child's eyes.
Read holiday bedtime stories
Curl up with your kids and read a winter classic like polar express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Add some cozy blankets and warm milk for a perfect night.
Play an indoor obstacle course game
Use mats, chairs and blankets to create an indoor obstacle course for energetic little ones to crawl, jump over and crawl under.
for teenagers
Teenagers can be hard to impress, but these activities blend excitement, independence and a festive atmosphere to keep them engaged.
Have a snowball fight or go sledding
Nurture your child's competitive side with a family snowball fight or sledding adventure. This is a classic winter activity that even older kids will love.
Decorate the house (teen style)
Let your kids take control of decorating part of the house. Let them choose lights, themes and playlists. This is a fun way to get them involved while letting their creativity shine.
Planning DIY Vacation Photography
Teenagers love having their photos taken, so why not host a holiday-themed shoot? Use props like Santa hats, string lights, or fake snow. Let them take over the camera and take Instagram-worthy photos.
go skating
Whether it's at a local rink or a seasonal pop-up event, skating is a fun winter activity that teens enjoy. Bonus: This makes for great photos they’ll want to share.
Go stargazing
Winter skies are usually clear, making it a great time to wrap up in a blanket, sip a hot drink and go out stargazing. Use the app to identify zodiac signs.
Learn a new winter sport
Try some adventurous activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or even curling at a local facility.
Cook a winter-themed meal together
Let your children take charge of preparing hearty winter dishes, such as homemade soups, stews, or toast.
Host a winter-themed movie night
Choose non-holiday winter movies, such as happy feet, cool runningor snow dog Have a cozy family evening.
Try winter photography
Encourage your children to explore their creativity by taking photos of frost-covered trees, icicles, or snowy landscapes.
Suitable for the whole family
These events bring everyone together, regardless of age, for some quality bonding time.
Have a family movie marathon
Choose a weekend to stay home and watch holiday favorites. Includes classics such as home alone, Elfor Santa Claus. Don’t forget the popcorn, cozy blankets, and hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream!
Bake and decorate cookies
Build a cookie baking station out of sugar cookie dough, icing sugar, and powdered sugar. Each family member can decorate their own cookie and have a fun taste competition to see whose creation is the tastiest.
Take a trip to the snow or mountains
If you live near a snowy area, plan a day trip to the mountains. Go skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoy a scenic walk in a winter wonderland.
Host a game night by the fireplace
Break out your favorite board or card game and gather the family around the fireplace for an evening of laughter and competition. You can even try winter-themed games like word puzzles with festive hints.
Attend a festival or market
Many towns host winter festivals that include light displays, ice skating, food trucks and live music. Take the family out to explore these holiday events and pick out unique holiday gifts.
Visit Downtown Disney’s Breakfast with Santa
Nothing says the magic of winter quite like a visit with Santa! Join your family for a Santa's Breakfast at Downtown Disney, where your kids can meet Santa, enjoy holiday treats, and even take photos with him. The festive decorations and festive atmosphere make it a perfect outing.
Do puzzles together
Choose a winter-themed puzzle and spend a few evenings as a family putting it together. It's a relaxing way to network and see teamwork in action.
Plan a Holiday Giving Campaign
Teach your children the importance of giving back during the holidays. As a family, choose a charity to support, attend a toy drive or spend time volunteering.
Enjoy winter fun at home
Not every day needs to be a great adventure. These simple family activities are perfect for cozy days.
Homemade snowballs
Collect jars, glitter, and winter figurines to make your own snow globe. This is a fun craft for all ages, and the finished product makes a great keepsake.
Make hot chocolate bars
Prepare a hot chocolate bar and top it with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings. Every member of the family can make the perfect cup of cocoa.
Go to winter camp
Build a fort in your living room, complete with sleeping bags, twinkling lights, and a pretend campfire. Tell stories, play games, and enjoy “camping” without getting cold.
Make a winter playlist
Get the family together to create a playlist of everyone's favorite winter songs. Play for dinner, game night, or while decorating.
Go on a winter scavenger hunt
Create a list of winter-themed items to find around the house or in your neighborhood. Include things like “red and green stuff,” “snowflakes,” or “Santa hats.”
Build a blanket igloo
Step up your fort game by building a giant igloo-style structure with blankets and pillows.
Enjoy a spa day
Set up a DIY spa complete with face masks, warm towels, and foot baths to stay cozy indoors and enjoy relaxing winter activities.
Winter is the time of family reunions, fun times, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're heading to Disneyland for a holiday event or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this bucket list has something for everyone. So, grab your calendar and start planning to make this winter the best one yet!
Emily is an experienced travel writer and editor who has traveled throughout the American West, calling California, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and more home, and now Washington, D.C. 's home. With a passion for exploration and a special love for unique Airbnb properties, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to every article she writes.
