When it's cold and snowy outside, don't stay inside and get cabin fever. Instead, put on those hats, boots, and mittens (and scarves, and earmuffs, and long underwear, and …..)  and head out the door!
These outdoor winter activities for kids and families are classics for a reason: they are simple, fun and never get old. Use this list as a reminder of your childhood favorites to make sure your own children don't miss out.
Fun Outdoor Winter Play Ideas:
1. Make snow angels. Lie down on your back and make jumping jack motions. Get up carefully so you don't smoosh your creation! Get everyone involved to create a family of snow angels.
2. Build a snow fort. It might have short walls or it might be an elaborate structure, let the amount of snowfall be your guide.
3. Go sledding with friends. Race side by side or double up on large sleds. But always remember to practice good safety!
4. Build a snowman. Or a snow woman Or a snow animal. Or upside-down snowman. Don't forget to add a carrot and a scarf!
MORE: Snow Day Activities for Kids to Banish Boredom
5. Have a snow ball fight! (No throwing at faces… that's my rule.)
6. Make maple syrup candy in the snow. I remember reading about this in a Laura Ingalls Wilder book when I was a kid and thought it sounded magical!
7. Shake new fallen snow off of branches and bushes, or run your hand along the top of a fence, pushing off the snow. (I still love to do this! You do too, admit it.)
8. Blow frozen bubbles. That's right. Bubbles are not just for summer. Here are my ice bubble instructions. If it doesn't get cold enough outdoors, you can actually do this in your freezer!
MORE: Snow Globe coloring page - for when you head back inside!
9. Make your own bird feeder. If you don't have a yard (we don't!) find out if your local park has a bird feeding station you can visit to observe the birds. We like to visit the bird feeders in Prospect Park and Central Park. The other birdwatchers love to teach the kids about the bird species they see.
10. Shovel snow. Yes, it may seem like a chore to the grown ups, why not embrace it? Make it fun by seeing who can shovel their snow into the tallest pile.
11. Build the largest snow ball in the world by rolling a ball continuously through the snow.
12. Catch snowflakes on your tongue! Determine which type taste best. The big fluffy ones of the crisp tiny ones.
MORE: DIY Snowflake Window Clings
13. Go ice skating. It's okay if you fall on your bum once or twice, even Kristi Yamaguchi had to start somewhere!
14. Use your sandbox toys in the snow. This is great for toddlers, but even big kids can't resist the fun.
BONUS: To get the whole family in the spirit, read a few winter picture books before (and after) heading outside!
Now get outside and make some family memories!
More classic winter fun:
Mudpie Mama says
The classics are always the best!
Jeanette Nyberg says
Oh, you just reminded me I have to buy new sleds. I don't want to see those sad faces when it finally snows a ton and the kids are forced to use cardboard or something barbaric to sled on. 🙂
PramgaticMom says
We don't have any snow yet but we'll be using your list soon! My kids love sledding with hot chocolate afterwards. Even our dog loves it too! (The sledding not the hot cocoa!).
Pinkoddy says
Now I really want some snow!
Erica MomandKiddo says
We are getting some today, the kids are so excited.
Hannah @ Making Boys Men says
Great list, I'd not heard of the syrup candy or frozen bubbles so if we do get snow this winter we will add them to our to do list. Thanks for sharing at the Outdoor Play Party