The Winter Olympics are here! Outdoor activities are definitely in the lime light this month. We say, why not join in the fun! Here’s a list of fun family-time ideas you can all do together.
MAKE SNOW ANGELS
What little one doesn’t want to bundle up and flop themselves down in the snow, waving their arms back and forth. It’s a classic for a reason.
SNOWBALL SPORTS
Making snowballs is a fine art. See who can roll the biggest snowball, or do timed snowball making relays. If you don’t want to have a snowball fight, pick a tree and have a snowball archery contest. Who has the most accuracy? Who can throw their snowball the farthest?
BUILD A SNOW FORT
Perfect for snowball fights, hot cocoa enjoyment or exploration. Get one of those snow block makers and build an igloo. Don’t stop there: build a snow maze to your snow fort and decorate it with pine cones and other outdoor nature items.
MAKE ICE ART
…or snow art. Fill squirt bottle with water and food coloring and let your kiddos’ imaginations soar. Try painting a family portrait together in the snow.
WINTER WONDERLAND PHOTO TREASURE HUNT
Go out on a photo expedition and take pictures of the winter landscape. Make a list of items to photograph before you head out and mark them off your list as you go. Vote on the photos as a family and award a prize to the winner.
SKATE, SLED, SKI OR SNOWSHOEING
Don’t own the equipment you need for these winter sports? In most locations you can easily rent the equipment you need. Getting outside your comfort zone is much more fun when you do it as a family.
HEAD TO THE PLAYGROUND
It’s not just for summertime. Make sure this is a family experience and all of the playground equipment is safe. We promise, your kiddos favorite playground is an entirely different experience in the winter. Plus, bonus: no lines for the swings or slide in the winter!
BUILD A SNOWMAN…OR SOMETHING ELSE
Another classic for a reason. Pick a family member and try to recreate them in snow. Add their old clothes to finish off the effect. Build your entire family. Or, try a snow dog, cat or favorite animal made of snow.
WINTER NATURE HIKES
Feed the birds or lead the deer and other animals into your backyard by placing a trail of birdseed and carrots along your path. You can also make bird feeders with pine cones you find on your hike. Just spread peanut butter on them and add birdseed.
WINTER OLYMPICS OBSTACLE COURSE
Use jumps, tunnels, hula-hoops or a slip and slide without the water, along with other items to create challenges in the backyard. Score each “athlete” with points and award gold, silver and bronze medals (miniature candy bars on ribbons work great for medals).
Get your little ones active this winter and make it FUN! And don’t forget to stop into Snip-its for winter rescue hair care once you’re done playing outside.