Winter brings a special kind of magic — crisp air, soft white blankets of snow in some places, early evenings that beg for cozy blankets and warm mugs. Whether your family lives where snow falls or where winter means cooler temperatures and rain, there are countless ways to come together, laugh, learn, and make memories. In this article, we’ll explore practical, joyful, and sometimes unexpected things to do as a family in the winter that will help you slow down, connect, and create traditions that last.

Winter can feel long if you don’t plan for it, but a season planned with intention becomes a season of laughter. The list of things to do as a family in the winter ranges from active outdoor adventures to simple indoor rituals — each one offering chances to bond and build stories you’ll retell for years. Below you’ll find ideas for every type of family: adventurous, homebody, creative, budget-conscious, and everything in between.

Embrace the Snow (or Bring the Snow Inside)

If you live where snow is part of the season, pack up scarves and mittens and go outside. Building a snowman together is an obvious classic, but think beyond the usual. Turn snow building into a family sculpture contest, use food coloring to paint snow creations, or map out a tiny snow village with twigs, pebbles, and battery-operated tea lights for evening enchantment. Sledding down a gentle hill becomes an exercise in cheering each other on, and the laughter that follows each wobbled run warms hearts better than any hot drink.

Not all families have access to snow, and that’s okay — you can recreate the snowy fun indoors. Mix cornstarch and shaving cream for a safe, squishy “snow” sensory tray for young kids. Freeze ice blocks with small toys inside and let kids excavate them using salt and warm water; it’s a simple indoor experiment that doubles as a game. These ideas are fantastic additions to a list of things to do as a family in the winter because they capture winter’s tactile charm without needing a white landscape outside.

Go Ice Skating and Learn Together

Ice skating is one of those activities that’s both physically engaging and social: help one another up, take breaks to sip something warm, and celebrate tiny victories. Many towns set up pop-up rinks during the season. Even if you or a child is unsure, the experience of learning together — holding hands, practicing balancing, and applauding improvement — becomes more meaningful than mastering the glides themselves. For families who prefer staying dry, look for indoor rinks where you can reserve a family session. Ice skating tops lists of things to do as a family in the winter because it blends physical activity with togetherness.

Hike Short Winter Trails and Look for Wildlife

Winter hikes are quieter and often more reflective than their summer counterparts. Paths are less crowded, and the world’s details — bare branches, tracks in soft earth, the distant call of birds — feel amplified. Choose short, well-marked trails and layer clothing. Bring binoculars and a simple field guide (or a family phone app) to look for winter birds, animal tracks, or interesting plant shapes. Quiet observation turns a simple walk into a small scientific expedition and adds a calm, restorative item to your roster of things to do as a family in the winter.

Create a Home Baking Tradition

There’s nothing like the smell of cinnamon and vanilla to make a house feel like a home. Baking together is more than a recipe — it’s a rhythm and ritual. Pick a few favorite recipes to repeat each winter, such as sugar cookies decorated as a family activity, a slow-rising sourdough to teach patience, or a simple batch of cinnamon rolls that everyone helps shape. Pair baking sessions with music, stories, and a moment to write down the recipe in a family cookbook. Baking earns its place among things to do as a family in the winter because the results are edible, shareable, and deeply comforting.

Host a Game Night Marathon

Game nights are a cozy indoor alternative to winter’s chill. Set up a rotating selection of board games, card games, or even charades. Add a homemade trophy or medal for the evening’s champion and a ritual like lighting a special candle before play begins. For families with a mix of ages, include cooperative games where everyone wins or age-graded challenges where older kids pair with younger ones. Game nights are simple to arrange yet potent in terms of laughter and connection — a perfect example of things to do as a family in the winter that doesn’t require fancy planning.

Build Indoor Forts and Read Aloud

Turn couch cushions, blankets, and fairy lights into a living room fort where jackets and worries are left at the door. Inside the fort, read aloud from family-favorite books or rotate who chooses the story each night. Reading together fosters language skills and imagination and gives families a chance to slow down. Pair the fort with hot chocolate or a warm broth, and suddenly you’ve built a magical micro-world that’s far more than child’s play — it becomes a memory anchor for years to come and a delightful member of any list of things to do as a family in the winter.

Plan a Mini Road-Trip or Staycation

Winter staycations or short road trips can refresh the family routine without breaking the bank. Visit a nearby museum, a botanical garden under frosty skies, or a small town with seasonal markets. Even an overnight at a local hotel with a pool feels like a treat. Plan one surprise stop — an unexpected play area, a hidden bakery, or a scenic overlook — to keep the day lively. Short trips are an excellent way to collect shared experiences and figure prominently among things to do as a family in the winter, especially when travel is brief and simple.

Do a Seasonal Service Project Together

Giving back turns winter activities into lessons about empathy and community. Volunteer to help at a local soup kitchen, organize a winter clothing drive, or make care packages for neighbors or service workers. If hands-on volunteer opportunities are limited, choose a cause and create handmade cards or art to include with donations. Service projects are meaningful additions to your winter routine and help children learn that joy often multiplies when shared — making them thoughtful choices for things to do as a family in the winter.

Make a Family Photo Project

The winter season offers unique visuals: fogged windows, warm indoor light, bundled-up smiles. Design a simple photo project where every family member contributes a daily or weekly snapshot. You could theme it around “small joys” or “things that make winter warm” and then create a photo album or slideshow at the season’s end. If you want to polish your photos, remember that professional image editing can help bring out colors and details — a nice finishing touch to the memories you create. A photo project becomes a visual diary, and documenting life is one of those enduring things to do as a family in the winter.

Try Creative Crafts and DIY Gifts

Winter is gift season for many families, and making gifts together can be more meaningful than anything bought. Try candle-making, hand-painted mugs, or simple knitted scarves. Younger children can make fingerprint art for grandparents, while older kids can design printed calendars for relatives. Crafting keeps hands busy on chilly afternoons and produces keepsakes that carry emotional value. Adding a regular crafting day to your family calendar ensures you always have one of the most heartwarming things to do as a family in the winter on rotation.

Host a Themed Movie Night Series

Choose a weekend each month to host a themed movie night: classic holiday films, adventure series, or family-friendly layered stories that invite discussion afterward. Prepare a themed snack, maybe a popcorn bar with toppings, and create small intermissions for homemade trivia. Make it cozy with blankets, pillows, and dim string lights. Movie nights are an accessible and low-prep staple of things to do as a family in the winter, especially on nights when everyone needs to relax together.

Learn Something New as a Family

Winter is a great season for starting new skills. Learn the basics of a language with family-friendly apps, take a beginner’s online music lesson together, or start a small indoor garden with herbs and succulents. Learning together strengthens bonds and creates a shared sense of accomplishment. The process matters more than perfection, and picking manageable goals keeps motivation high. Adding a learning project to the roster of things to do as a family in the winter turns the season into a period of growth rather than hibernation.

Explore Winter Festivals and Community Events

Winter festivals bring communities to life with lights, music, and seasonal foods. Many towns and cities host tree-lighting ceremonies, winter carnivals, cultural celebrations, or holiday parades that families of all ages can enjoy. Walking through a winter festival exposes kids to new traditions and offers countless opportunities for laughter, photos, and joyful discoveries. Even small community events — like craft fairs, winter farmer’s markets, or school performances — help break the monotony of cold months. Attending these events together is one of the most enriching things to do as a family in the winter because it connects your household to a wider community while giving everyone a fun change of scenery.

Festivals also provide a chance to slow down and savor treats that only appear in winter, such as hot cider, roasted nuts, or warm pastries. Some communities even set up fire pits where families can roast marshmallows or share stories. Exploring these seasonal events encourages families to be present and mindful, making the experience more meaningful.

Create a Weekly Family Dinner Ritual

Winter is the perfect time to bring back or strengthen a family dinner tradition. Choose one night a week when everyone cooks together — even toddlers can wash vegetables or set the table. Make this night sacred and fun by choosing a theme for each week: soup night, international cuisine night, or “family recipe day” where you recreate dishes from past generations. These meals become rituals that anchor the season and give everyone something warm to look forward to.

Cooking and eating together encourage connection, conversation, and gratitude. It also allows everyone to slow down and reflect. For many families searching for things to do as a family in the winter, preparing meals together naturally becomes a cherished tradition. You’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also create memories tied to the scents and flavors of winter.

Turn Your Home Into a Cozy Winter Sanctuary

One of the most comforting things to do as a family in the winter is to transform your living space into a sanctuary of warmth and togetherness. Start with soft blankets, warm lighting, and scented candles. Add winter-themed decorations or DIY crafts your family can create together. Even small touches like cozy reading corners or a shared memory board with winter photos make a huge difference.

Creating this environment helps children and adults feel grounded, especially on cold or gloomy days. Families can also enjoy indoor picnics, drink warm beverages together, or simply sit around telling stories. These simple rituals build emotional closeness and strengthen your family bond throughout the season.

Start a “Winter Bucket List” Tradition

A winter bucket list is a fun and motivating way to choose things to do as a family in the winter. Gather everyone together and brainstorm activities, from outdoor adventures to indoor coziness. Write them on colorful cards or a chalkboard and display them in the living room. Each week, select one card and complete the activity together.

This tradition ensures you make the most of the season, even when motivation dips. Bucket list items can be as simple as “bake gingerbread,” “take a neighborhood night walk,” or “build a puzzle together.” They can also include bigger experiences like visiting a winter lodge, going skiing, or having a no-technology day.

Build a Snow-Themed Science Experiment Day

Kids love science, especially hands-on experiments. Dedicating a winter afternoon to science can turn learning into an exciting family event. Try making instant snow using safe household materials, observe how ice melts at different temperatures, or create homemade snowflakes using pipe cleaners and borax solution. These experiments are engaging and educational, making them excellent additions to your list of things to do as a family in the winter.

Science days also promote curiosity and teamwork. Everyone gets involved, asking questions, making guesses, and celebrating the results. Plus, the pictures from these activities will be adorable — perfect moments to capture and preserve for holiday cards or family albums.

Declutter and Refresh Your Home for the New Year

Winter naturally inspires reflection and new beginnings. Use this time to declutter your home together. Assign simple tasks to each family member, like sorting toys, clearing closets, or organizing old photos. Donate unused items to shelters or charity drives. Decluttering not only freshens your space but also teaches kids valuable life lessons about gratitude and sharing.

This project becomes one of the more productive things to do as a family in the winter because it strengthens cooperation and teaches responsibility. Pair the work with fun rewards — such as a hot chocolate break or a movie afterward — to keep spirits high.

Start a Winter Reading Challenge

A reading challenge adds structure and excitement to the long winter months. Create a list of books that appeal to every age group in your family. Each person chooses what they want to read, and you can set small rewards for completing books. Dedicate one night a week to silent reading time together in a cozy space, then discuss what you’ve read.

Reading challenges encourage imagination and critical thinking while building a lifelong love for books. As one of the educational things to do as a family in the winter, this activity helps everyone learn while still feeling relaxed and connected.

Build DIY Winter Decorations

Crafting handmade winter decorations is another cozy and meaningful family activity. Create paper snowflakes to hang from the ceiling, paint wooden ornaments, or make garlands from dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. Families can also decorate jars with twine, candles, and pinecones to create simple winter centerpieces. Crafting together not only fills your home with beauty but also strengthens your creative bond.

These creative sessions make the season feel more magical and give each family member a sense of contribution. Plus, homemade decorations are easy to personalize, making them memorable keepsakes you can use year after year.

Plan a Winter-Themed Photo Session

Winter’s natural lighting creates beautiful photo opportunities. Whether indoors or outdoors, plan a family photoshoot that captures your authentic moments. Dress in cozy sweaters, use blankets as props, or include your winter decorations in the background. If you take snowy outdoor photos, choose early morning or late afternoon for the best light.

These photos will become treasured keepsakes, and if you want them enhanced, polished, or creatively edited, professional services can help you make them look stunning. Turning photos into a winter album is one of the sweetest things to do as a family in the winter, especially when you revisit the images years later.

Plan Indoor Treasure Hunts

Indoor treasure hunts are exciting and easy to create. Hide small objects around the house and provide clues or riddles that lead from one room to the next. This activity promotes problem-solving and teamwork. You can theme the treasure hunt around winter icons like snowflakes, mittens, or stars.

Treasure hunts break up the monotony of winter days and bring energy into the home. They are especially great for younger kids who need an active and imaginative outlet. As one of the most playful things to do as a family in the winter, treasure hunts bring excitement without the need to go outdoors.

Create a Winter Movie or Story Together

Families with creative minds can come together to write a winter-themed short story or create a simple home movie. This collaboration allows everyone to contribute ideas, whether through writing, acting, drawing, or directing. The final product becomes a fun and unique memory you can save forever.

This activity is not only entertaining but also inspires imagination and teamwork. Many families return to this idea year after year because each winter produces a different story, making it a standout among things to do as a family in the winter.

Start a Home Spa Day Tradition

Winter can be rough on the skin and mind, so treat your family to a home spa day. Use warm towels, gentle lotions, homemade face masks, or simple foot baths. Put on calming music and let everyone unwind together. This soothing activity is perfect for recovering after busy holiday weeks or simply resetting during stressful times.

A home spa day promotes relaxation, bonding, and self-care. It’s one of the more restful things to do as a family in the winter, yet it leaves everyone feeling rejuvenated and appreciated.

Enjoy Stargazing on Clear Winter Nights

Winter skies are often clearer, making them ideal for stargazing. Bundle up, grab some blankets, and head outside or even onto a balcony. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations, planets, or shooting stars. Make it interactive by creating a simple checklist of stars and constellations for kids to find.

Stargazing brings calm and wonder to cold nights, reminding families to appreciate the beauty of the season. It’s an unforgettable and peaceful entry in your list of things to do as a family in the winter.

Final Thoughts and How to Make Winter Memories Last

Winter doesn’t have to feel long or uneventful. With intention, creativity, and a focus on connection, you can turn the season into a treasure chest of shared experiences. Whether you embrace snowy adventures, cozy indoor activities, creative projects, or culinary traditions, remember that the best things to do as a family in the winter are the ones that bring you closer, help you laugh more, and encourage you to slow down and enjoy each moment.

If you want to preserve your winter memories beautifully, consider enhancing your photos with professional editing. At aitinsider, we offer high-quality image editing services that can help you brighten, sharpen, and perfect your family photos so they last a lifetime. From winter portraits to holiday snapshots, we’re here to help you capture the season’s magic.