Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids: Fun Ways to Explore Nature This Season

Winter offers a unique and magical opportunity for kids to explore the outdoors, from frosty landscapes to snow-filled fun. Getting outside, even in colder weather, is great for kids' health, encouraging physical activity, creativity, and a love for nature. To help your family make the most of winter, we’ve put together a list of winter activities for kids that bring out the wonder of the season. So bundle up, head outside, and start exploring with these outdoor play ideas!

1. Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt

A winter-themed scavenger hunt is a fun way for kids to observe nature's changes and discover new sights. Look for winter-specific items like pinecones, animal tracks, icicles, or evergreen leaves. Bring a simple Adventure Notebook so kids can draw or jot down their finds, creating a lasting memory of their winter discoveries.

Pro Tip: You can create a list of items to find, or encourage kids to look for specific shapes, colors, or patterns. Scavenger hunts help kids sharpen their observation skills while having fun!

2. Build a Snow Fort or Igloo

If you have enough snow, building a snow fort or igloo is a classic and creative winter activity. Kids can work together to create a cozy structure using blocks of snow. Not only is this a great way to get some exercise, but it also encourages teamwork and problem-solving.

Best Gear: Dress your child in warm, water-resistant clothing to keep them comfortable and dry. Play Outside’s Bamboo ONE Adventure Shirt is perfect as a base layer, keeping kids warm and dry during hours of snowy fun.

Pro Tip: Use small plastic containers to make uniform snow bricks. This gives your fort a more solid structure, and it’s easier for little hands to handle.

3. Go on a Winter Hike or Nature Walk

Winter is a beautiful time to go on a hike or nature walk and appreciate the quiet beauty of the season. You might spot animal tracks, winter birds, or even frozen streams. Hiking in winter teaches kids resilience and allows them to experience the wonders of nature in a different season.

Best Gear: Layering is essential. Pair the Bamboo ONE Adventure Shirt with a fleece jacket and a windproof outer layer to keep kids warm and comfortable on the trail. Don’t forget waterproof boots for extra insulation against snow and mud.

Pro Tip: Bring a thermos of hot cocoa for a cozy treat at the end of your hike. Kids will love having a warm drink after their adventure!

4. Try Animal Tracking

Winter is a perfect time for animal tracking, as snow preserves footprints and other signs of wildlife. Grab a local animal tracking guide, or look up common prints you might find in your area. Kids will enjoy trying to figure out which animals have visited and seeing how the snow tells a story.

Pro Tip: Make it a game by seeing how many different types of tracks you can find. Bring along a field journal to record and sketch the tracks to identify them later!

5. Create Ice Art

Making ice art is a fun and easy craft activity that takes advantage of cold weather. Fill a shallow dish or tray with water, add natural items like leaves, berries, or twigs, and leave it outside to freeze. Once frozen, kids have a beautiful piece of nature-inspired art that they can hang up or admire in the yard.

Pro Tip: Use different shapes of containers for variety, or try adding food coloring for an extra pop of color. Kids will enjoy watching their creations come to life as they freeze.

6. Have a Family Snowshoeing Adventure

If your area gets lots of snow, snowshoeing is an exciting way for families to explore trails and experience winter landscapes. Snowshoes help distribute weight so you can walk on top of the snow without sinking, making it easier for kids to walk and enjoy the snowy terrain.

Best Gear: Dress in layers, starting with the Bamboo ONE Adventure Shirt as a base, and add a windproof jacket to keep out cold gusts. Make sure everyone has waterproof gloves, hats, and warm boots.

Pro Tip: Look for local parks or trails with flat terrain to make it easier for kids to get used to snowshoes. Many outdoor shops also offer rentals, so you don’t have to invest in gear right away.

7. Birdwatching and Winter Feeding

Winter birdwatching can be a fascinating activity for kids. Set up a simple bird feeder in the yard and watch which birds come to visit. Kids can learn to identify different species and observe their behavior up close.

Pro Tip: Let kids make DIY bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them in the yard and watch as the birds flock to their homemade treats!

8. Host an Outdoor Winter Picnic

A winter picnic might sound chilly, but with the right setup, it can be a magical experience. Pack a thermos of hot soup, warm drinks, and cozy blankets. Set up at a scenic spot, and let the family enjoy a winter wonderland meal together.

Best Gear: Make sure to layer up! Pack along Eco Snack Bags filled with treats for an eco-friendly picnic that’s good for the planet too.

Pro Tip: Choose a location with some tree cover to break the wind, or set up a windbreak with a tarp or picnic blanket. Enjoying warm food outdoors makes the experience extra cozy.

9. Stargazing on Clear Winter Nights

Winter offers some of the best views for stargazing due to clearer skies and longer nights. Bundle up and head outside on a clear night to observe the stars, planets, and constellations. This can be a quiet, calming activity to help kids appreciate the beauty of the winter sky.

Pro Tip: Bring along a stargazing app or guide to help identify constellations. Kids can take turns spotting and naming stars, adding a fun educational twist to this winter activity.

Make the Most of Winter with Play Outside

Winter is full of opportunities for kids to connect with nature, and with the right gear, they can enjoy every moment in comfort and warmth. At Play Outside, we offer sustainable, versatile winter clothing like our Bamboo ONE Adventure Shirt, designed to keep kids warm and dry for all their winter adventures.

These outdoor play ideas encourage exploration and connection with nature even in colder weather, making it a season filled with memories, wonder, and fun. So, dress warmly, get outside, and make this winter a memorable one with your little adventurers!