12 Winter Activities for Families That Don’t Involve Skiing

Looking for fun winter activities that the whole family can enjoy without hitting the slopes? From exciting outdoor adventures to cozy indoor experiences, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re building snow forts, going ice skating, or enjoying a warm cup of cocoa together, these activities offer something for everyone.

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Ice Skating

Ice skating is a fun and festive activity that families can enjoy together during the winter months. Outdoor rinks, often set up in picturesque locations like parks or town squares, offer a wonderful atmosphere with holiday lights and lively music. The fresh, crisp air and the sound of blades on ice create a memorable experience that is perfect for creating family traditions. Ice skating provides a chance for everyone to try something new, with many rinks offering beginner lessons and skate rentals. Whether gliding gracefully or laughing as you stumble, the ice provides a fun challenge for all skill levels.

In addition to being a fun activity, ice skating is a great way to stay active during the colder months. It helps improve balance and coordination while also providing a full-body workout. Families can make a day out of it by skating for a few hours and then warming up with hot chocolate at a nearby café or at the rink’s concessions. Many outdoor rinks also offer special themed events like skating with Santa or holiday music nights, adding extra charm to your visit. Whether you’re an experienced skater or a first-timer, it’s a joyful winter activity for the whole family.

Tubing

For families looking for some speed and excitement, tubing is an ideal winter activity. Unlike skiing, which requires specialized equipment and skills, tubing is accessible to everyone. With simple, inflatable tubes, families can enjoy thrilling rides down snow-covered hills. Many resorts have designated tubing lanes with tow ropes or lifts, meaning no exhausting climbs back up the hill after each descent. The thrill of speeding down the slope with loved ones, laughing and screaming along the way, creates a sense of adventure that is sure to be a hit for all ages.

What makes tubing especially appealing for families is that it requires minimal effort while offering maximum fun. Kids and adults alike can ride together or race each other down the hill, adding a competitive edge to the activity. Some tubing areas even feature special nighttime tubing with lights, creating a magical experience under the stars. Whether you are tubing on a smooth, beginner slope or a steeper hill for a more thrilling ride, this activity brings the family together in a way that is simple yet incredibly exciting.

Building Snow Forts

Building snow forts is a wonderful activity that taps into both creativity and teamwork. Families can spend hours shaping and packing snow to build intricate forts, tunnels, and igloos. This activity encourages everyone to use their imagination and work together to create their own winter kingdom. Children will love being in charge of designing the fort, while adults can help by building the snow walls and ensuring the structure is sturdy. It’s not only a fun activity but a great way to bond with loved ones outdoors, and it’s a rewarding experience when the fort is completed.

After the fort is built, the fun continues with snowball fights or just enjoying the space you’ve created. Snow forts offer a unique way to enjoy the snow and can be adapted to suit the age and abilities of all family members. Plus, it’s a great outdoor activity for a day when the snow is perfect for building, giving kids a chance to get creative and burn off some energy. After a day of building and playing, families can warm up together inside with hot cocoa, recounting their snowy adventures, and making lasting memories.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a fantastic winter activity that allows families to explore nature at a slower, more relaxed pace. With snowshoes strapped to their feet, everyone can trek through deep snow with ease, opening up a variety of winter landscapes to explore. Whether it’s a peaceful walk through a snowy forest or a hike along scenic mountain trails, snowshoeing allows families to experience winter’s beauty up close. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting a good workout, as it requires more energy than walking on dry ground but is easier than walking in deep snow without snowshoes.

In addition to being a fantastic form of exercise, snowshoeing allows families to spend quality time together outdoors, disconnected from screens and distractions. Snowshoeing trails are often found in national parks, nature reserves, and ski areas, many of which offer guided tours or marked routes for all levels. Families can spot winter wildlife, enjoy the serenity of snowy landscapes, and take in panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and forests. Whether you are looking for a stroll or a more challenging hike, snowshoeing is a versatile activity that offers a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

Snowball Fight

A snowball fight is a classic winter activity that never gets old. It’s one of the easiest and most exciting ways to engage in outdoor fun with the whole family. All you need is fresh, powdery snow, and you’re ready to start. Families can divide into teams, create forts for protection, and spend hours chasing each other, throwing snowballs, and laughing at the friendly competition. The fun comes from the unpredictability of the snowballs flying and the lighthearted nature of the game. Whether you’re carefully aiming at a target or just playfully tossing snow, this activity guarantees an afternoon full of energy and excitement.

Aside from being a fun physical activity, snowball fights also encourage teamwork and strategy. Younger children can enjoy the activity by making their own snowballs, while parents can step in to protect them or be the target. It’s a simple way to bring families closer, enjoying the snow together while staying active. Snowball fights are great for burning off energy, and once everyone is ready to call it a day, the family can head inside to warm up with a cozy indoor activity like baking cookies or sipping on hot drinks.

Dog Sledding

For a truly unique winter adventure, dog sledding is an exciting experience that families can enjoy. Imagine riding across snowy landscapes with a team of enthusiastic sled dogs leading the way. Many areas that offer dog sledding have professional mushers who guide the sleds, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenic views as the dogs do the work. Families can enjoy a thrilling ride through forests or across frozen lakes while learning about the history of dog sledding and the incredible bond between the dogs and mushers. It’s a great way to combine adventure with an educational experience.

Dog sledding is more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and animals. Many families enjoy meeting the dogs before the ride, learning about how they are trained and cared for. This activity is perfect for families looking to try something new and exciting while embracing the beauty of winter. Whether you’re traveling to Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, or another snowy destination, dog sledding is an unforgettable experience that will be remembered long after the snow has melted.

Sleigh Rides

Sleigh rides are a charming and peaceful way to enjoy the winter landscape with the whole family. Often available at resorts and farms, sleigh rides offer a romantic, nostalgic way to take in the snowy scenery. Families can bundle up in cozy blankets and ride through wooded areas or across fields, with the jingling of the sleigh bells adding to the festive atmosphere. Sleigh rides often include a guide who shares stories or history about the area, making it both relaxing and educational. The slower pace of the ride allows families to appreciate the beauty of winter in a way that skiing or snowboarding can’t quite offer.

In addition to being a relaxing outing, sleigh rides can be a memorable family tradition. Whether it’s part of a holiday celebration or a special winter getaway, sleigh rides provide a unique opportunity to make lasting memories together. Many sleigh rides also end with a warm-up stop at a nearby lodge or barn, where families can enjoy hot cocoa or a meal. The combination of stunning winter views, the thrill of the ride, and the cozy atmosphere afterward makes sleigh rides a fantastic family activity for all ages.

Riding an Alpine Coaster

An alpine coaster is a thrilling ride that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the scenic views of a winter landscape. These coasters are typically built along mountain slopes, and riders control their speed as they race through twists and turns. Families can enjoy the rush of the ride while taking in breathtaking views of snowy mountains, forests, or valleys. The alpine coaster’s smooth track allows for a fast-paced ride, but the control feature means that riders can slow down and enjoy the scenery at their own pace if they prefer. It’s an exciting option for families who want an adventure without the need for skiing.

Alpine coasters are a great option for families with children, as many have height restrictions that make them accessible for a wide range of ages. The ride is often accompanied by safety measures, such as seatbelts and a harness system, to ensure everyone’s safety. These coasters typically run year-round, so families can experience the thrill of speeding down the slopes even when there’s no snow on the ground. For families who want a bit of an adrenaline rush, riding an alpine coaster offers a one-of-a-kind winter adventure that combines fun, speed, and stunning views.

Board Games

When the weather keeps you indoors, board games offer a wonderful way to spend quality time with the family. From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer options like Codenames or Settlers of Catan, there are board games for every age and interest. Families can gather around the table, enjoy some friendly competition, and create memories that will last. Board games help children develop problem-solving skills and teach valuable lessons in teamwork and strategy. The best part is that they encourage everyone to disconnect from screens and engage with one another.

In addition to being fun, board games are great for rainy or snowy days when outdoor activities are not an option. They are ideal for families looking to relax together without leaving the comfort of their home. You can turn game time into a fun event by making snacks, playing holiday-themed games, or even creating a family tournament with prizes for the winners. Whether you prefer long, strategic games or fast-paced party games, board games are a perfect way to unwind during the winter months.

Baking Together

Baking is another cozy indoor activity that families can enjoy together during the winter season. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the home, and it’s even better when the whole family is involved in the process. Baking cookies, cakes, or pies allows everyone to contribute to the creation, whether it’s mixing ingredients, decorating cookies, or licking the batter off the spoon. Not only does baking provide a fun activity, but it also results in delicious treats that the family can enjoy together afterward. It’s a great way to bond and share in the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.

Baking together also offers opportunities to teach kids important kitchen skills, such as measuring ingredients, following instructions, and practicing patience. Families can make it a tradition by baking holiday-themed treats like gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, or fruit-filled pies. After the baking is done, families can sit down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor with a warm drink, making it a perfect way to spend a chilly winter afternoon. Whether it’s a special holiday recipe or just a favorite snack, baking together strengthens family bonds and fills the home with warmth and joy.

Hot Chocolate Parties

A hot chocolate party is a delightful and simple way to bring the family together for a cozy winter activity. It’s easy to prepare and allows for plenty of creativity. Families can start by making their own homemade hot chocolate, adding ingredients like whipped cream, marshmallows, or chocolate shavings. Each person can customize their drink to their liking, and everyone can gather around the table to share their creations. The best part is that hot chocolate can be enjoyed year-round, but during the winter months, it’s a perfect way to warm up after an outdoor adventure.

Hot chocolate parties also offer an opportunity to engage in other activities, such as playing games or watching a holiday movie while sipping your drink. Kids love the experience of adding toppings to their mugs, and it’s a perfect way to make an ordinary winter day feel festive. Families can even turn it into a tradition, hosting a hot chocolate party after completing other winter activities like ice skating or snowball fights. It’s a wonderful way to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and enjoy a sweet treat together.

Reading Together

Reading together is another indoor winter activity that offers both entertainment and bonding. Choose a cozy corner with blankets and pillows and dive into a good book with your family. Whether you are reading a favorite holiday classic, a thrilling adventure, or a heartfelt story, reading together creates a calm and shared experience. You can take turns reading chapters, acting out scenes, or discussing the plot as you go along. This activity helps foster a love for reading and encourages imagination and storytelling.

Reading together can also be an opportunity to introduce children to new topics and genres, expanding their horizons and sparking their curiosity. It’s a great way to wind down after an active day outside, and you can make it even more special by pairing your reading time with hot drinks or a snack. Families can make it a tradition by reading a new book each winter season or by starting a holiday reading list. This quiet, meaningful activity strengthens family connections and encourages lifelong learning.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.