Winter can be challenging for families. The weather can make it difficult to make big plans, and feeling stuck together under one roof gets old fast.
Instead of letting the winter blues get the best of your family, spend your weekends exploring and having fun. Here are some of the best ideas for how to spend your winter weekends with the whole family.
Get Some Great Outdoor Photos
The winter landscape makes for some fantastic photo opportunities. Rosy cheeks, a bright background, and colorful winter attire make it easy to put together an on-the-spot photoshoot with a smartphone.
Get your family together to have some fun outside in their hats and mittens. Snap a few photos using a newer smartphone or a nice camera. Many professional photographers also offer deals during this time, as their work tends to slow down after the holidays.
You can use these images to create a family yearbook or use Instapainting packages to turn your favorites into paintings.
Schedule Family Games Night
Family games night brings everyone together for a little friendly competition. Grab a board game and some snacks, and set a weekly date. Give everyone a chance to determine the weekly game, taking turns as needed.
Alternatively, you can set aside time to create an extended campaign in an RPG over the weeks. Set yourself up with everything you need for an old-fashioned quest with Dungeons & Dragons (visit website for more details) and channel your inner Dungeon Master.
Hike Through the Woods
If you live in an area with plenty of trails to explore, get out each weekend for a family hike. It doesn’t have to be a physically taxing experience— a leisurely stroll through the trees is perfect for families of all shapes and sizes.
Create a list of trails in the area that you want to explore and check them off on the weekends. Check with your local department of recreation to see if they have a winter gear borrowing program for things like cross country skis and snowshoes.
Go Rock-Hunting
Rock-hunting is an activity that works for both stormy, miserable days that you have to stay inside, as well as nicer days when you can go out and explore.
The premise of rock-hunting is to paint and seal rocks, then hide them around local trails, playgrounds, and parks for other people to find. You can do this as an anonymous treasure hunt for the community or start a social media group for people to post their findings.
Once your rocks are sealed, get physically active and hide them around town. Keep your eye out for other rocks that you can collect to keep or hide again elsewhere.
Have a Winter Scavenger Hunt
If you’re facing a weekend at home with the whole family, encourage everyone to get outside and partake in a winter scavenger hunt. Choose natural elements for the family to fine, such as:
- pinecones
- feathers
- animal tracks
- berries
- icicles
You can also include things that they can’t collect, such as spotting a bird flying by, catching a snowflake, or feeling the wind on your face.
If you have limited space to work with, hide clues around the yard to keep your family thinking and solving riddles. Let the final clue lead to the kitchen or a local shop where you can share a treat.
Have a Hot Chocolate Date
One of the simplest things you can do to spend time with your family during the winter is to schedule a hot chocolate date. You can either do this at your favorite local cafe or in the comfort of your own home.
This is a great Sunday night tradition to cap off the weekend and unwind before getting back to reality on Monday. Take it to the next level with a hot chocolate “buffet” complete with candy cane pieces, marshmallows, and whipped cream.
Be a Tourist in Your Town
Use the winter as an opportunity to be a tourist in your own town. Head out to the local museums and art galleries to learn more about the local culture. Visit locally-owned restaurants and shops that you haven’t before and make a positive impact on your community.
There are always options for fun family activities in the winter months. Put your thinking beanies on and plan a special adventure.