I am a die-hard winter lover, which comes in handy since I live in a place with 5 months of winter. To bring some love to your winter, I’m sharing this winter bucket list for families to inspire some winter love in you, too! I keep it frugal, and there is a good mix of indoor and outdoor winter activities. Hope you enjoy!
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Winter Bucket List Ideas
I have to admit, I don’t have trouble finding fun things to do in the winter.
As soon as the first snow hits, I get as happy as my daughter and her grade school friends.
The principal at their school told me that last week at recess, about 100 kids broke out into spontaneous Christmas carols as the first snow fell.
Her job no doubt is hard, but also has such awesome moments. 🥰
I consulted my own brain as a winter-lover for this winter bucket list for families, and also asked my daughter to give her fun winter bucket list ideas. We came up with 21 fun ideas.
Feel free to share other bucket list ideas in the comments!
21 Winter Bucket List Ideas for Families
1. Make a Snowman With Personality
Sure, you probably make a snowman every year (maybe not you Florida readers!). But have you made up a storyline for your snowman?
Get bundled up and roll the biggest snowman you can…then give it a whole storyline.
Maybe she’s a fancy lady with a necklace and hair clips? Maybe he’s a snow-dinosaur?
Your kids will love this fun twist on classic snowman-building.
2. Cozy Winter Bucket List Idea: Host a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set out marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, candy canes.
Kids feel like baristas, and suddenly hot chocolate becomes a full-blown event.
Related post: Cozy and Creative Coffee Bar Styling Ideas for Any Space
3. Cold Day Winter Bucket List Idea: Have a Family Pajama Day
Stay in pajamas from morning to night, make breakfast-for-lunch, and lounge like you’re getting paid for it.
(Related post: How to get paid to sleep.)
It’s the easiest way to hit the reset button and instantly make a winter day feel special.
4. Build a Living Room Blanket Fort
Pile up blankets, string lights (these are super cheap and pretty), and couch cushions to make the coziest hideout ever.
Read books, eat snacks, or watch a movie inside your new winter castle.
5. Outdoor Winter Bucket List Idea: Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Bundle up and wander around looking for animal tracks, icy branches, or even the tiniest signs of winter birds.
Kids love feeling like little explorers.
It can really combat any holiday stress by slowing down and looking at what is right in front of you.
6. Winter Bucket List Idea That’ll Surprise Your Kids: Make Snow Ice Cream
Scoop up CLEAN (emphasis!!!) freshly fallen snow and mix it with a splash of milk, sugar, and vanilla.
Winter’s easiest dessert, plus kids will feel like they’re doing something naughty.
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7. Try a New Board Game Night
Dust off an old favorite or try a brand-new family game.
Add snacks, team names, or a silly trophy to make it extra fun.
Related post: Easy Board Games for Little Kids at Home Over the Winter Months
8. Decorate a Gingerbread House (Even After Christmas)
Gingerbread is not just for December!
Kids don’t care what month it is to build a gingerbread house. Really, they just care about the cuteness and ultimately, the sugar.
(For healthier candy options over the holidays or anytime, check out this post on dye-free and low-sugar candy ideas.)
This year I bought Miss O an Oreo cookie house to decorate for a fun change.
9. Make DIY Bird Feeders
Peanut butter + toilet paper rolls + birdseed = easy kid-friendly fun.
Hang them outside and watch your neighborhood birds appreciate the high-protein winter snack.
10. Have a Snowball Target Contest
Skip the snowball fight and aim at a chalk circle on the garage or fence instead.
It keeps things fun and way less chaotic.
11. Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Make a list: red mitten, pinecone, heart-shaped snow lump, animal prints, icicles.
Kids love having a mission, and you get a peaceful walk in return.
You could even add to the fun with these cute and frugal winter scavenger hunt cards.
12. Bake a Winter Treat Together
Cookies, muffins, mug cakes. I highly recommend any of the easy mug cake recipes from this site. 😉
Let the kids measure, pour, and taste test (obviously).
13. Go Sledding at the Nearest Hill
It’s classic for a reason.
Fast rides, cold noses, and hot cocoa afterward.
14. Try a Family Movie Marathon
Pick a theme (snowy movies! Disney! classics!) and stack blankets everywhere.
Pop some fresh popcorn (this recipe is amazing) in big bowls.
Here are 50 fun family movies to give you ideas.
15. Make Homemade Playdough or Slime
When it’s too cold to go outside, messy indoor fun saves the day if your kids are getting squirrely.
Add winter scents like peppermint or vanilla for extra vibes.
Related post: 25 Unique Christmas Break Activities for Kids to Do Indoors.
16. Have a Lights Walk in Your Neighborhood
Even after Christmas, people leave up their cozy winter lights.
Take a stroll at dusk and enjoy all the sparkles.
When Miss O was younger, I pulled her around the neighborhood on a sled. Kept me warm, gave me exercise, and her a ride.
Or take a drive if you really can’t do cold. 🙂
17. Create a Winter Craft Afternoon
Cut paper snowflakes, make painted pinecones, or craft little snowy trees.
Until having my own child, I had no idea how much I would treasure her art. It means so much to dig out her Christmas crafts or seasonal art and display it around our house each year.
Try one of these 45 fun seasonal DIY ideas.
18. Have an Indoor Picnic
Spread out a blanket in the living room and enjoy lunch like it’s a summer day.
Splurge on an hour of tropical indoor heat. Either turn up the thermostat or plug in a space heater while you’re eating (make sure the space heater isn’t too close to the blanky!)
19. Build an Epic LEGO Winter Town
Challenge everyone to build a snowy winter scene, with tiny ice rinks, igloos, or snowplows.
Lego really is fun for all ages. I love when Miss O lets me Lego with her. 😁
Some of the winter Lego sets are not very frugal, but this Lego set is.
I have also bought non-name brand Lego, and have had good success with it. This winter village set has enough pieces that a family could work on it, and it is super affordable.
20. Relaxing Winter Bucket List Idea: DIY Winter Spa Night
Warm foot baths, lotion, kid-safe face masks. This is the calmest family night you’ll probably ever have.
Everyone (hopefully, lol) ends up cozy and relaxed.
My daughter had a sleepover this past weekend and the two kids had so much fun with this winter bucket list idea.
With littler kids, make sure you put the foot bath container in the bath tub, so no spills. (That would defeat the calming effect of spa night for you..)
My daughter has this spa foot bath, but a basic large plastic tub will work too!
Here are 20 more winter self-care ideas that cost $0…
21. Write a Winter Bucket List Letter to Future You
I love this winter bucket list idea. Have each family member write down their favorite parts of winter and tuck the notes away.
Open them next year and smile at how the ideas change over the years.
Thanks for being here and add your winter bucket list ideas to the comments!
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