If I mention fun winter camping activities for kids – do you immediately imagine ten feet of snow, thermal underwear, and frozen feet? Do you visualize tons of money and time spent finding those perfect specks of white stuff? Think again. Or better yet, let us step outside the box and explore flexible and creative ways to camp and entertain children of all ages during the cold winter.
The New Way of Looking at Winter Camping
Where do we start camping? How about your lawn? Shocked? Do not be. In our current habitat, camping can be as simple as setting up a tent in your backyard and enjoying all there is to enjoy in your city. That does not mean we cannot take a field trip out into the winter wonderland. But it certainly does not mean we are stuck looking at a four-hour road trip to find that elusive Shangri-la either.
The Basic Ground Rules and Keeping Things Simple
Let us start by keeping things simple and ensuring you understand the basics.
1. Do you have access to a computer?
2. Have you heard of Google?
3. Do you have a budget for the time and money you would like to spend?
There you go; that is ALL you will need. Many families in our current climate seek quick results with flexible access to multiple options. Let us sample some of those available.
Snow Football or Soccer
Looking for a safe and fun activity? Your backyard will serve perfectly as the playing field. Try snow soccer or football. How fast can you run in two feet of snow? Not too fast. And that is what is great about snow football. Tackles and the rough stuff are all cushioned by that white fluff.
Snow Golf
Are you still concerned about safety? Try snow golf instead. Grab some yellow tennis balls and let the kids whack a ball around a makeshift golf course. No need to take your dad’s clubs – old hockey sticks will do fine.
Ice Fishing
If you live near a frozen lake or river, you most likely have an ice-fishing outrigger with all the necessary tools. They will drill the holes for you, provide you with the bait, and supply the wood-heated cabins for all your troops to warm up in. Your only responsibility will be to bring food. Many riggers will also have skating areas, so your family will not be bored!
Tobogganing, Tubing, and Snowboarding
You don’t have to be a downhill skier to enjoy a thrill. Many ski hill operators are fully equipped to handle tubing, tobogganing, and snowboarding. Equipment (including helmets, boards, and tubes) will all be supplied. And lessons are always offered.
Make a Snow Maze
If you have more than a couple of feet of snow on the ground, you have enough depth to create a maze. Dress your small kids up warmly and give them a shovel. The deeper the snow, the more fun they will have.
Winter Picnic
A winter picnic does not necessarily mean that you need to drag the Bar-B-Q out of storage. Many parks might be closed for an active fire. That does not stop you from packing food into a basket and trudging out there into ANY park or forest, finding a quiet spot, and laying out a feast. Be mindful of items that can freeze. Some liquids like milk and water should be protected from the cold.
Snow Molds with Kitchen Pots and Pans
Younger children will love the fun they can have with all your kitchen pots and pans. Piling snow into those containers is easy and rewarding for them as they stack them up to make a fort.
Snowmen and Snowballs
Damp snow is best for snowmen. The dry variety of snow will work, but it will be challenging to bind together. Snowball rules are simple – no ice and no aiming for the head or other vital body parts.
Ice Skating
Skating is a no-brainer if you live near a frozen lake or river, or outdoor rinks are popular in your neck of the woods. Remember to wear thick socks. Indoor rinks always have skating available. They will provide you with all the equipment you need.
Cross Country Skiing
Most ski hills and many municipal and national parks have the trails and the equipment for you. It is an easy sport to learn and one that the whole family can enjoy together – regardless of your skill level.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes have drastically improved over the years. The activity no longer requires the agility of an elk to enjoy. Once again, many municipal and national parks have the facilities ready and waiting for you.
Build a Snow Fort
There is no need for a degree in architecture. Anything goes with these structures. Be mindful that your children do not create dangerous tunnels that can collapse.
Go to a Winter Festival
Many festivals are free. There are a ton of activities and fun things to do once you are on site.
Go Snowmobiling
Most outfitters in your area will have machines for rent and all the equipment necessary for a safe time. This activity does require an adult to drive the machines. The trails can span miles and miles.
Conclusion and What We Have Learned…
As you can see, the list of fun winter activities for you and your kids is endless. All they require from you is a willingness to get out there and participate. Have I been too simplistic in my descriptions here? Seriously… what else can I say about making a snowball?
And that is why I introduced this article with the question, “Do you know how Google works?”
Half the fun of family activities is exploring and learning all about them as a family. Get your kids involved in the research. Let them pick the activities they would like to try. And do not worry about choosing the perfect diversion. If one is not to your taste, find another that is. There is always tomorrow and a new day to find fresh snow or a different activity to experience.