The Ultimate Checklist of Fun Activities To Do This Summer

Whether you're looking for winter snow activities, or just need some activities to do indoors during the winter, we've got you covered.

Finding fun things to do in the winter can be a challenge, especially for older kids and teenagers. The winter months can be long, dark, and boring. The cold weather and short days can lead to unhealthy habits, like overeating, spending too much time on the internet, or sleeping too much.

So while you don't need to entertain your children all winter, it can be helpful to create a list of "fun things to do in winter." Then, when your child complains of being bored or you catch them spending too much time on their electronics, recommend they pick something to do from their list.

Doing some of these winter activities together might be fun for the whole family. And, you might find doing them together becomes an easy way to give your teen plenty of positive attention during the winter months.

Things to Do in the Snow

• Have an epic snowball fight.
• Build a snowman.
• Go sledding.
• Catch snowflakes on your tongue.
• Make a snow angel.
• Hit the slopes.
• Go snowshoeing
• Watch the snow falling

Things to Eat and Drink in Winter

• Bake cookies and share them with friends.
• Drink hot buttered rum.

• Make a pot of mulled wine or spiced cider.
• Make a big batch of chili.
• Bake a pie.
• Make (and enjoy) eggnog.

• Make snow cream.
• Bake cinnamon rolls.
• Make a warm, cheesy casserole.

• Add some peppermint schnapps to your hot chocolate.
• Pop open a bottle of Champagne.
• Load up a cup of cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows.
• Make baked apples.
• Make homemade caramel popcorn.
• Simmer a pot of homemade soup.

• Indulge in a big stack of pancakes slathered with maple syrup.
• Have a little fondue.
• Have a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.

Things to Do Outside in Winter

• Go ice skating.
• Kick back in an outdoor hot tub.
• Go stargazing.
• Take a wintry hike.
• Wear mittens.
• Breathe in the smell of pine.

Things to Do in the Winter Inside

When it's below zero, pitch dark, or blizzard-like conditions, your teen will need some indoor activity ideas. And while there's nothing wrong with surfing the internet, watching TV, or playing video games for a reasonable amount of time, make sure you set clear limits on your teen's screen time.Use the winter months as a way to encourage your teen to discover hidden talents and new interests. A little creativity and imagination can go a long way toward keeping their mind and body active.

• Wear fuzzy slippers at home.
• Curl up under a blanket with a good book.
• Shop after-Christmas sales.
• Take a long bubble bath.
• Complete a jigsaw puzzle.

• Cozy up in front of a roaring fire and watch the flames.
• Donate food/toys/clothing to a local charity.
• Mail a handwritten card to an old friend.
• Spend the whole day in your flannel PJs.
• Watch some hockey.

• Listen to the wind howl on a chilly night.
• Reread a favorite book from childhood.
• Burn your favorite scented candle.
• Light candles and enjoy a bubble bath.
• Work on a challenging crossword or word game.
• Take a cooking class (virtual or in person).

Fun Winter Activities For Kids

• Make paper snowflake cut-outs.
• Build snow forts.
• Build pillow forts.
• Collect pine-cones.
• Create handmade valentines.
• Learn to knit a scarf.

• Enjoy a living room picnic.
• Start some seedlings.

Celebrating the Holidays

• Decorate your home with festive lights.
• Put up a wreath.
• Decorate a gingerbread house.
• Take a drive (or a walk) to admire your neighbors' holiday lights.

• Turn on the all-holiday-all-the-time radio station.
• Buy something from a holiday craft fair.
• Listen to carolers.
• Throw a Super Bowl party.