25 Fun Winter Outdoor Activities

Just because the temperatures drop doesn’t mean the adventures need to stop! I used to dislike winter, but when I learned how to dress properly and continue having fun, it helped me change my perspective of the season. These 25 winter outdoor activities can help inspire you to embrace the season and have fun. 

Whether you’re seeking snowy thrills, quiet nature moments, or a cozy day outdoors, I’ve got you covered. Here are fun winter outdoors activities to add to your family’s must-do list this season. Embracing winter outdoor activities is a great way to make the most of the colder months and set yourself up for a season of adventure.

Download a free printable bingo board to track your seasonal adventures here. 

Winter Outdoor Activities to Inspire your Next Adventure

Snow Sports & Winter Thrills

Go Tubing or Sledding 

This is one of the most fun and iconic winter activities you can do. We love looking for local hills where we can sled and building a jump to make things extra interesting. I always bring a thermos of hot chocolate to warm up the kiddos and make it an extra sweet time. Enjoying outdoor winter fun activities like sledding is a great way to make the most of the cold winter months!

Go Ice Skating 

If you live in an area where you can skate on lakes outdoors, that sounds epic. Where we live, the water doesn’t stay frozen long enough, so we usually skate at outdoor rinks in the winter. 

Ice skating is a fantastic winter outdoor activity that combines fun with exercise. My kids were a little slow at it at first, but with time they have gotten pretty good! We love going to the skating rink. It is the perfect place to enjoy winter sports with friends and family.

Try a Snow Sport

If you’re looking to step up your winter adventures, try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even fat tire biking for a fun new challenge. Depending on where you live, you might need to fly or drive a distance to find these winter outdoors activities.

 A few years ago, I drove to Iowa to try cross country skiing. It was great outdoor exercise. I wasn’t very good at it but I liked taking in the crisp air while gliding through the snow.

Snowshoes aren’t super expensive. If you can’t travel anywhere where you can rent the items, then you could potentially purchase snowshoes if that makes sense for you. 

Freeze Tag at Night 

This is a winter tradition in our house. Sometimes we put on glow sticks and other times we just use flashlights or headlamps and play an epic round of freeze tag in the dark! The cold air keeps everyone moving fast. 

Playing outdoor games like this is an easy way to embrace winter outdoors activities without needing any special gear. My kids love running through the outdoor winter landscape with the moon shining overhead. This is such a fun outdoor activity year around but doing it in the winter makes it even more special.

Winter Hike Ideas

Hot Chocolate Hike

I will admit that getting my kids to hike in the winter is a lot harder. However, I am not above bribery- er- I mean making it fun. I bring a thermos of cocoa on our winter hikes for a warm treat on the trail. I always pack some marshmallows for extra motivation when the kids get tired of hiking in the cold. 

It’s important to me that my kids enjoy our activities, so they don’t grow up remembering how I dragged them to do things they didn’t want to do. Combining a favorite warm drink with winter outdoor activities makes the experience a positive memory for all of us. Plus, winter hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of a winter day while staying active. Don’t forget to snap a photo and cherish the memories!

Listening Hike 

Winter is my favorite season to go on listening hikes. Perhaps because there aren’t as many animals, bugs, or vegetation to look at, I enjoy listening more? Or maybe its because everything seems more still in the winter so the sounds feel louder? 

I will slow down and focus on the sounds of winter – crunching snow, rustling leaves, and distant owls. I love taking a moment to appreciate the peaceful stillness of the season. This mindful approach deepens your connection to nature. Listening to nature is a wonderful way of getting outside and appreciating the simple joys of winter outdoor activities.

Lantern Hike 

We always take lantern hikes in the winter because the sun sets so early that we have lots of time to explore before it is too late. Exploring a trail after dark with lanterns or flashlights feels like such a unique nighttime adventure. We always stick with a wide, paved path that we know well so it still feels safe to us at night. We listen for owls or other nocturnal creatures and try to pick a full moon night for extra light. 

There is something about a lantern hike that makes for a magical winter outdoor activity. Walking under the stars on a winter night is a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors.

Color Walk 

What I love about this idea, is that we can do it in our neighborhood or in a city as well as the woods. I challenge kids to find different colors in nature. We look for red berries, green moss, and blue skies. 

If you want to go the extra mile, you can bring along a color chart to make it an educational scavenger hunt. This is an excellent way to turn winter outdoor activities into a fun learning experience. 

Local Exploration

Explore a New Trail

The winter is one of my favorite times to go hiking because we don’t have to worry about ticks. We look for a local hiking trail we’ve never visited before. We usually look on local websites or AllTrails to find a new (to us) hike.  

If you’re in Kansas City, don’t miss these 21 Best Trails for Hiking in Kansas City and the Metro.

Explore a New Park

I find that we often go to the same parks again and again. Winter is a good time to try something new- like a park! My kids love bundling up and playing on playgrounds and I enoy finding new spaces to explore that will look very different in the spring. Winter landscapes offer a completely different experience—frozen ponds, snow-covered trails, and peaceful, crowd-free exploration. 

Explore a State Park

The Midwest is full of epic state parks. Many state parks have nature centers that make good warming station in the winter. Sometimes you can find a frozen waterfall or frosted trees. Some parks also offer winter activities like cross-country skiing or winter programs like birding with a naturalist. Look to see what activities are happening at a state park near you and if there is anything that looks like a fun way to get outdoors. 

If you’re looking for some of the best state parks in the Midwest, check out 13 Most Beautiful State and National Parks in the Midwest.

Go Winter Camping or Stay at a Cabin

If you’re looking for a big winter adventure, winter camping is it. Honestly, this is something my adventurous-self dreams about but as a chronically cold person, I have never been brave enough to try. I’m sure if you have the right gear, camping in the snow can be peaceful, cozy, and perhaps even fun. But if you’re like me and prefer warmth, a state park cabin offers a nice warm winter alternative—think crackling fires, snowy views, and the chance to unplug from daily life. That sounds more like my vibe. 

If you’re looking for campsites near Kansas City, check out 10 Best Places for Camping Near Kansas City.

Find a Waterfall 

I might be the rare person who looks forward to those ridiculously frigid days where you have to cover your whole body in 15 layers to protect yourself from the cold. That is mostly because I love seeing frozen waterfalls! They are so beautiful and its just such a unique way to view them. 

If you don’t live in a cold climate, this is still a great activity because waterfalls are stunning year-round! There is no denying that winter makes them even more special for those who love seeing frozen waterfalls.

If you’re in Kansas City, here are local waterfalls you don’t want to miss.

Wildlife & Outdoor Creativity

Birdwatching 

In my opinion, winter is the best time to go bird watching because the birds are easy to spot. We always have a feeder up in our backyard, but in the winter we make more of an effort to keep it fully stocked. What I like about this is that we can connect with nature without having to leave if we don’t want to. 

We watch for winter birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, and even bald eagles. You can keep a bird guide handy to identify species or use an app.We like to participate in the Global Bird Count as Citizen Scientists. We log all the birds we see on specific days to help collect data for scientists to use. 

If you want to see the birds up close, you can attach a feeder like this to your window. We thought it was really cool to see more details in their feathers. Once a bird lands in your feeder, you must be very still or they will fly away. I think they notice how close you are and immediately take flight if you make sudden moves. 

Make a Bird Feeder 

This is such a simple and fun way to share happiness with nature in the winter. There are so many easy ways to make bird feeders and many of them are free with materials you already have at home. 

Last year, I made cute cookie shaped bird feeders with gelatin and bird seed. I made a reel to show how I did it. We have also made bird feeders out of pinecones by spreading peanut butter on them and rolling them in bird seed. You could use up-cycled milk jugs and cut a hole in them for the bird seed, or if you want to be fancy you could go to the local craft store and buy a wooden bird feeder to paint yourself. 

We bought this pole and bird feeders for our yard. I thought it felt flimsy when we first got it, but it has held up for 2 years and worked great. We use this for all of our feeders and there are extra spots to hang the bird feeders we make as well. The squirrels in our yard have never climbed it. It’s been such a great way to attract and watch birds in our yard. 

Ice Fishing

I have only tried ice fishing once and it was a bust. I was at an ice fishing festival in South Korea and there were tons of people there with very few fish. While I didn’t catch anything, I have always wanted to go to a less crowded ice fishing experience and try it again. 

If you want to try ice fishing for the first time, I recommend going with an experienced friend or going on a tour. They will set everything up for you, know the thickness of the ice and safety, and be able to give you some tips on snagging your first fish. Bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea to stay warm while you wait for a bite. 

Make a Simple Ice Sculpture 

We like to collect different elements from nature like berries, greenery or moss, and put them into containers (a bundt pan works best if you have one) and put a ribbon or string in them. We put them outdoors overnight and voila, the next day you have a homemade natural ice sculpture! Ice sculpting adds a creative touch to winter outdoors activities. 

Look for Nesting Eagles

In the winter, bald eagles are nesting, especially near rivers and lakes that stay partially unfrozen. A quick Google search should let you know if there are any nesting sites near you. Many Midwestern states have eagle-watching hotspots where you can spot these majestic birds soaring overhead or perched in tall trees. 

You will be shocked and impressed by how massive Eagle nests are. Make sure you Bring binoculars, dress warmly. We have a winter tradition of going to local eagle nesting spots in the winter and it is always such a fun way to get outside. 

Winter Campfire

If you have a cheap propane fire pit, this might be the easiest and most fun way to get outdoors in the winter. My kids think it is the best because we always roast s’mores, little do they know, I am trying to get us outside more and not just feed them sweets. 

I love it too because there’s something extra special about a campfire in the winter–  the crisp air or the warmth of the flames against the cold. We eat s’mores, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the peaceful glow of a fire under a starry winter sky. Just be sure to follow fire safety guidelines and check for any seasonal restrictions in your area.

Winter Picnic

The first time I made a winter picnic for my kids, I thought I was an original genius. Since then I have seen this idea time and time again, so perhaps it isn’t as original as I once thought, but it is still worth doing. 

We set up picnics in the snow when we don’t want to come inside and take off all our winter gear. It also helps us warm up because all of our winter picnics also involve hot cocoa. Even if it’s not snowing it is still a fun activity. Pack a thermos of hot soup, warm drinks, and a cozy blanket, then head to a scenic spot for a winter picnic. Whether it’s at a park, by a frozen lake, or even in your own backyard, dining outside in the winter adds a fun and adventurous twist to a simple meal.

Go to a Local Nature Center

I love going to nature centers in the winter because they offer indoor places to warm up before or after hikes and connect us with nature. Nature centers often host special winter events like guided hikes, animal tracking workshops, or maple syrup tapping. These programs are a great way to learn something new while spending time outdoors. Check your local nature center’s schedule and see what winter activities they offer!

Festivals, Stargazing & Unique Experiences

Winter Festival 

Our family loves exploring local winter festivals. We have been to a few local ones, but there are some across the country that sound so interesting. Check out local events featuring ice sculptures, sled dog races, or holiday lights. Many winter festivals have food vendors selling seasonal treats like roasted nuts and cider. Festivals are great winter outdoors activities that give you a fun way to explore a new community. 

Stargazing 

With winter nights being so long, it gives you a few extra hours to go stargazing, making it a perfect time to spot constellations and maybe even the Northern Lights. If you can, drive a few miles out of the city to a state park or dark area. Bring a telescope or download a stargazing app for guidance. Dress warmly and bring blankets for a cozy experience. Looking at the stars on a cold night is a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors.

Look for Hot Springs or Take a Cold Plunge

I don’t live anywhere near hot springs, but sitting in nature’s hot tub is one of my favorite things to do. Look and see if there are any hot springs near you or anywhere, you’re traveling this winter. 

Another option is to take a cold plunge in a lake or river. Cold plunging has gained popularity for its health benefits, and combining it with a warm-up by the fire, in a sauna, or a soak in a hot tub makes for an unforgettable winter adventure.

Get a bingo! 

Challenge yourself to get outdoors this winter, by getting a winter bingo! Complete 5 activities in a row on this FREE downloadable printable bingo board to help you track your seasonal adventures. 

If you’re looking for spring ideas, check out 25 Spring Activities for Kids: Fun Outdoor Ideas to Embrace the Season.

Bundle up, embrace the season, and make memories outdoors! Which of these winter outdoor activities will you try first? Let me know in the comments!