Whether you’re snuggling up at home, heading out for adventures, or planning a trip to Disney, winter is full of opportunities to have fun as a family.
We’ve compiled the ultimate winter bucket list with activities for little ones, teens, and the whole family to help inspire your adventures through the season. Get ready to make this winter your most memorable one yet and don’t forget to grab your free printable bucket list below!
Winter Bucketlist
For Little Ones
Little kids thrive on hands-on, magical experiences. Here are activities designed to bring wonder to their winter season:
Paint Snow with Food Coloring
If you have snow, give your little ones squirt bottles filled with water and food coloring. Let them create colorful masterpieces right in the yard.
Make a Bird Feeder
Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create simple bird feeders. Hang them outside and watch the birds enjoy their winter treat.
Build a Snowman (or a Sandman)
If you live in a snowy area, bundle up your little ones and build a classic snowman complete with a carrot nose and button eyes. No snow? Head to the beach or your backyard and make a sandman instead—get creative with shells and seaweed!
Experiment with Ice
Freeze water in different shapes (like balloons or trays) and let your kids explore the ice. Add food coloring for extra fun and watch how it melts.
Read a Book About Winter Animals
Introduce little ones to animals that thrive in winter, like penguins, polar bears, and foxes. Pair the storytime with stuffed animals for an interactive experience.
Host a Holiday Crafting Party
Set up a crafting station with kid-friendly supplies like construction paper, glitter, and glue sticks. Make ornaments, snowflakes, or holiday cards to give to family and friends.
Go on a Winter Lights Walk
Take an evening stroll through a neighborhood known for festive holiday lights. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy the magic of twinkling decorations through your little one’s eyes.
Read Holiday Bedtime Stories
Curl up with your little ones and read winter classics like The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Add some cozy blankets and warm milk for a perfect evening.
Play Indoor Obstacle Course Games
Use cushions, chairs, and blankets to create an indoor obstacle course for energetic little ones to crawl under, jump over, and climb around.
For Teens
Teenagers can be hard to impress, but these activities mix excitement, independence, and holiday vibes to keep them engaged.
Have a Snowball Fight or Go Sledding
Channel your teen’s competitive side with a family snowball fight or sledding adventure. It’s a classic winter activity that even older kids will love.
Decorate the House (Teen Style)
Give your teens control over decorating a section of the house. Let them choose the lights, themes, and playlist. It’s a fun way to get them involved while letting their creativity shine.
Plan a DIY Holiday Photoshoot
Teens love taking photos, so why not set up a holiday-themed photoshoot? Use props like Santa hats, string lights, or fake snow. Let them take over the camera for Instagram-worthy shots.
Go Ice Skating
Whether it’s at a local rink or a seasonal pop-up, ice skating is a fun winter activity that teens will enjoy. Bonus: It makes for great photos they’ll want to share.
Go Stargazing
Winter skies are often clear, making it a great time to head outside with blankets and hot drinks to stargaze. Use an app to identify constellations.
Learn a New Winter Sport
Try something adventurous like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or even curling at a local facility.
Cook a Winter-Themed Meal Together
Let your teen take charge of preparing a hearty winter dish, such as homemade soup, stew, or baked bread.
Host a Movie Night with a Winter Theme
Pick non-holiday winter movies like Happy Feet, Cool Runnings, or Snow Dogs for a cozy family night.
Try Winter Photography
Encourage your teen to explore their creative side by taking photos of frost-covered trees, icicles, or snowy landscapes.
For the Whole Family
These activities bring everyone together, regardless of age, for some quality bonding time.
Have a Family Movie Marathon
Pick a weekend to stay in and watch holiday favorites. Include classics like Home Alone, Elf, or The Santa Clause. Don’t forget popcorn, cozy blankets, and a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and whipped cream!
Bake and Decorate Cookies
Set up a cookie-baking station with sugar cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles. Each family member can decorate their own cookies, and you can have a fun taste-test competition to see whose creation is the most delicious.
Take a Trip to the Snow or Mountains
If you live near snowy areas, plan a day trip to the mountains. Go skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoy a scenic walk in the winter wonderland.
Host a Game Night by the Fireplace
Pull out your favorite board games or card games, gather the family around the fireplace, and spend an evening laughing and competing. You can even try winter-themed games like charades with holiday prompts.
Attend a Holiday Festival or Market
Many towns host winter festivals with light displays, ice skating, food trucks, and live music. Make it a family outing to explore these festive events and pick up unique holiday gifts.
Visit Santa’s Breakfast in Downtown Disney
Nothing says winter magic like a visit to Santa! Treat your family to Santa’s Breakfast in Downtown Disney, where your little ones can meet Santa, enjoy festive treats, and even get a photo with him. The holiday décor and festive atmosphere make it a perfect outing.
Do a Puzzle Together
Choose a winter-themed puzzle and spend a few evenings as a family putting it together. It’s a relaxing way to bond and see teamwork in action.
Plan a Holiday Giving Activity
Teach your kids the importance of giving back during the holiday season. As a family, choose a charity to support, participate in a toy drive, or spend time volunteering.
At-Home Winter Fun
Not every day needs to be a grand adventure. These simple at-home activities are perfect for cozy days in.
Make Homemade Snow Globes
Gather jars, glitter, and small winter figurines to create your own snow globes. It’s a fun craft for all ages, and the finished product makes a great keepsake.
Create a Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and chocolate shavings. Each family member can create their perfect cup of cocoa.
Have a Winter Campout
Set up a fort in the living room, complete with sleeping bags, twinkling lights, and a pretend campfire. Tell stories, play games, and enjoy “camping” without the cold.
Make a Winter Playlist
Get the family together to create a playlist of everyone’s favorite winter songs. Play it during dinner, game nights, or while decorating.
Do a Winter Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of winter-themed items to find around the house or in your neighborhood. Include things like “something red and green,” “a snowflake,” or “a Santa hat.”
Build a Blanket Igloo
Step up your fort game by making a massive igloo-style structure with blankets and pillows.
Have a Spa Day
Stay cozy indoors by setting up a DIY spa with face masks, warm towels, and foot soaks for a relaxing winter activity.
Winter is a time for family, fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re heading to Disneyland for festive activities or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this bucket list has something for everyone. So, grab your calendar, start planning, and make this winter the best one yet!
Emily, a seasoned travel writer and editor, has traversed the Western United States, calling places like California, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and now Washington her home. With a passion for exploring and a particular fondness for unique Airbnb stays, she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to every piece she writes.
