We don’t have an incredibly active social life, but we do like to have some fun family activities planned for the weekend.  There’s a fair amount of snow on the ground right now and the temperatures are less than desirable. Even so, getting outside for some fresh air and exercise is a great way to enjoy the weekend. So here are a few suggestions for family activities for winter.

** Updated to add Covid Friendly variations and safe alternatives **

Be sure to bundle up in breathable layers so you’re warm, but can shed a layer if necessary.

Trail Walk

• We are fortunate enough to have several trails and conservation areas located less than a hour from our house.  Morrison Dam Conservation Area, Hullet Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area, Menesetung Bridge and Maitland Trail, and Bannockburn Conservation Area – just to name a few.  All of these locations offer beautiful groomed nature trails that range from 1 – 10+ kilometers.  Winter is especially beautiful for visiting these trails!
• Cross country skiing and Snowshoeing are permitted on many of these trails, but it’s a good idea to check the regulations first.
• This time of year the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared with rubber boots as well!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Be sure to distance yourself from others and bring a mask so you are prepared in case the trail is busy!

Movies

• When the weather is less than desirable, but we don’t want to be stuck in the house, we’ll check out the movie listings to see what catches our fancy! 
• This activity can certainly add up in price, especially when you add IMAX or 3D to the experience, not to mention all the snacks and goodies that are needed to watch the feature in comfort.  We don’t go to the movie theater often, so we do it right to the nines! It certainly helps to order your tickets online in advance.
• ** Covid Friendly ** Theaters may be closed in some areas. Another option for a movie event is to create a theater experience in your own home or show a film outdoors with a projector.

Bowling

• Another rainy or snowy day activity that the whole family can enjoy!  We are lucky enough to have a bowling alley less than 10 minutes away!  Just a few bucks a game and a licensed venue – the whole family is happy!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Again, this type of indoor venue may be closed in some areas. Look into whether the establishment can be rented for private gatherings so you can bowl safely with your family.
• Another suggestion would be to make your own bowling alley in a large room in your home or be extra creative and build a cool bowling alley outside!

Ice Skating

• We have arenas all around us and from autumn to pretty much spring, there is free family skating offered nearly every day of the week!  All you need are skates (and a helmet for the kiddos) for this adventure. 
• Free skating is usually posted on our local arena’s website or on Facebook. 
• With how quickly our daughter is growing, we get her skates through a local Source for Sports that offers second hand equipment.  We get her “new” skates every season and return her old, gently used skates for another child to enjoy!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Make your own skating/hockey rink in your backyard or visit a local outdoor rink built on a frozen pond. Most areas in the area have removed their ice surface due to the pandemic shutting down recreation facilities.

Related Post: Beating The “I’m Bored”

Make a Snowman or Fort

• My husband and daughter built their first snowman of the year already (in early November) and they love to be creative.  They use carrots and a hat of course, but also sidewalk chalk, beer caps and spent shotgun shells to show a little personality with their “Frosty Friend”!
• A fort is always fun, but usually an activity to be done later on in the winter season when the accumulation is more adequate.  We will always have a snowball battle after the fort is complete!
• ** Covid Friendly ** This is a great family activity, but be sure to remain distanced from others. When folks get outdoors in their community, friends and neighbours are often tempted to join in the fun! Be clear, but polite, about the fact that you’re enjoying some outside fun only with the members of your household.
• Perhaps you can suggest a friendly little competition! After everyone builds their snowperson or fort, take a photo and share your creations within the community!

Sledding & Snowshoeing

• Bundle up and go for a ride!  My hubby decided to get our daughter a GT Snow Racer for Christmas last year and man was it a hit!  She loves it! 
• Our favourite hill just happens to be the same location as our go-to hiking trail, so we can do both tobogganing and snowshoeing at once! 
• We’ll usually sled first, so as not to exhaust our little girl (mom and dad are pooped though) and then take a hot chocolate break before going for a snowshoe on the trails!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Other local families will likely have the same idea to take their kids sledding, so don’t be surprised if the hill is busy. Be sure to respect others space and give one another lots of room. Again, have a mask on hand in case it gets really bustling.

Museums

• Our favourite is the Huron County Museum in Goderich!  It’s interactive and offers theme days and crafts for the kids. 
• Right around the corner is the Huron County Historic Gaol, which is so cool to see!  We just purchase a one year membership for the family and we get access to both locations.  My husband loves history and our daughter seems to be following his footsteps!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Since most of the museums are currently closed to the public, virtual is the only way to visit right now. Tour the web to see what museums suit your interests and what kind of virtual tours they offer. These tours may not be free (or low cost) but they will be educational and something the kids will remember for years to come.

Swimming (Indoor, of course!)

• If your local Rec Center has an indoor swimming pool, take advantage of the family swimming during the colder months!  We sometimes forget about this option for our family, but our daughter really loves to swim. 
• We can all get a bit of exercise in the pool and our dear daughter can show off her swimming skills!
• ** Covid Friendly ** Community centers will likely be closed to the public, but there may be a chance to rent the facility for your own family. If not, than this winter activity will likely have to be postponed until after the pandemic.

Christmas – Santa Clause Parade, Santa Clause Appearances, Community Events

• Weather pending, we usually try to make to at least one Santa Clause Parade during the holiday season.  Many of our small towns make a full day of the parade.  Offering skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft sales, and activities for the kids.
• Our small village has an annual tree lighting, along with free skating and a visit from the big man in red!  Our daughter sang Christmas carols this year and she was tickled pink!
• Local retail locations have free photos with Santa, which the kids always enjoy.  This gives parents the opportunity for a keepsake photo of their kids with Santa!
• Most of these events only ask for a small monetary donation to the organization that puts on the event or a donation to the local food bank – which is certainly needed any time of year.  We source these events through our local Municipality or County website, but Facebook also is a great resource.
• ** Covid Friendly ** All of these type of events were cancelled this year in our area. But, as a community, we decorated the exterior of our homes with lights and inflatables. This simple task brought so much joy to friends and neighbours walking by! A lot of homeowners left their lights up a little longer this year to keep up the spirit of community!

If you’re really hard pressed to find something to do, just go for a walk about town! Stop at your local park or playground and let the kids blow of some steam and energy!

This short list of suggestions has something for all ages and interests!  There’s no excuse for someone saying “I’m bored” with all these options to explore!

What are your family’s go-to winter activities?!