Winter is when most people ditch the electronics and get their families outside.
But here’s the thing… Most families turn to screen time instead.
Tablets and phones are easy. They’re convenient and they’ll keep your kids quiet. For a while.
But too much screen time is ruining childhoods.
Kids between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours/day staring at screens. That’s right. Kids have jobs more demanding than yours and they’re spending them watching TV.
The good news is, winter is the perfect time to break those unhealthy screen-time habits with some fun screen-free activities your whole family will love.
Outdoor winter activities like snowboarding lessons at your local mountain and simple backyard snow games provide families with incredible bonding opportunities. They’ll actually enjoy getting outside and moving around. If you are considering snowboarding, read this guide to snowboarding for beginners first.
Let’s dive into how to make sure this winter is the most active one yet…
What you’ll learn:
- Why Families Need to Get Moving This Winter
- The Best Screen-Free Winter Activities for Families
- How To Get Started Without Breaking The Bank
Why Families Need to Get Moving This Winter
You might be surprised by this…
According to the recently released 2024 U.S. Report Card on physical activity, kids are getting a D-. Only between 20% and 28% of children ages 6 to 17 are meeting the CDC’s daily recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity.
That’s failing.
And the numbers drop even further during the winter. Between dark days, chilly weather and cozy screens, it’s WAY too easy for kids (and adults) to become a couch potato.
Sure, they may be inside more during the winter. But there’s no reason families can’t be active during the cold months.
Physical activity boosts immune systems (something we all want more of during winter), helps kids sleep better at night and can lessen the effects of seasonal depression.
Plus: Winter activities burn more calories than summer activities. Kids who are active during winter will build healthier bodies and learn habits that will stick with them all year-round.
As long as you can find fun activities that your whole family will enjoy.
No parent wants to force their kids to go outside and take a miserable walk. These activities need to be enjoyable. They have to be worth putting on a coat for.
The Best Screen-Free Winter Activities for Families
Alright, let’s get into it.
These are the absolute best screen-free winter activities that will get every member of your family off the couch and into the fresh air.
Snowboarding and Skiing
Picking up snowboarding is one of the best activities you can teach your family this winter. Spending time on the mountain together is a guaranteed way to bond.
Here’s why: Snowboarding works out your whole body. It challenges your balance and coordination and gets your heart pumping. Kids learn surprisingly fast too. There’s nothing quite like seeing your child’s face after they successfully ride down the mountain for the first time.
Plus, most resorts offer packages that make it affordable for the whole family to take lessons. Grab the beginners lessons first and go from there. The more you can get out on the mountain, the better.
If snowboarding doesn’t interest you, skiing is another fantastic family activity.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is another timeless winter activity your family will love. Skating is great for building leg strength and balance. Not to mention it’ll have your kids laughing so hard they’ll forget how cold they are.
Head to your local outdoor ice rink. If you don’t have one, find a frozen pond that’s safe and stick your own rink. Lots of communities have public outdoor rinks that are either free or very low cost.
Even your kid that can barely stand will have a blast.
Sledding and Tobogganing
Okay, this one takes a little more skill. But also gives you maximum laughs for your efforts.
All you need is a hill and a sled. Kids will take turns riding down while you chase the sled back up.
Sledding isn’t as silly as it sounds. Running back up that hill is great exercise for the legs. Not to mention your heart.
And your kids will spend hours doing it.
Pro-tip: Make sure you pick hills without tree roots or rocks at the bottom. Always supervise young children as well.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
If your family loves spending time in the woods, snowshoeing and winter hiking are perfect choices. Snowshoes are simple to use and once you (and the kids) put them on, you’re ready to go.
Winter hikes are peaceful. Everything looks different under a fresh layer of snow. It’s calming.
Snowshoeing is also super low impact. Kids as young as four or five can hit the snow trails with you.
Backyard Snow Games
Look, not every family has easy access to mountains and ice rinks.
And that’s okay!
A lot of the best screen-free winter activities can be done in the backyard. Hold a snowman building competition. Declare war with a snowball fight. Build a snow fort or even paint with snow!
Mix some water, food coloring and spray bottles and you’ve got yourself an outdoor activity your kids won’t even know is good for them.
These activities are fun, cheap and get kids outside moving and being creative.
Another pro tip, building a snowman is great exercise. Shaping those giant snowballs into perfect spheres is hard work.
How To Get Started Without Breaking The Bank
Being active outdoors doesn’t have to cost you money. Try these tips to start getting outside for some fun:
- Begin with free activities: Sledding, building snowmen and taking walks all won’t cost you a dime.
- Rent before you buy. If you want to try snowboarding or skiing. Rent the gear first to see if your family enjoys it.
- Take advantage of deals. Many resorts offer family deals, off season prices and beginner packages. You can even find deals on things like ice skating lessons.
- Bundle up. Wear layers. Layers that include moisture-wicking fabrics as base layers and waterproof jackets and pants as outer layers. Staying warm and dry is key to having fun.
- Make a plan. Designate one or two days a week for outdoor winter activities. Consistency breeds routine.
Don’t worry if you can only do one of these activities. Trying something as simple as sledding can open your kids eyes to the fun of winter.
Wrapping It Up
Blankets, cocoa and hot-from-the-oven winter cookies just aren’t cutting it.
Winter is when families should be spending time with each other. Away from their screens.
Remember: By replacing screen time with active family time you are:
- Building confidence
- Creating incredible family memories
- Strengthening your family bond
Don’t let another winter go by wasting away on screens. Get outside and make this winter the best one yet.