Kids’ Winter Activities: Fun Ideas to Keep Children Active and Happy

November 03, 2025

Winter brings its own magic – for you, for your little ones, and for the whole family. At Awesome Shoes, we’re not only thinking about the perfect boots and cosy footwear for children, but also about how the season can be turned into a time of joy, movement and discovery. Whether you’re looking for kids' winter activities, things to do with kids in winter, or simply ways to keep children active and engaged during the colder months, this guide is for you. We’ll explore when schools break up, why kids often love winter, what sorts of things they can do, including winter sports, and of course, some idea‑friendly suggestions for parents in the UK.

When is Kids’ Winter Break in the UK?

In the UK, school term and holiday dates vary by local authority and school type, so it’s always best to check with your child’s school.

To give you a general idea:

Christmas/Winter Break: Late December to early January. For many schools in England and Wales, this typically runs from around 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.
Mid‑Winter Half Term: Usually one week in February, often around mid‑February, providing families with a shorter winter break.

So if you’re planning winter fun with your children, you’ll want to mark those windows, but also remember that weekend and after‑school opportunities exist all through the season.

Why kids like the winter season

Winter brings fresh experiences for children – and this can be a powerful draw. Below are some of the reasons children tend to enjoy winter.

1. A change of scenery

Frost, early dusk, crisp air, the chance to wear cosy layers and jump in puddles or snow (where applicable) – all of this adds novelty. Winter play offers a unique sensory experience, allowing children to explore different textures, crunch through ice, and feel the cold air on their faces. These experiences can make playtime feel fresh, exciting, and memorable.

2. New challenges & skills

Winter introduces different textures (frozen puddles, leaves, bare branches), different opportunities (sledging, building snowmen, ice‑walking). These help kids develop coordination, resilience and creativity.

3. Physical activity and fresh air

Despite the chill, getting outdoors helps children to stay active, and lots of research highlights the importance of outdoor play for children’s development, concentration and wellbeing.

4. Family adventure and fun

Because winter may limit some usual outdoor routines, it becomes special. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a trip to an ice rink, or simply making hot chocolate afterwards, the season invites family bonding.

What do kids do in winter? Ideas for activities

When you’re looking for kids' winter activities, you have a rich palette of indoor and outdoor options. Here are some ideas and suggestions, tailored for parents making the most of winter fun.

Outdoor favourites

Walks in nature: Wrap up warm and explore a local park or nature reserve. Fresh air and movement are great for children.
Woodland treasure hunt: Search for winter flora like bare trees, berries, or frost patterns. Adds an element of adventure and discovery.
Snow (if you’re lucky!): Building a snowman, a snowball fight, sledging (on safe slopes) – classic joys.
Ice‑skating / ice rink outings: Many towns host temporary rinks in winter; good fun for children of all ages.

Indoor activities

Indoor obstacle courses: Use furniture, cushions, and tunnels for kids to run, jump, and crawl.
Indoor camping: Build a blanket fort, bring out torches, and let children enjoy a cosy, imaginative camping experience right in the living room.
Creative crafts: Cut out paper snowflakes, build a winter scene, or try other seasonal craft projects.
Baking cookies: Get the children involved in mixing, shaping, and decorating seasonal cookies. A fun, educational, and tasty way to spend a winter afternoon.
Active games: Dance parties, balloon games, or indoor “ice” challenges using tape on the floor. These help kids burn energy even during shorter daylight hours.

Sports and movement

When we talk about kids' winter sports, some options are especially suited to this season:

Ice‑skating and ice‑hockey (indoors or outdoors).
Skiing/snowboarding (for older children, or on artificial/dry slopes) – beginner‑friendly guidance is available.
Sledging, tubing and snowshoeing (where terrain allows) – family friendly.
Indoor sports that complement winter: table tennis, badminton, indoor football – helpful when the weather limits outdoor play.

Why children benefit from winter activities – and how parents can support

It’s not just about “keeping busy”; there are clear developmental and well-being advantages. For instance:

Outdoor play in winter helps with gross motor skills (balance, coordination) thanks to uneven, slippery, textured surfaces.
It stimulates creativity and cognitive development: children might build a snow fortress, explore ice, and learn new movements.
Time outdoors helps mental health: fresh air, natural light (even if weaker), movement – all contribute.

As parents, you can support by:

Choosing appropriate footwear – non‑slip, warm, comfortable boots or trainers with a good grip make outdoor winter play safer and more fun.
Layering clothes: base layer, fleece, waterproof outer layer; gloves, hat, scarf.
Encouraging outdoor time even when it’s cold – perhaps 20‑30 minutes initially, then build up.
Providing indoor fallback options for wet or very cold days.
Planning ahead: have a list of go‑to activities so you’re not scrambling when the skies open or the light fades.
Making it fun: involve children in choosing an activity, giving them some agency.

Top 10 Kids' Winter Things To Do

Here’s a quick list of ideas you can keep in your back pocket:

Family woodland walk with a nature scavenger hunt.
Visit a local ice rink and have a beginner skating session.
Set up a sledging afternoon (check local safe slopes).
Indoor blanket‑fort and torch‑story evening, building in movement games.
At‑home dance party or “balloon volleyball” session.
Craft day: make snowflake decorations or build a ‘winter scene’ board.
Build a snowman or snow‑fort (or if no snow, build one from blankets/cushions).
Indoor sports session: table tennis, indoor football, or a short circuit course.
Try a winter‑sport taster: maybe hire gear/lessons for ice hockey or skiing where possible.
Explore a local park, bring torches for a fun touch, and enjoy a warm drink afterwards.

Choosing the Right Footwear for Winter Fun

To make the most of all these winter activities, the right footwear is essential. Here are some tips for parents:

Look for boots with a grippy outer sole to keep little feet safe on frosty, wet, or icy surfaces.
Waterproof or water‑resistant materials help keep feet warm and dry during snow, slush, or puddle‑jumping.
Make sure boots have enough room for cosy socks but are snug enough to prevent slipping inside.
For indoor play or active games, flexible slippers with grip or lightweight trainers give children freedom of movement and help prevent slips.
It’s handy to have a spare pair: one for outdoor winter adventures and one for indoor or dry activities.

With the right shoes, kids can enjoy winter safely and comfortably—making every walk, sledging trip, or indoor game even more fun.

Winter need not be about hibernation for kids (or parents) – it can be a season of fun, exploration and movement. With the right mindset, a couple of go‑to activity ideas, and suitable footwear, you can make this season one of your children’s favourite memories. Whether bundling up for a walk in crisp air, trying out ice‑skating for the first time, or simply turning your living room into a mini obstacle course, there are plenty of winter things to do right across the UK.

If you’re shopping for winter‑perfect kids’ shoes – boots that keep feet warm and dry, trainers that support active play – we’re here to help. Let’s make this winter one to remember.