Admittedly, I’m not a winter weather person – says a Canadian. But I’ve learned to embrace it. After all, it’s around for a good 4-6 months. One of the things that makes it more manageable is having activities that my family and I enjoy that are winter specific.
Since winter can get pretty expensive with the holiday season – we celebrate two holidays – it’s nice to do some activities together that are free and fun. After all, the holidays are about family time and I’m a believer that experiences are always more favourable for lasting memories.
Here are some of our family’s favourite winter activities
- Skating – One of my boys’ favourite activities. It helps that John has been taking them since they were each 2 years old. As a tradition, we usually go to our local outdoor skating rink (free access) every Christmas day and New Years day. We bundle up, bring some hot chocolate, and Allen’s juice boxes, some snacks for when we need a break to warm-up and refuel. While skates aren’t free, you can buy them second-hand or borrow from family or neighbors.
- Tobogganing – There are so many great hills in and around Toronto, you can find just the right one for your child’s age. I remember doing this on repeat as a kid and I love that I get to do it with my kids now; even though the hills look much scarier than I remember.
- Build a snowman – An obvious one, but it results in hours of play outside. The kids can even turn it into a snow ball fight or create a fort. Mostly you can just sit back and watch or help them with some heavy lifting when they need to put the head on the snowman.
- Family movie night – after all that outdoor play, there’s nothing better than snuggling together on the couch under the covers and watching a family movie together. Get some Allen’s apple juice with popcorn and you have a pretty perfect night ahead. Sometimes it’s just about the company, even if you don’t exchange too many words.
- Fort play – My boys love building forts. While we do have a few fort systems we use, nothing beats the old fashioned ‘cushions and bed sheets’ forts. I let my kids build them and then we bring in toys and books to enjoy together in the fort. I don’t know why, but there’s just something magical about hanging out together in a fort.
What some of your favourite free family winter activities?
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Allen’s Apple Juice. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.