Fun winter activities: Recreations that children can enjoy
We’ve gathered winter activities that kids can enjoy!
In addition to classic seasonal pastimes perfect for winter—like kite flying and spinning tops—we also introduce a variety of outdoor games and recreational activities that will warm them up.
Some children aren’t fond of playing outside because it’s so cold in winter.
On the other hand, some kids want to play outside a lot even when it’s chilly.
This article features both indoor and outdoor activities, so find the ones your kids want to try!
These are great for elementary school recreation, and we’ve also included fingerplay songs and traditional children’s songs, so feel free to incorporate them into early childhood care as well!
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- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
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- [For Kids] Outdoor Recreation Games: Fun Outdoor Play
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- Fun snow play ideas that captivate both kids and adults!
- Exciting! Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Christmas Party
- [For Kids] Today's Recommended Recreation Idea Collection
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- New Year party games that get everyone excited: a fun collection of ideas from classics to DIY
- No worries even in the rain! Fun recreational activities you can do in the gym
Fun winter activities: Recreations kids can enjoy (41–50)
snowshoe
Why not try enjoying a snowshoe walk in the snowy mountains? Winter means snow, and even adults get excited just seeing it—so kids who love the outdoors will have even more fun.
Snowshoes, sometimes called Western kanjiki, are gear for walking on snow.
With them on, your feet won’t sink into the snow, and you can glide along easily—even on slopes.
While hiking in the winter mountains, you might encounter plants and animals unique to the season.
Snowshoe hiking is fun even if you take a tumble, so head out with an adult and enjoy the season!
Nursery Rhyme: Daruma-san Rolling
It’s a cute children’s song that depicts a daruma doll rolling around.
Feel the rhythm of the music and use your body to mimic the lyrics’ image of the daruma rolling.
Rather than actually rolling, gently sway side to side to convey a soft, floating sensation.
You can move slowly yourself while singing, or it’s also nice to place the child on your lap and sway together.
Move gently and slowly to gradually warm up the body.
Building a snow hut (kamakura)
When it snows enough to build up firmly, try making a kamakura (a snow hut).
When building a dome-shaped kamakura, it’s actually often easier to first make a large, round mound of snow and then hollow it out with a shovel.
If you want extra strength, try inserting some long branches into the snow mound.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Train
How about a Rock-Paper-Scissors Train that you can enjoy indoors when it’s very cold outside? While the music is playing, everyone walks; when it stops, you play rock-paper-scissors with someone nearby.
The loser attaches to the winner’s back, forming a train.
Repeat this, and the person at the front at the end is the champion.
campfire
When the cold winter arrives, you want to warm yourself by a cozy fire, don’t you? How about gathering around a fire with the kids for some family time at a campsite or in a field where fires are allowed? It’s also fun to cook things like roasted sweet potatoes over the fire.
Please be careful when handling fire.
Hana Ichi Monme
The traditional children’s song “Hanai-chimonme” has long been loved and passed down together with the game that goes with it.
Be mindful of the movements and calls that match the song, warm up your body well, and get into a cheerful mood.
Split into teams and sing back and forth, aiming to win rock-paper-scissors and pull a member from the opposing team.
Even if your numbers dwindle, keep your spirits up with big, bold singing so you don’t lose to the other team, and enjoy it all the way to the end—that’s the key point.
It’s a game full of fun elements, like movements that match the song and whispered strategizing.
Airboard
Airboarding is an activity that originated in Switzerland.
Unlike ordinary sledding, you slide headfirst, making it a very thrilling ride.
There are even airboarding competitions, so it might not be an exaggeration to call it a sport in its own right.
Curling experience
Some of you may have thought about trying curling at least once.
Curling rinks around the country offer classes where you can give it a try.
The stones are a bit heavy, so sliding them might be challenging, but brushing the ice to make them glide properly looks like great fun for kids.
skiing
When it comes to classic winter activities, skiing is the go-to, right? These days, some ski resorts even offer beginner classes, so children can start with confidence.
A child’s first skiing experience is sure to become an unforgettable memory!
Skate
Ice skating has been gaining more and more attention, influenced by events like the Olympics.
Buying a full set of equipment is very expensive, but there are rentals available, so even beginners can feel at ease.
It’s fun just to skate laps around the rink, and you might also try simple tricks or dance moves by imitating skilled skaters.