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!
- [For Kids] Indoor Games and Activities Recommended for Winter Break
- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [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 (31–40)
Snow play unique to snowy regions!
When there’s a heavy snowfall that kids love, you want them to enjoy playing in the snow to their heart’s content.
Before they start, be sure to go over a few rules, such as “Don’t put snow in your mouth” and “Don’t throw snow at friends carelessly.” In areas where a lot of snow accumulates, it’s also a good idea to fill balloons with water the day before and bury them in the snow.
This lets children experience firsthand that “water freezes and becomes ice.” You can also prepare lots of cups, fill them with snow, pour colored water over it and play at running a shaved-ice stand, or make a big snowman and decorate it with colored water—the kids will have a great time with these activities.
Rhythm play with words
Word Rhythm Play is a game you can enjoy while moving your body, building vocabulary and a sense of rhythm, and training skills like quick thinking and problem-solving.
Listen to the beat and match your words to it.
Any words are fine, but the key is to stay on rhythm.
Start with an easy beat and gradually increase the difficulty.
Once you get used to it, adding handclaps while playing can make it even more exciting.
Snow rafting
For children aged 3 and up, how about an activity called snow rafting? It’s a ride where a snowmobile tows a large rubber boat through the snowy mountains.
It’s thrilling and a lot of fun, so I think the kids will absolutely love it.
Cat and Mouse (Mousetrap)
“Cats and Mice” is a game where the children on the cat team hold hands to form a big circle, and at the signal “Ready, go!” the children on the mouse team inside the circle try to escape.
Of course, the cat team should try to block them by crouching down and closing the gaps so the mice can’t get out.
Switch roles and play once each; the team that lets more mice escape wins.
It’s a game you can play indoors or outdoors as long as there’s enough space, and it gets everyone moving a lot.
It’s perfect for winter play.
Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors
If you’re looking for an active game, “Snake Rock-Paper-Scissors” is a great pick! Mark out two bases 10–30 meters apart and connect them with a line.
It’s more fun if the line isn’t straight—try a wavy path or other shapes.
Once the bases and line are set, split into two teams and have each team start in its base.
At the signal “Ready, go!”, one player from each team runs toward the opposing base along the line.
When they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.
The loser returns to their own base and the next teammate starts; the winner continues running toward the opposing base.
The team that reaches the opponent’s base first wins.
Try playing with everyone in a spacious area like a park!
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.
