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 children can enjoy (51–60)
Museum hopping
When it comes to winter outing spots, museums where you can have fun indoors are highly recommended.
Many museums these days have hands-on areas for children, so your kids are sure to enjoy them.
Of course, adults can have a great time too, so be sure to check them out.
astronomical observation
The winter night sky has clear air and is a great season for stargazing.
You can observe the stars with a telescope, and it’s also fun to photograph them with a camera.
Since you’ll be outside for a long time, be sure to bring proper cold-weather gear.
Shadow stepping tag
In winter, the sun shifts toward the south, so shadows get longer.
That’s why, in shadow-tag, the “it” has an advantage compared to other seasons.
It’s an outdoor game, but you’ll start to feel warm as you play.
Give it a try on a clear winter day.
first calligraphy of the year
How about enjoying kakizome (the first calligraphy of the year) with your children during the New Year holidays? Of course, you can write your New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also fun to try quirky characters or have everyone write the same character and compete for beauty.
Even getting covered in ink will make for a great memory.
Fun winter activities: Recreations children can enjoy (61–70)
Yarn Play
Warm fashion featuring yarn is a winter staple.
Let’s get those hands moving with a familiar, cozy yarn activity.
We’ll have them knit to make bracelets or pom-poms; if the steps seem tricky, it’s best not only to provide a model but also to give thorough support.
Watching straight yarn transform into a shape can spark surprise and delight.
Let them choose the colors, and have them knit with a sense of anticipation about how the finished piece will turn out.
Roasted Sweet Potato Making
When winter comes, you can’t help but crave warm roasted sweet potatoes, can you? There’s a special kind of happiness in biting into a fluffy, steaming sweet potato in the crisp, cold air.
Try making roasted sweet potatoes by building a bonfire with fallen leaves together with your children.
Just be sure to handle fire with great care.
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)
It’s a game where you make a face by moving parts around while blindfolded.
Fukuwarai is one of the classic New Year’s games, but it’s not played as often these days.
That said, it’s actually a really fun game, so I highly recommend it.
It’s also enjoyable to make the parts yourself.