5 Engaging Outdoor Activities for Parents and Children During Winter

Although we’re currently experiencing the less-than-delightful cold weather of winter, that’s no excuse to stay inside and hibernate. There is a wide range of activities — from kids’ paintball to hiking — that both you and your children can make the most of during the winter months.

Christmas is upon us, and the chaos of the festive season has already begun. Despite the drop in temperature and unpredictable British weather, winter is a wonderful time to spend quality time with your children and embrace the great outdoors. This is especially important these days, as fewer children are spending time outside, so any day out of the house is a step in the right direction.

In this post, we’ll highlight a few engaging outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by both you and your children.

Coastal Walk/Hiking

Living in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have no shortage of scenic countryside, coastal towns and charming villages. This means that no matter where you live, there will be a location worthy of a winter stroll. Whether you’re marvelling at your local countryside (even better if it’s been snowing) or watching the waves crash as you venture along a coastal path, winter has plenty to offer.

If you and your kids feel like kicking things up a notch from a leisurely jaunt to a hike, Britain has some amazing hiking locations that are well worth the time and effort. A more intense hike is a more engaging activity and also helps you burn off the extra calories you consumed over Christmas.

Outdoor Ice Skating

There are many activities and events running throughout winter to coincide with Christmas, one of which is the annual appearance of outdoor ice skating rinks all over the UK. Although we’re able to ice skate at any time of year indoors, there’s something special about experiencing it in the open air. Plus, these rinks are always beautifully decorated to provide the ultimate festive experience.

You don’t have to be as graceful as Torvill and Dean to enjoy ice skating, and although you may come home with a bump and bruise or two, there’s no doubt that you will have had a brilliant time on the ice. If you live near London or are planning to visit over the festive season, it’s worth checking out the assortment of ice skating rinks that are based in and around some of the city’s most beautiful locations.

Winter Picnic

Though many of us prefer to batten down the hatches and wrap up warm during winter, there’s a lot to be said for experiencing all that the chillier season has to offer. A picnic is an activity most would attribute to spring or summer, but doing so during winter definitely has its benefits.

This gives you an opportunity to enjoy some of your favourite picnic spots and rural locations at a different time of year. While the hotter months do possess a blue-skyed charm, there’s something endearing about the chill of winter and how the season completely changes the aesthetic of your surroundings. If you plan to venture outside for a winter picnic this Christmas, make sure you pack plenty of clothing, blankets and hot drinks to keep you warm.

Winter Photography Trail

Winter also offers the perfect opportunity to turn a simple walk into a mini photography adventure. Give your children a few photo challenges along the way, such as capturing frost on leaves, animal tracks in the mud, interesting clouds, winter birds or festive decorations. It gives the walk a bit more purpose and encourages them to notice the small seasonal details that make winter so special. As winter weather can be damp, muddy and unpredictable, a waterproof protective case is a sensible way to keep camera gear safe from rain, splashes and knocks while you capture the day together.

Snow Days

This suggestion will, of course, depend on whether or not you’re lucky enough to get some snow this winter. Snow days not only provide a certain sense of Christmas magic that many children don’t get to experience, but it also gives you a great reason to get outdoors and have fun.

Snowball fights, sledging down hills and building a snowman are all activities that you can embrace by simply stepping out of your front door. The only preparation needed is to find something suitable to use as a sledge (bodyboards are a good alternative!) and to collect the necessary items for building a snowman.

This is a collaborative post.