Active Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids

If you have active kids like mine, you know how important it is to burn off that energy during the day (so they’re not keeping you awake burning it off all night). The problem living in a cold weather climate is, as soon as winter rolls around, it seems like an exponentially large hurdle is placed in the way of getting rid of that energy. There are only so many times my kids can play the floor is lava or jump around the living room before we all feel, well, cooped up. Good news though, winter doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up indoors. With the right activities, kids can burn energy, explore nature, and actually look forward to heading outside—even on chilly days. Below is a growing list of active outdoor winter activities for kids that work for toddlers through elementary-aged kids and beyond. They’re so fun you might find yourself bundling up and heading out with them too!

Sledding (A Winter Classic)

Sledding never gets old—and the uphill climb is where the real workout happens.

• Builds leg strength and endurance
• Easy to adapt for different ages
• Great for parks, small hills, or even backyard slopes

Build Snow People, Snow Forts & Snow Castles

Snow forts combine movement, creativity, and teamwork.

• Packing and lifting snow strengthens muscles
• Encourages imaginative, open-ended play
• Can turn into hours long outdoor fun, something they can return to day after day

Add buckets, shovels, or even kitchen tools for building “snow bricks.” Give them a bowl of colored water and some paint brushes and they can paint their forts as well.

Winter Nature Walks & Animal Tracking

Snow transforms familiar spaces into something brand new.

• Look for animal tracks, feathers, pinecones, and frozen plants
• Encourages observation and curiosity
• Works well for calmer days or younger kids

Turn it into a scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged longer.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing slows kids down just enough to explore while still keeping them active.

• Great cardio without feeling intense
• Improves balance and coordination
• Works in backyards, parks, or simple trails

Many kids love the “giant feet” feeling snowshoes give them, and there are plenty of great kid sized options to make the sport fun (like these!).

Cross-Country Skiing

This is one of the best full body winter sports for kids.

• Keeps kids warm through constant movement
• Builds coordination and stamina
• Doesn’t require hills or speed to be fun

Short loops and frequent breaks make it kid friendly. For young kids, yards or parks work great! For older kids, check around your area for a Nordic Ski Club or organization for the best trails. We got these kids skis as a hand me down for our kids to learn on in the yard, and they held up well!

Ice Skating

Ice skating builds confidence and body awareness.

• Strengthens core and leg muscles
• Improves balance and coordination
• Offers a sense of accomplishment as skills improve

Outdoor rinks add extra winter magic when weather allows. I love these double blade training skates for young kids to learn on while still being comfortable and warm in their winter boots.

Snowball Target Practice

Set up buckets, tree stumps, or drawn targets in the snow.

• Encourages hand-eye coordination
• Burns energy quickly
• Easy to set up with no equipment

Winter Scavenger Hunts

Create a simple list of things to find outdoors.

Ideas include:

• Icicles
• Pinecones
• Animal tracks
• Something white, something shiny, something crunchy

This works especially well for preschool and early elementary ages. Pairs well with the Winter Nature Walks listed above.

Shoveling Snow (Kid Style)

Give kids their own small shovel and a “job.”

• Builds strength and responsibility
• Makes them feel helpful and included
• Turns chores into movement

Even clearing a small patch or making a path counts.

Snow Obstacle Courses

Use what you have—snowbanks, sleds, cones, or sticks.

• Jump over snow piles
• Crawl through tunnels
• Balance along packed paths

Obstacle courses turn outdoor time into active play fast.

Snow Soccer or Snow Tag

Simple running games feel completely different in snow.

• Increases heart rate quickly
• Improves agility and balance
• Requires no extra setup

Snow slows kids down just enough to make it safer and sillier.

Snowball Fights

Simple, classic high energy winter fun that gets kids moving fast.

• Encourages running, throwing, and dodging
• Builds coordination and gross motor skills
• Easy to adapt for different ages and group sizes

Set basic rules (soft snow only, no face throws) to keep it safe and fun.

The Benefits of Getting Outside in Winter

Cold weather doesn’t cancel out the benefits of outdoor play—it often enhances them.

Why Winter Outdoor Time Is So Important

• Fresh air helps support mood and focus
• Physical activity helps regulate sleep and behavior
• Natural light supports healthy daily rhythms
• Movement strengthens immunity and resilience
• Outdoor play reduces stress and cabin fever

Kids who play outside year round learn that weather doesn’t limit fun—preparation does.

Tips for Successful Winter Outdoor Play

• Dress kids in layers, not bulky single coats
• Waterproof boots and mittens are essential
• Start with short outings and build up gradually
• End with something cozy like hot cocoa or soup

If you’ve got kids who prefer to be indoors in the winter, be sure to check out my post on how to get kids outside in the winter for more tips to encourage outdoor play!

Winter can be an incredible season for kids to move, explore, and build confidence outdoors. With sleds, snow boots, and a little creativity, outdoor play doesn’t have to stop when temperatures drop.

These active outdoor winter activities for kids help turn cold days into memories—and burn off energy in the best possible way. Happy Snow Day!