Winter Activities for Kids
We know winter can be tricky to find ways to keep little ones active and occupied. The good news is that we’ve worked together to bring you our favourite winter activities for kids.
Go ice skating
We couldn’t talk about winter activities without mentioning this time-honoured tradition. Get the ice skates out, cut shapes and have a family-friendly day out. If temperatures and surfaces permit, the UK is home to some perfect skating lakes with scenic backdrops. Alternatively, a lot of iconic attractions like London’s Somerset House bring out their best outdoor rinks for the season.
Skydive indoors
While they may not be quite old enough to do the real thing, indoor skydiving is a great way to keep kids entertained in the winter months. Suitable for flyers aged 3+, iFly offers 10 flights to be shared by up to five people. A wind tunnel sends a powerful blast of air upwards and once in this updraft, it simulates the experience of skydiving, giving a family day out unlike any other.
Check out Kidzania
The incredible indoor city that is Kidzania is waiting: and it’s just as fun if you’re a grown up too. Designed to empower and entertain kids from 4 to 14, explore a world of opportunities - from aviation to animal wellbeing. 75,000 square feet later and you’ve got yourself a host of epic memories.
Write a letter to Santa
With winter comes Christmas and while we could spend all day talking about ways to get little ones feeling festive, this next idea is a classic for a reason. Perfect for parents who need some gift inspiration for the holiday season, find a fun template and let your kids write a letter to Santa about what they’re hoping to unwrap.
Mini Golf
Pop Golf’s got everything you need for a day out in winter - a warm indoor space, buzzy vibe and hours of mini golfing fun to keep every member of the family entertained. The 9-hole course is uniquely designed around pop music and videos, from classic throwbacks to contemporary pop hits, with an approachable team on hand to offer any guidance.
Go under the sea
Home to one of Europe’s biggest collections of marine life, SEA LIFE London just had to feature on this winter activities for kids list. For over two decades, it’s provided a fascinating insight into the amazing world beneath the waves. Journey through the awe-inspiring glass ocean tunnels, witnessing stingrays, sharks and everything in between.
Indoor go karting
Indoor go karting is guaranteed to turn a dreary winter day upside down. Available at a wide array of locations across the UK including the over 20 from leading provider TeamSport, indoor go karting is an adventure sure to make epic memories. Race it out in the popular Ultimate Race Experience to crown the fastest of your family or treat your mini Lewis Hamilton to a karting lesson.
Play tennis indoors
If you thought playing tennis had to go hand in hand with great weather and an outdoor court, think again - the UK’s actually home to thousands of tennis venues with indoor tennis facilities. Engage in a spot of family-friendly competition or sign your little one up to a few lessons and they may be the next Wimbledon champion.
Bake Gingerbread
Spend an afternoon putting together a gingerbread house that is filled with all the decadent treats of the season. The perfect way to save a rainy day, bake your own or for an easier option, purchase a pre-baked one and just add all the decorations you like.
Sip hot chocolate
Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Turn it into an event by setting up a hot chocolate bar, filled with mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings and more.
Take on the I’m a Celeb Challenge
Get your adrenaline pumping by taking on Manchester’s exciting I’m a Celebrity themed challenge. Just like the hit TV show, players must compete in a series of challenges to crown the ultimate King or Queen of the Jungle. And all taking place indoors means it’s an escape from the chilly winter!
Go to the cinema
Tis’ the season for…getting the whole gang to the cinema! Although very little can drag you out of the warm comforts of your living room, a trip to the cinema delights big and little kids alike. Stock up on all the classic snacks like popcorn and pick and mix, watch the latest addition in the family film world and you’ve got yourselves a great day out.
Bounce away
When the winter slog is getting you down, the best solution is to bounce away the blues. From well-known multi-venue brands such as Oxygen Freejumping to local favourites, take the kids to the trampoline park to burn off that extra energy.
Mingle with the stars
Know a little one who loves all things Hollywood? Enter London’s Madame Tussauds. Showcasing over 150 realistic waxworks, children can star in unmissable experiences with the world’s A-list including the likes of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the Royal Family, Adele and more. With over 14 exciting, interactive zones to explore, it’s the perfect way to while away a day.
Sweeten up your winter
Let’s face it - getting kids to do anything these days is no easy feat. But add a chocolate incentive to winter activities and they’ll come running. Hotel Chocolat continues to set the benchmark for chocolate workshops and the next one’s no different. Get tips on decorating from expert chocolatiers and take home an array of goodies for those winter evenings.
Play laser tag
Sure, you can play laser tag anytime of the year, but playing during the winter is a great way to escape the chilly weather outside. Sound, lights and visual effects combine to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere as players run around, shooting their guns to gain as many points as possible.
Go sledding
If the weather permits, who doesn’t love sledding? It’s one of those winter activities that are guaranteed to unite the whole family. So, find a snowy hill or even an indoor ski resort and take a fun ride.
Dine with Peppa Pig
Sightseeing doesn’t have to mean dragging children around old sites they have no interest in. Redefine sightseeing climbing aboard Brigit Bakery’s Peppa Pig themed bus. Cruise past some of the capital’s most famous landmarks, tuck into a delicious afternoon tea and keep the kids entertained with an array of interactive activities.
Watch a firework display
Whether it’s just a few in the garden or a big city production, a quintessential thing to do during the season is to watch the sky light up with fireworks. Bundle up, have a bonfire and watch their faces light up at the spectacular pyrotechnics.
Visit a museum
Sometimes we take for granted what is in our neighbourhood. If you’re looking for more educational winter activities for children, do some research into local museums and then plan to visit one. If you’re in the London area, there’s a wide array of free-to-enter museums, perfect for little ones.
Fun Winter Activities for Couples
Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together for years and feel like you’ve exhausted the winter dates, you’ll find plenty of fun winter activities for couples below.
- Sink some steel. Axe-throwing is all the rage right now and understandably so. Try an indoor range near you for a date unlike any other.
- Try a new restaurant. Warm, indoors, romantic? Tick, tick, tick. Upgrade your regular date night by setting yourselves the challenge of trying a new restaurant - it’s up to you whether you choose a cuisine or go somewhere completely unknown.
- Indulge in afternoon tea. Sometimes we need a reason to get dressed up to break with the monotony of winter. Good news is afternoon tea is entirely indoors and is all about filling yourselves with delectable savoury bites and decadent sweet treats.
- Explore a Christmas market. Delicious food, warm drinks, carol singers and twinkling lights - who wouldn’t want to visit a Christmas market in winter? There’s some pretty world-famous ones around the UK too such as Winchester and Manchester.
- Have a spa day. The winter season can be hectic and sometimes, we just need to put the world on hold for a few hours. And while the UK is bursting with all types of spa getaways, we’re particular fans of Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village that’ll see you warmed with a thermal bath and able to soak up some fresh air.
- Visit Winter Wonderland. You probably saw this winter activity idea a mile away. If you live in or near London, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a must-visit. From karaoke bars and ice sculpting workshops to fairground rides, you could easily spend a whole day here.
- Play indoor golf. If you and your significant other like to get a little competitive, add a seasonal twist to your favourite summer hobby and bring it indoors. Stoke is home to one of the UK’s biggest indoor virtual golf centres featuring market-leading simulations from Golfzon.
- Bring happy hour home. You know those half drunk spirit bottles gathering dust at the back of your cupboard? It’s time to put them to good use and create a festive concoction using the forgotten tipples.
- Warm up with a Roast. Freezing outside? Warm yourself up with a Sunday roast. If the weather isn’t inspiring you to go outside, turn to a spot of escapism and create an epic Sunday roast. Alternatively, leave the cooking to the experts like Gordon Ramsay and treat your taste buds to a traditional roast with all the trimmings.
- Take a hike. Even if you don’t consider yourselves super outdoorsy, going on a winter hike with your significant other is always a good idea. Bundle up warm and head out on an adventure to admire the dramatic landscapes that only winter can bring about.
- Tour a distillery. Vineyards may be closed for the winter season but good news is, distilleries are indoors and make for a perfect alternative for spirit enthusiasts. Delve deeper into the world of your favourite spirit with the experts and enjoy tutored tastings.
- Go glamping. If you thought glamping was just for summer, think again. When you choose to go glamping in winter, you avoid all the avid summer campers and can make the most of a cosy getaway in a warm cabin with beautiful views surrounding you.
- Go to a comedy night. Laugh away the winter blues with some of the UK’s top stand-up comedians. Depending on your location, there might even be the opportunity for an after-show party entry.
- Buy a Christmas tree. Finding the perfect Christmas tree is an inherently romantic activity. Head to a nearby garden centre and embark on a search to find the perfect addition to your Christmas home set-up. Plus, no one can resist the smell of pine on a winter day.
- Go behind the scenes of Harry Potter. Potterhead couples will love this idea. Discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour featuring actual props, costumes and effects from the film saga.
- Drive around and look at the holiday decorations. No matter how old you are, there’s always something awe-inspiring about looking at holiday decorations. So jump in your car and take a look around at all the twinkling lights - after all, every neighbourhood has that one street that always goes all out.
- Watch the leaves change colour on a steam train. Too often, we spend time on a train focussed on getting from point A to point B. Take a break and stop to appreciate the winter landscapes, while celebrating the bygone era of steam train travel.
- Get cosy in a thermal bath. Most spas will have a hot tub or if you want to go all out, the UK is home to an array of thermal baths with spectacular views. Most iconic is of course Bath’s Thermae Spa, complete with an open-air rooftop pool.
- Play a board game. If the weather isn’t inspiring you to go out, get cosy, order some takeaway and dust off those board games gathering dust at the back of your cupboard. Alternatively, head to a board game cafe to keep warm if you don’t have any at home.
- Try a cooking class. Cooking classes are great winter activities for getting you working together and you get something delicious to eat at the end. We highly recommend the Gordon Ramsay Academy if you’re in or around Woking, who host convenient evening classes. Learn from an incredible team of chefs and master a theme of your choice from a varied selection.
Winter Activities to Do Indoors
Sometimes, we just don’t want to brave the freezing weather outside. But instead of lounging around watching Netflix, it’s time to get creative and find unique winter activities to do indoors.
- Have a sushi date. If you’re a lover of all things Japanese, this is the perfect indoor winter activity. Set up camp on the floor, dine in true Japanese style and use chopsticks to eat the sushi.
- Make some mulled wine. In case you hadn’t noticed, most activities in winter are all about warming up and this next one’s keeping in trend. A huge hit in the winter months, mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink that’s really easy to make and can be tailored to include whatever you like.
- Create an afternoon tea at home. Who said you have to go out for afternoon tea? Courtesy of Piglets Pantry, tuck into a delectable spread of sweet and savoury delights in your own home. Pair your fantastic food with quintessential tea and you’ve got an afternoon well spent.
- Try Pottery. Creative types will love this indoor winter activity. Beginners can spend some time learning new skills such as the potter’s wheel, while seasoned pros can add another pottery creation to their collection.
- Picnic indoors. Picnics aren’t just for outdoors - clear a space in your living room floor and recreate a memorable dining experience. You can even pack a wicker basket filled with treats just like you would normally to save yourself the washing up. Don’t forget to add the fizz!
- Get warm candle-making. Candles are a staple of the season so why not spend some time crafting your own. Sculpd are here to help with an at-home candle making kit featuring everything you need to make your own.
- Get crocheting. Get the needles out and tap into your creative side by crocheting your own masterpiece. Pinterest is loaded with ideas and Sculpd has a comprehensive at-home kit to get you started.
- Read by the fire. The fire is even better when you have a book that’s so good, it’s almost impossible to put it down. Whether you keep things classic with physical books or join the digital age and invest in a Kindle, an evening spent reading is a special one.
- Meditate. The winter season brings with it all the chaos of Christmas which can be a lot. Take the rare opportunity to release tension and improve clarity with a spot of meditation. There’s a host of fantastic YouTube videos to guide you through or plenty of programmes too.
- Indoor climbing. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on adventures. Indoor climbing is a fantastic way to not only challenge yourself but also learn a new skill. All you have to do is research and you’re bound to find an indoor climbing centre on your doorstep.
- Go bowling. It’s a classic for a reason! Perfect for engaging in a little healthy competition, simply enjoy one or two games or make things interesting by setting a bet on the end score.
- Virtually stargaze. You don’t have to leave the house to discover the magic of the night sky. Explore the wonders of the universe from home virtually stargazing - join a Zoom session and learn about the cultural and historical relevance of constellations.
- Wine Tasting. While a vineyard may not be the most appealing place to spend a winter’s day, vino connoisseurs can still indulge their passion with an at-home wine tasting. Culture the palate with a tutored wine tasting or run your own and try a varied selection of your choice.
- Make Ice Cream. Who said ice cream is just for summer? One of the greatest ever comfort foods, turn this sweet treat into a winter activity by making your very own in the comfort of your home.
- Bake with a Legend. Fans of the Great British Bake Off will definitely want to do this. Join a former contestant for an online baking masterclass, unlocking the secrets to brilliant bakes.
- Paint and Sip. Nothing quite beats getting out all the paints and letting loose on a blank canvas. A trend that’s well and truly sweeping the nation, spend an evening fuelling your creativity with an alcoholic sip and painting whatever your heart desires.
- Make a scrapbook. Keeping with the art theme, one of the best crafty winter activities is undoubtedly making a scrapbook. Collate all your favourite photos and get stuck into making a book full of your most cherished memories.
- Turn your home into a haven. Harsh winters really only call for one thing: self-care. Transform your home into a haven of tranquillity with Clarity Blend’s Aromatherapy Bundle. Bath salts, body oils and more are included to give you the R&R you deserve.
Wellness Aromatherapy Pamper Gift Set
Bring the spa experience into your home with a large pamper hamper from Clarity Blend Aromatherapy. Beautifully presented in a fully recyclable eco-friendly gift box, choose either the Ultimate Pamper Set or the Mind Spa™ Pamper Set.
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- Do a puzzle. Yes, puzzles are still a thing and are guaranteed to bring out your inner child. Try to challenge yourself with a puzzle with at least 500 pieces or choose one with a suitably festive image.
- Embark on a journey from home. Anyone who’s ever said the sky's the limit has clearly not been introduced to the Space Store. From the comfort of home, go on a 60 minute interactive online space adventure via Zoom. A live host will regale you with space facts and there’s an activity box over £40 retail value with products for activities.
FAQs
How do you stay entertained in winter?
It can be challenging to come up with fun ways to stay entertained in winter. It’s all about getting the perfect balance between making sure you bundle up and enjoy some fresh air while equally getting warm and cosy indoors.