It may be the most wonderful time of the year but that doesn’t mean it's worry-free. Money can often be tight this time of year. And with the kids being home on snow days, holidays, and breaks, you need to be ready with fun winter activities to help keep them busy and entertained.
The good news is, there are lots of great things you can do with your friends and family this winter season that cost little to nothing. Here are 9 to get you started, including some great local events ...
1. Build A Snowman
The first of our fun winter activities is building a snowman!
Building a snowman is a great activity to do as a family. It's a fun way to get outside to explore the winter landscape and encourages your kids to be creative and use their imaginations.
Working together to build a snowman can also help kids learn how to take turns and cooperate with each other. And it's a great way to bond and make lasting memories with your little ones.
To make it even more exciting, add in a little friendly competition and have a contest to see who can make the tallest, funniest, or best one.
2. GO FOR A WALK
This may not seem like the most adventurous activity, but going for a walk is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of winter.
You can start simply and go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Or, you can head to a nearby park, and take in the atmosphere of the season. This is also a great time of year to look out for and identify wildlife tracks or watch for birds.
3. BINGE-WATCH SEASONAL MOVIES
Get into your comfy clothes, grab some snacks and enjoy a day of movies with the family.
If you aren’t subscribed to any pay-to-use streaming services, there are tons of winter classics on Tubi, a free-to-use streaming service.
4. GO FOR A DRIVE TO LOOK AT HOLIDAY LIGHTS
If it's before Christmas, pack the kids in the car, go for a drive and take in all of the wonderful light displays. Bring some hot chocolates and a few treats and you're set for a night of adventure!
There are some great displays on Violet St, Silvercreek Crescent, Hickling Trail, and the waterfront in Barrie. If you want to explore a bit farther out, head to Davis Trail in Thornton. One of the homes has a 25-minute-long production filled with music, lights, and talking characters.
RELATED: More Christmas light displays in Simcoe County …
5. GO TOBOGGANING
Pull out the sleds, bundle up and head outside for some winter fun with a trip to the toboggan hill.
Sunnidale Park has an excellent hill for families to toboggan on. But while its long steep incline is great for riding down, it isn’t as fun to trek back up.
If you’re looking for something a bit less intense, try the hill behind Hillcrest Public School on Toronto St or go for a short drive and check out Couchiching Golf & Country Club in Orillia.
6. BAKE SOME COOKIES
Winter is a perfect time to get some baking done, whether you plan on serving it at a party, giving it as a gift, or eating it all yourselves.
To get the kids involved, let them mix and measure the ingredients. Also, try and choose recipes that require decorating afterward. There will be a few extra steps and it may get a bit messy but it will be worth it! Especially once it comes time to eat them!
7. Skate Escape At Friday Harbour
Whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out, The Skate Escape is a must-visit destination during the winter season.
The Skate Escape at Friday Harbour is a winter wonderland that offers a unique outdoor skating experience. Located in the heart of the Piazza, it's the perfect place for families and friends to enjoy quality time together, with rental skates available for those who don't have their own. If you would like a break from skating, warm up with a hot drink and meal at one of the many on-site restaurants or try another of their fun winter activities.
8. Steak & Skate Date Night
Each winter, Town & Country Steak House turns their Summer Patio into a skating rink! Enjoy a juicy steak by the fireside and then hit the rink every Wednesday to Sunday.
The rink is perfect for couples looking for a romantic night out, friends wanting to try something different, or families with children who love to skate.
9. Hello Winter
Hello Winter is a celebration of the winter season and all it has to offer. Held annually, the festival features a variety of activities such as ice skating, live music, and the Hot Cocoa Trail. Barrie's Winterfest also takes place during Hello Winter and features ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, buskers, and family entertainment.
With activities for people of all ages, Hello Winter is a fun and festive way to enjoy the winter season and embrace the cold weather.
These are just a few of the many fun activities that you can do with your kids this winter season without having to pay to play!
