If you’re looking for the best fun winter activities for teens and tweens, then look no further.
We’ve rounded up the best fun winter activities that will reduce your teenager’s screen time and find them having fun in the fresh air.
If the cold winter months are getting your teen or tween down and contributing to SAD, we’ve got you covered with the best winter activities!
And if the weather is just too bad, why not enjoy our suggestions for fun indoor winter activities that are great for your teen or tween’s mental health?
We have four children, so we know how hard it is to keep everybody engaged and active – without tiring out the little ones too much! You’ll find something for everybody in this list of winter activities.
Outdoor activities
Some activities were just made for winter. Let’s kick off this list with some amazing outdoor winter activities:
1. Ice skating
One of our favourite winter activities is ice skating. Most towns have an ice skating rink you can visit any time.
Getting good fitting skates, and learning the basics such as stopping and gliding early on can make a huge difference to your teen’s confidence on the ice. Teenagers will enjoy hiring a coach for regular sessions to build their confidence.
2. Ski or snowboard park
For skiing and snowboarding in the cold winter months and all year round, visit one of the UK’s skiing or snowboarding parks. Here are ten to get you started.
3. Local park
Your local park is a great place to start your search for winter activities. If you know your local park, find their website and take a look at the activities listed there. You can keep up to date with the park by subscribing to their newsletter or following their Facebook page. Activities in the colder months include mazes, illuminations, ice skating, and many more.
4. Light festival
Light festivals are a magical way to enjoy lightness amongst the dark, delighting the senses and sparking curiosity in your teen or tween.
Find your local light festival in the UK here.
5. Hot tub
If you haven’t got your own, then hire one. It costs less than you think and would make a great treat for a teen with a winter birthday. Add friends, fairy lights, a waterproof bluetooth speaker, and mocktails or hot cocoa for a fun and warming time. There will be no need to fear the cold weather if you’re submerged in lovely warm water!
6. Winter hiking
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean hiking has to end. Hiking through snow covered trails can be both peaceful and challenging for your teen or tween. Not to mention, it is a fantastic way to exercise and get fresh air. The key is to carefully plan a safe route, avoiding steep slopes, frozen rivers, etc. Monitor the weather situation carefully to avoid winter storms.
7. Geocaching
Add an element of adventure to the outdoors with geocaching! If you’ve not heard of it before, geocaching is like a digital treasure hunt. The aim is to find a ‘cache’ – a small outside treasure box hidden in a secret location. To find it, your teen must use GPS coordinates using an app on their phone.
It’s a lot of fun, builds confidence, and it’s extremely rewarding – most caches have a logbook you can leave a message in. What’s more, users take and leave trinkets, so be sure to take some winter-themed trinkets of your own. Use the official Geocaching app or search your phone app store for a good alternative.
8. Local events
Use your local council’s website to plan trips to local events in your area. Use websites like Skiddle to check for events suitable for teens and tweens from winter fairs and festivals, to music, theatre, comedy, and more.
9. Alternative winter sports
It goes without saying that sport is so important to teens. It has a huge impact on their physical and emotional health, boosting their confidence and their social skills.
Popular winter sports for teens and tweens include those we’ve already covered: ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. But have you considered ice hockey, snow biking, ski biking, winter biathlon, glacier hiking, Nordic skiing, ice fishing, or night skiing? These alternative winter sports can offer your teen a sense of trying something completely new and challenging!
For something simple yet fun, why not try a mini tournament of outdoor sports like snow football or snowball dodgeball?
10. Dog sledding
Who doesn’t have dog sledding on their winter bucket list? And while a lack of year-round snow in the UK might hamper your ideas of a snowy dog ride, you can still go dog sledding with wheels in the UK thanks to special British based dog sled racing teams.
Far from a participatory experience, this is a hands-on activity where your teen can literally take the reins and learn to drive a pack of huskies. Ask about the team’s school programme where they teach 8 – 16 year olds about life in Alaska as a sled dog.
11. Northern lights hunting
Hunting the aurora borealis is a wonderful reality for those all across the UK at the moment thanks to recent increases of solar activity. Despite this, travelling as north as you can gives you a better chance of seeing the aurora.
October to April is the best time to see the northern lights, as there are fewer daylight hours and the night sky is darker. Choose a location with little light pollution – a coastal location or on the top of a hill away from street lighting.
Use spaceweather.com or Facebook groups to predict the likelihood of seeing the aurora on a given night. Though, be prepared to head out of the door at a moment’s notice. And don’t forget to take your camera or phone to take some amazing photos to share!
12. Stargazing
Winter is absolutely the best time to view the night sky, again thanks to the levels of darkness. Since time began, our youngsters have stared up into the night sky and revelled in its depth and beauty. Our eldest kid is a big fan of stargazing.
A simple telescope and astronomy guide will help your teen on their journey to examine the night sky. You can use an app like Star Tracker to actively scan the sky for constellations, planets, and stars. For a more social experience guided by astronomers, book a stargazing experience with your teen.
13. Winter camping
Not for the faint hearted! Make sure your older teen is properly equipped for a super adventurous winter camping night. However, it’s best not to camp in winter should the temperature drop below freezing.
14. Winter photo treasure hunt
Set your teen items to hunt with their camera, then let them loose to snap all the items on your photo treasure hunt list. You can set different lists depending on whether or not it is snowy. Now just add some winter themed prizes!
15. Paint and hide rocks
Painting and hiding rocks for others to find really brightens the day of the person who finds them. Your teen can create uplifting messages on their rock to make somebody’s day.
16. Beach trip
Okay, it might not be the typical time to go to the beach.
But the bracing wind and fresh air really blow off the cobwebs of being indoors for long periods of time.
17. City bus tour
If you fancy taking a winter break, then taking a bus tour is a fantastic way to take in the entirety of a city and hear first hand its highlights and history.
Snow day activities
Whatever you do, take hot cocoa in a flask with cups to stay warm!
18. Snowboarding or skiing
Finding a natural snow resort in the UK should be easy in the winter season – just head to Scotland! Many of the snowboarding and skiing locations in Scotland have beginner slopes suitable for teenagers. Book them some tuition to build their confidence and watch them fly!
19. Snow art and sculptures
Let your teen express their creative side by creating snow art using food colouring in a spray bottle or through sculpting with snow and natural materials like twigs and rocks.
20. Snow angels
A classic fun winter activity for all ages! To make the perfect snow angel with your teen or tween, you need deep snow.
Lie down in the snow on your back with extended arms and legs. Next, slowly move your arms and legs up and down, creating the angel effect. Stand up carefully so you don’t destroy your precious angel!
21. Making the best snowman
This traditional winter activity is simply delightful. Challenge your teenager to make the best snowman! It could be the biggest, the goofiest, or the best dressed.
22. Sledding or snow tubing
Who can resist the thrill of sledding down a hill on a snowy day? It’s so much fun, and burns up tons of energy! You can also try snow tubing – riding a donut shaped inflatable down a slope. Don’t forget to dress appropriately and pack spare clothes! It’s how memories are made.
23. Snow shoeing
Snow shoeing is basically hiking with special snow shoes on. The shoes are wider than normal shoes, so they distribute weight over a larger area. It’s a great way to explore snowy landscapes without your teen losing himself in deep snow. Many places offer rentals for beginners. Here are some of the best snowshoeing trails in England.
24. Epic snowball fight
Enjoy your most epic snowball fight. Yes, your teen really can host their own snowball fight!
Pull together their friends, set the ground rules (no snow balls to the face, etc), create a points system, and the rest is pure fun! You can also use a snow fort as part of your defences.
25. Snow fort
If you’ve had a lot of snow, you can help your teen to make a snow fort. Finding a snowdrift makes a great starting point for a snow fort, as it gives you a head start at gathering snow. You can also use snowballs like bricks to gradually build up your snow fort, or shovels to pull snow into walls. Did you know – the biggest snow fort ever made was over 20 metres high? Built in Finland, of course (source).
Indoor activities out of the house
If a winter storm has facilitated the need to come inside, then consider these fun indoor activities. They’re guaranteed to eliminate boredom!
26. Library activities
Your local library will often host events and activities for teens and other specific age groups. These include gaming night, Pokemon night, lego night, and more. Look for events aimed specifically at teens and tweens.
27. Local church groups
Your local church often holds weekly clubs specifically for tweens and teens.
Not religious? Many of them operate socially and can really boost your teen’s confidence and help her make new friends.
28. Events in your area
Check out your local council, museum, college or school for winter-themed activities. Online platforms such as Eventbrite, Meetup, Facebook are a treasure trove of information about events in your area.
29. Aquarium or museum
A classic winter activity! Head to an aquarium or museum whenever the weather is too rough for the outdoors. Many museums are free and only ask for a small donation to show your support.
30. The cinema
Everybody loves a trip to the cinema. In fact, 15 to 24 year olds love it more than any other age group (source). Make the most of this by buying your teenager a cinema membership card to save money on their visits.
31. Bowling
When it comes to fun activities, bowling has it all – it’s competitive, active, and sociable. On the downside, it does tend to be expensive. Especially when you factor in the drinks bill. Look out for weekday offers if you and your teen are on a budget.
32. Shopping centre browsing (and maybe shopping!)
Most teenagers love browsing shopping centres – with so many types of store to browse, it’s a sensory treat.
So combat winter boredom by letting them loose in your local shopping centre. It’s also a good opportunity to teach teens about budgeting.
33. Laser quest
All ages and skills will enjoy this sci-fi action game where the aim is to tag your friends and opponents. Players must adhere to a code that ensures everybody stays safe and happy in the game.
34. Arcade fun
Arcades are a lot of fun and give your teenager the chance to play games they can’t play at home.
35. Local heritage site
From castles to abbeys, the UK has it all. Use the National Heritage website to find out where to visit and what’s going on through winter.
36. Indoor climbing wall
Climbing walls are hugely popular right now and they are so much fun! They’re a great way to stay fit and strong, beat cabin fever, and stay warm in winter.
37. Trampoline park
Kids of all ages, but especially teens, absolutely love the trampoline park!
It’s so much fun to bounce on the different surfaces, and a real challenge to escape the foam filled pools.
38. Spa day experience
Go on a fun spa day with your teen or tween. From heat and ice experiences to boost circulation, to targeted gentle facial treatments to enhance your teen’s complexion. A spa day is a fantastic way to stave off the winter weather and boost your kid’s mood.
39. Jewellery, art, floristry, or pottery class
Many local workshops offer classes that give a brief introduction to their craft. For a small fee you get tuition, and you come home with a beautiful creation!
Indoor activities in the house
Staying at home in winter need never be boring again! Try these indoors activities at home in winter.
40. Movie marathon
Put your teen or tween in charge of hosting a movie marathon night. First, choose a theme – such as Christmas movies, Marvel superheroes, or Disney, then select a couple of films from your theme.
Allow time for rest breaks, chatting time, and refilling drinks and snacks. Make it even more fun and cosy with a projector, fluffy blankets to huddle under, and proper cardboard popcorn boxes. Our kids love the Studio Ghibli collection of films.
41. Video games or VR
Which teen or tween doesn’t have their favourite video games? Turn it into a social event with more interaction by inviting siblings or friends to play. Try an active game like Nintendo Sports on Switch, for instance.
42. Game night with real board games
Board games are a great way for your teen to bond with family and friends. The most popular include Cluedo and Monopoly. For large groups try Herd Mentality, a fun party game with a simple mission to write down the same answer as everyone else. Pictionary is ever popular, and raises lots of laughs. The Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role playing game has been loved by generations of gamers.
43. Hot chocolate bar
Let your teen be the barista and serve the rest of the family or their friends with delicious hot chocolate and toppings of their choice. Whipped cream, sprinkles, marshmallows, and flavoured syrups really add something! It’s an interactive and delicious way to warm up after outdoor winter activities.
44. Music video production
Get your teen to plan, direct, and perform in their own fun music video.
Use a video editing app like CapCut, Canva, or InShot to edit the video.
45. Beauty salon at home
Decide on several fun beauty treatments such as a face mask, gel nails, foot and pedicure station, and hair styling and braiding – let your teen or tween choose which to go for.
46. Learn a musical instrument online
Learning a musical instrument online isn’t as daunting as it sounds! Encourage your teen to pick up their favourite instrument and follow along to an online tuition course.
47. Creative activities
Get the art and craft supplies out and let loose! Hit Pinterest for the best art projects for teens inspiration. Or do something creative digitally using a painting app.
48. Cooking dinner or baking
Let your teenager plan the menu and cook the meal, within their capabilities of course.
Pick a theme like Mexican, Chinese, or Indian to help tunnel their vision. Baking is an ever popular indoor activity with a tasty reward at the end!
49. New skill nurturing
Learning a new skill boosts their concentration skills and helps your teen gain a sense of mastery. Making friendship bracelets, crocheting, baking, mastering a new yoga pose, following a guided meditation, or learning to sew are just a few skills your teen could try to master.
50. YouTube channel creation
Let your teenager start a YouTube channel showcasing their hobbies and interests. Help them plan out their next 5 videos with a content plan and scripts. Look into video editing apps to smooth the process.
Final thoughts on the best winter activities for teens and tweens
We hope you found this list helpful in finding winter activities for your teen or tween. Despite the darker weather affecting our mental health, there are so many ways in which winter can be fun. What do you like to do with your teen or tween in winter? Let me know in the comments.
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Until next time!
Helen
4 Comments
I used to love ice skating as a teen! And bowling is seriously underrated. Great list!
Love this! So many fun ideas. I have never thought about hiring out a hot tub before…I’m going to have to look into this!
I love these ideas. I would absolutely love to see the festival of lanterns.
The dog sledding sounds so fun! I wish they had it open to adults.