We dream of lower temperatures. Naturally, we have some Winter Backyard Play Activities Ideas that we will do on our next break. Regardless, if you are a family living in the tropics like we do, or not, these suggestions should set you planning and getting creative to have some cool family fun! Read on, os you are ready as soon as the temperature drops even a degree or 10 :-).
Cold? It Never Bothered Me Anyway
Depending on where you live, winter can bring with it bitterly cold weather which means staying indoors seems to be the most sensible option. If you have small children, being couped up in the house is less than ideal. But, traveling further afield isn’t much better either. Too much pent up energy can make children and parents alike equally as frustrated. Luckily, you don’t have to stay indoors until spring arrives. So, get your coats and wellies on and venture into the back yard! There’s lots of fun to be had out there, even in winter, and best of all? If the weather takes a turn for the worst, you don’t have far to go before you’re back under some cozy blankets.
Winter Backyard Play Activities Ideas
This is our list. Hopefully, the weather is just perfect for all of us to check it off entirely! Here are a few ways you can keep your children occupied in your back yard this winter.
Plant Bulbs
If there’s one thing children love it’s getting involved in things, so why not let them try their tiny hands at gardening? There are so many bulbs you can plant in winter ready for the upcoming warmer weather, including tulips and crocuses. Whilst many professional gardeners advise planting bulbs in the fall, as long as the soil isn’t frozen over and no frost is expected, the hardy tulip and crocus bulbs should be able to withstand the cold weather. Get your children their own mini gardening sets and watch as they connect with nature – even if it is rather cool outside – and let them reap the rewards when the fruits of their labor begin to flower in the following months. Oh, and here are some tips on gardening with children regardless of the time of year.
Make a Bird Feeder
Winter can be hard on wildlife which is why it’s important to help out where possible, and one of the ways you and your family can do this is why making a bird feeder. You can buy one and decorate it with paint, or you can make your own using household items like empty bottles. This is a great activity because those with big back yards and small gardens alike can fit this activity in. Once your bird feeder is up, sit quietly as birds and squirrels feast on its goods. To make it even more fun, why not make a list of all the types of wildlife you see feeding on it?
Hunt for Treasure
Rain or shine, a treasure hunt always goes down well with children! Hide their favorite candy bars and fruity treats around the back yard – under trees, in the bushes, and behind rocks – and watch as your children scramble to get their coats on and start scavenging. You could do a themed hunt such as pirates or superheroes and dress up for the hunt. Follow it with a movie under the blankets accompanied by the treats found outside for a fun and inexpensive winter afternoon activity.
Make a Hedgehog House
Hedgehogs like to hibernate in winter and giving them a safe place to so where they won’t be disturbed is just another way of connecting with nature. You can order a hedgehog house online and decorate it outside using things you can find in the garden. When you’re done, put it somewhere safe where it won’t be interfered with and hope that your resident hedgehog takes up residence! Wait until the warmer weather arrives to move it – you don’t want to disturb a sleeping hedgehog if they’re still hibernating so it’s best to wait until the hibernation season is well and truly over before touching the house. And, for some fun in the Hedgehog house, use these free Sonic The Hedgehog Activity Sheets. 
Winter Olympics
Got snow? If so, use it to your advantage and create some snow-themed winter Olympics for your whole family to take part in. Perfectly, you can mimic shotput with snowballs and do the long jump in a snow pit rather than a sandpit. If you don’t have snow, don’t worry! No doubt, you can have a competition to see who can shoot the most hoops in a minute, who can do the most jumping jacks in 30 seconds, and even who’s the best at archery using an outdoor play kit. If, you have room for a soccer net, why not practice striking?
Keep Cool
These are just a few winter activities you can do in your back yard. However, do remember to layer up. Also, drink plenty of water, and don’t let yourself get too cold. As much fun as you are having, don’t stay outdoors for too long. And, make sure you allow your body time to warm up gently when you go back indoors. Most of all, have fun! What more Winter Backyard Play Activities would you add to this list?
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