As fall sets in and winter approaches, the magic of these seasons can truly shine when shared with family . The days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling, the snow is starting to cover the ground, and it's the perfect time to create special moments with those you love most. In this article, we invite you to explore a list of activities designed for the whole family during the fall and winter.
From the warmth of home to the excitement of outdoor adventures, there’s something special for every moment of the day. We’ve rounded up a variety of ideas for indoor and outdoor family fun , from creative play and fun games to comfort food and nature getaways.
So, pack your scarves and hats, break out the cozy blankets, and get ready to explore these seasons with your tribe.
Here are some concrete activity ideas to inspire you!
Ideas for indoor family activities during fall and winter:
Creating an Advent Calendar:
Make a homemade Advent calendar and open a small window every day until Christmas.
Making gifts as a family:
Create gifts using recycled materials or craft kits.
Spa day at home:
Treat yourself to massages, facials and manicures with your family.
Family music concert:
Host a private concert at home by playing musical instruments or singing together.
Puppet making and show:
Create puppets and put on a show. Our therapy bear covers and washcloths are perfect for use as puppets since both little and big hands fit perfectly into them!
Family workout:
Exercise together by following online workout videos. You can easily find free and fun videos on YouTube !
Exploring foreign culture:
Choose a country and discover its culture, cuisine and traditions. Bonus idea: If you have a globe or a world map at home, have fun closing your eyes and placing your finger on the map. The place randomly pointed out could then be the subject of your next explorations!
Science workshop at home:
Do simple and fun science experiments with everyday objects. A simple web search will allow you to find several ideas, if you are very visual, I invite you to browse YouTube and Pinterest !
Virtual tour of museums:
Explore museums around the world with virtual tours.
Building a giant house of cards:
See how high you can build a house of cards without it collapsing.
Family meditation session:
Practice meditation for relaxation and connection. It’s also a great idea for a calming down activity or for a screen-free moment. For optimal relaxation, place the therapeutic bear on your child’s chest and ask them to breathe deeply, so that you can see the bear rise and fall. This technique can also be practiced before bed, in times of stress or simply for relaxation.
Family Karaoke Concert:
Host a karaoke contest at home with everyone's favorite songs.
Custom board game creation :
Make up your own board game as a family. It may seem crazy, but kids have brains that are bursting with original ideas for this kind of activity!
Family cooking workshop:
Prepare seasonal recipes like spiced cookies, special hot chocolates or homemade soups. If you are not sure what tasks to delegate to your children, check out our article Cooking as a family: how involving children in meal preparation can benefit their development in which we present you the different things that can be done according to their age.
Creating Fall and Winter Crafts:
Make home decorations, personalized greeting cards, or seasonal-themed craft projects. Why not get a head start on Christmas cards?
Family reading session:
Choose an age-appropriate book and read it together, encouraging discussion about the story. Parent tip: Asking questions related to the story after reading helps develop communication, critical thinking, memory and more!
Screening of themed films or series:
Host a movie night at home by watching movies or episodes of your favorite series.
Indoor treasure hunt :
Design clues and organize a fun treasure hunt around the house.
Board game day:
Play age-appropriate board games for a fun day of competition.
Building huts with roofing sheets:
Create cozy shelters with blankets, pillows, and furniture. Who doesn't love blanket cabins?
Family artistic activities:
Organize a painting, drawing, or sculpture session with art supplies. We also have a blog post dedicated to creative activity ideas to inspire you even more!
Family yoga session:
Practice kid-friendly yoga for relaxation and flexibility. Much like meditation, yoga is a great activity to do during a cool-down. It's also a great sport that can be done in the morning to start the day feeling refreshed!
Birdwatching from the window:
Install bird feeders outside the window and identify the birds that come to visit them.
Family dance lessons:
Organize a family dance session in the living room to festive music.
Puzzle building:
Choose age-appropriate puzzles for a family thinking challenge.
Ideas for activities to do with the family outside:
Hiking in the forest:
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors or the crisp December air on a family hike. Look for trails that are suitable for all ages.
Walk to observe migratory birds :
The fall months are perfect for watching migratory birds. Bring binoculars if you have them for an educational and fun experience.
Fall Picnic Day:
Pack lunches and head out for a picnic at a local park. Don't forget to dress warmly for the forecasted temperature!
Family leaf collection:
Rake the leaves from the garden as a family and have a leaf fight.
Stargazing:
Enjoy clear nights to observe the stars and constellations.
Neighborhood decoration with Christmas lights:
Get into the holiday spirit by helping decorate your neighborhood with Christmas lights.
Visit to a Christmas market:
Visit a Christmas market to discover artisanal products, live music and delicious specialties. It's the perfect time to get into the festive spirit!
Fall Treasure Hunt:
Design an outdoor treasure hunt with clues for kids, using the colors and elements of the season.
Christmas Rally by Car:
Create a route to admire the Christmas decorations in your city or neighborhood.
Cleaning day:
Help preserve nature as a family by taking part in a day of cleaning up trails and parks near your home.
Outdoor photography session:
Bring a camera and enjoy the fall or winter landscapes to take family photos.
Choosing a Christmas tree:
Let your child choose the tree from your favorite traveling vendor.
Toy collection for the most deprived:
Organize a family toy drive event to help families in need during the holidays. It's a great time to bring up this more delicate subject with little ones, to make them aware of the cause and, in doing so, develop their empathy.
The Benefits of Spending Quality Time with Family
Strengthening Family Ties:
Spending time with family fosters closeness and strengthens emotional bonds between members. This creates a sense of security, belonging and support within the family.
Improved Communication :
Time spent together encourages open communication. Family members have the opportunity to share their thoughts, emotions, and concerns, thereby strengthening mutual understanding.
Education and Learning:
The family is often the first place of learning. By spending time together, parents can pass on important values, skills, and knowledge to their children.
Creating Lasting Memories:
As you might expect, shared family experiences create lasting memories. These memories become treasures that last a lifetime.
Development of Social Skills :
Interactions within the family teach essential social skills, such as collaboration, negotiation, and empathy.
Family activities also help to achieve a good work-life balance, reduce stress, develop essential social skills, stimulate creativity and prevent risky behaviors in older people.
These moments are not only enjoyable! They are necessary for the healthy development of children of all ages.
Whether you choose to venture outside in the fresh air or curl up indoors with creative activities, the key is to enjoy every moment together as a family. These special times of the year are a time to celebrate love, warmth, and togetherness, and to remember that family time is some of the most precious time of all.
