Fun Cold Weather Activities for Children

During the month of November, we start to feel the chill of the oncoming winter. Some areas still have an abundance of fall leaves and moderate temperatures, while in others it's already snowing. Regardless of where you live, you can get your kids out of the house for a fun day in the backyard or at the park to enjoy some of these cold weather activities.

1) Use those piles of fallen leaves! Kids love to make mazes or have scavenger hunts in them. Let them use rakes to create paths in the leaves, or hide small, fun prizes among them. It will provide hours of fun.

2) Have a picnic with some warm, comforting seasonal food and beverages. Turkey sandwiches, a warm thermos of chowder and delicious hot cocoa will be a real treat after an afternoon of playing in the cool air.

3) Bring a few books of short stories about winter and a warm, comfy picnic blanket with you to snuggle up with little ones and have some quality story time. Being in the outdoors as they listen to the stories will help kids connect what they're hearing with their surroundings. It may even inspire them to come up with some stories of their own!

4) Once the snow starts falling, dozens of new cold weather activities abound. Ice skating, making snowmen and snow angels, and having snowball fights are just a few. Grab some inexpensive plastic sleds from your local hardware or warehouse store and bring the kids to the closest hill. Of course, a safe location and close parental supervision are essential.

5) Turn fun in the snow into a real learning experience by teaching kids about the science of winter precipitation. They'll be fascinated to hear facts about snowflakes, how snow forms and why windows develop frost.

6) Turn a corner of your yard into a nature observatory. This time of year, birds, squirrels and other small wildlife are in constant search of food, fresh water and safe shelter. Set up a bird feeder, bird bath and bird house where you and the children will be able to quietly observe. They'll love watching different animals flock to the food and water, and your bird house will likely gain a resident before too long.

This is just a handful of ideas for fun kids' winter activities - use your imagination and what you know about your children's likes and dislikes to tailor all sorts of outdoor activities specifically to your family. No need to keep them cooped up all winter - they'll be eager to get out for some fresh air and exercise, and so will you!