No such thing as bad weather: Fun winter activities 

Playing outside in cold weather is, if you’re out of practice, like a stiff muscle that needs stretching. Ease your students and yourself into it.  There is also comfort in numbers – work with other educators to create a fun experience for all.

Although it’s cold outside, there is still plenty to do! In fact, some activities can only be done in cold weather, so grab the winter bull by the horns and go for it. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Photo from Flickr/VisitLakeland

Organize a winter field day with your school

Games + fresh air + fun? Count us in. Throw a winter field day for your class or the whole school! KidsActivities.net has some fun games and activities to get you started.

 

Photo from Pixabay

Build a snowman or other snow/ice structures

Combine this popular snowy activity with a science lesson courtesy of Smithsonian.com. Get the lesson here.

 

Photo from Pixabay

Winter scavenger hunt

Head outside and follow clues to explore and experience seasonal changes in nature! Visit EDventures for tips and a printable scavenger hunt list!

 

Photo from Flickr/EaglebrookSchool

Organize a winter carnival

Remember those? Get the whole school involved – perhaps each class can plan an event or activity and everyone circles through. If it’s a really cold day you can move between indoor and outdoor activities. So many possibilities!

 

Photo from minskole.no

Snow painting

Make ephemeral art using food colour or experiment with natural colours with ingredients from the kitchen: turmeric yellow, beet red, purple cabbage, etc. Check out these helpful instructions from thespruce.com.

 

Decorative ice art

Get creative with winter ice art

Collect natural objects from around the school yard – evergreen cones, rosehips, small stones, grasses, etc. all work well. Place in a flexible container, pour in water, add a string for hanging and let freeze solid – ideally outside.  Then remove from container and decorate the school yard.

Take Me Outside is encouraging you to head outdoors this winter, with the #TMOWinterChallenge! Between February 14-28, spend an hour outside with your family, students, friends, or yourself – take a walk, extend recess, or try any of the ideas above – the *how* is entirely up to you. 

Make sure you snap a pic and share your outdoor adventure with us by using #TMOWinterChallenge on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or upload your photos using the form below. Bonus! There’s a handful of prizes up for grabs.

  • $100 MEC gift card
  • Limited edition Take Me Outside t-shirts
  • Delicious hot chocolate mix

We’ll see you outside!?

3 Replies to "No such thing as bad weather: Fun winter activities "

  • Gwen Cawsey
    February 14, 2019 (9:05 pm)

    We get outside every day, usually 3 times a day, a 1 hour, and two half hour blocks.

  • Cathy Meloche
    February 22, 2019 (5:34 pm)

    We took the children outside for a walk in the neighbourhood. We were learning about living vs non living and did a scavenger hunt.

  • Ellen
    February 27, 2019 (8:15 am)

    Please let me know if you have received my submission. Thank you!