Simple Activities to Bring the Whole Family Together

We know as well as you do that bundling everyone into snowsuits, mittens, and boots can be an adventure all on its own. Especially when a bathroom break is needed right as that last mitten comes on. But we assure you, the time spent outside is well worth the effort.

Bluebird days are perfect for a winter picnic. Imagine finding a sunny spot, unfolding a chair and a thick blanket, then opening a warm thermos full of soup or hot chocolate. Now that’s a winter wonderland! Add another level of warmth with s’mores around a campfire. Just be sure to layer to stay warm and protected from the elements.

If you are looking to get a little more active, there are plenty of low-impact winter activities that are enjoyable for all ages. Renting snowshoes and hiking a new trail at a provincial park or conservation area is the definition of classic Canadian winter fun.

Suppose you want to add some creativity to your outdoor excursion. How about a snowman building competition? Ensure each team is well-stocked with essentials, from the carrot nose to the button eyes and a chic woolly scarf. Have a neighbour serve as the impartial judge and remember to grab a family photo in front of your frozen creations.

If you want to turn a fresh snowfall into a canvas, add some food colouring and water to a spray bottle. Kids and adults alike will love spray painting the snow, turning your yard into a kaleidoscope of colours!

Are you feeling inspired to embrace the outdoors? Find more ideas for wintertime family fun on this list.

After a day spent outdoors, what better way to warm up than with a warm mug of your favourite drink and a family-friendly board game or puzzle.

Despite competition from digital options, board games are still a popular option for many families, and there are so many to choose from to suit your preferences. You can opt for a classic like Monopoly or Clue, or flex those creative muscles with Pictionary or Charades. Or perhaps try out a unique new game from a crowdfunding site like Kickstarter.

How about hosting a family trivia night! Take inspiration from Jeopardy with categories and questions that are unique to your family. Or, in honour of Family Day, why not try out some Family Feud (check out this guide to hosting a Family Feud game night at home). Survey says fun! There are plenty of collaborative, multi-person online games that appeal to every age group; explore some other options here to help you keep your family connected and entertained.

For something a little calmer, get everyone working together on a puzzle. It is far easier to tackle a 2000-piece puzzle with multiple sets of eyes on the job! You can even set up numerous puzzle stations to accommodate different ages and skill levels.

Budding artists in the family? Pinterest is a smorgasbord of ideas for easy family-friendly crafts for every age and season.

If you are looking for quality time to last beyond Family Day, an artistic hobby is sure to bring the family together as you create. Knitting, crochet, painting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, or photography are all great options, with skill-level options for every family member. Better yet, there may even be members of the family that are already skilled and can teach everyone.

People say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where loved ones come together and make memories. There are so many ways you can have fun in the kitchen and so many flavours you can explore.

Experiment with cuisine from around the globe. Curry, sushi, tacos, sauerkraut are examples of international cuisine that can expose family members, young and old, to new spices, tastes, and cooking methods.

If you have been binge-watching all the top trending food competitions, why not give it a try at home. Have a bake-off or see who can make the best dish using the same ingredients. If you want to add a family angle to the competition, give a classic family recipe a try and see who can make it best.

Involving your kids in the kitchen from an early age is a great way to lay the foundation for an interest in different foods and cooking. Here are some kid-friendly recipe ideas that can enable your little ones to help. Their proud faces after taking the first bite of their culinary creation is a moment you’ll cherish!

Getting active isn’t an outdoor-only proposition. There are plenty of ways to get moving inside, too. When you find ways to move that are fun, you won’t even realize that you’re working up a sweat! Host a living room disco party; have all family members contribute to a collaborative playlist and enjoy a journey through the decades as multiple generations enjoy grooving to their favourite hits. For a fun spin, turn the lights out and fire up some glow sticks! Invite family and friends from out of town to join via Zoom.

Tap into some creative movement with a little “lights, camera, action,” and let everyone’s talents shine at a family talent show. Or tickle your funny bone with an improv night. Either way, it will give your kids the confidence to take the stage in a supportive space.

Or keep it simple: pretend that the floor is lava and watch what happens. It can bring a lot of laughter, some teamwork, and hopefully no lava casualties!

Are you looking for more indoor fun? This guide has several ideas for staying active inside, for all ages and abilities.