5 Fun Ways to Keep Your Family Entertained During Winter When Snowed in

Winter brings shorter days, chilly weather, and often, the occasional snowstorm. For families in places like Scotland like me, where you might get snowed in, finding ways to keep the kids entertained can be a challenge. And it’s not long before you hear the inevitable “I’m bored!” Luckily, this guide is here to help.

The wintery season is the perfect time to slow down, relax, and reconnect with your loved ones. These fun, creative ideas will keep everyone engaged and create lasting memories that will help you push through the winter blues.

1. Build a Blanket Fort

It’s probably something you haven’t done since you were a child, but there’s nothing quite like the simple joy of building a blanket fort. It’s an activity that sparks creativity and transforms everyday household items into a cosy retreat.

Start by gathering sturdy chairs, blankets, and pillows and assembling them in a quiet corner of your living space. Drape the blankets over the chairs to form walls and a roof, and use the pillows to create a soft floor.

For an extra touch of magic, string up fairy lights, make the perfect cup of hot chocolate, and settle in to share stories or play games together.

Tip: Consider adding some board games or puzzles inside the fort to keep the fun going, or use it as a space for family movie nights.

2. Host a Family Games Night

Family game nights are a great way to bond while staying active and entertained. You can stick with classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, or get creative with interactive games like charades, trivia or Pictionary.

You know your kids better than anyone, so if they are more into video games try playing something like Mario Party or Wii Sports. Choose titles that are fun for everyone, suitable for the youngest person there, and keep everyone engaged.

To spice it up, why not host a mini-tournament with small prizes or incorporate a party theme night. For instance, an ‘80s night with retro games, music, and snacks could add extra fun.

If you don’t have many board games, scavenger hunts are very easy to do with minimal preparation. Even if you keep it simple like find something blue, or an item that has batteries, a piece of clothing, something you can make a noise with, etc.

Tip: Let a family member pick a game each time to ensure everyone gets to play what they like at least once a rotation.

3. Try a New Craft Together

Crafting is a wonderful way to bring the family together while unleashing creativity. Whether you’re working with paper, clay, or paint, there’s a craft project for every age group. Set up on the dining room table, using an old table cloth if doing anything messy.

Papercrafts are affordable and versatile, making them perfect option for all ages. Simple activities like making paper snowflakes, creating origami animals, or designing homemade greeting cards are all excellent options. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try building a family scrapbook or painting some pottery?

Tip: Choose a craft project that reflects the season, such as making winter-themed decorations for the home, or creating personalised gifts for loved ones.

4. Create a Home Cinema

Why leave the comfort of your home when you can recreate the magic of the cinema in your living room? Select a family-friendly film, whether it’s a classic favourite or a new release, and make the most of the home cinema experience.

Prepare cinema-style snacks like popcorn and nachos, set up your living space with plenty of cushions and blankets, and dim the lights for the full effect. If you have a projector, you can even project the movie onto a blank wall or screen for an authentic cinema experience.

Tip: For a fun twist, let everyone take turns picking their favourite films throughout the winter months, creating a family film festival.

5. Start a Family Book Club

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and what better way to encourage reading than starting a family book club? Choose a book that’s suitable for all ages and assign chapters to read each week.

After reading, sit down together and discuss your thoughts, favourite characters, and any surprising plot twists. Encourage children to participate by asking questions like ‘What do you think will happen next?’ or ‘What would you do if you were in the character’s shoes?’. Not only will this build a love of reading, but it also promotes meaningful conversations.

Tip: Let each family member take turns selecting the next book, keeping the variety fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

Winter doesn’t have to be dull when you have plenty of indoor activities to keep your family entertained. The possibilities for fun are endless, so bring your family closer together with these activities. The key is to all enjoy these moments, making memories that will last long after the winter months have passed.

Last Tip: Consider setting aside a “family day” each week where everyone participates in one or more of these activities, ensuring regular quality time throughout the season.