16 Fun Winter Activities

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Back in August, I wrote a post about 25 Fun Outdoor Autumn Activities, and it proved to be popular with my readers. So this year I’ll continue to share special activities for each of the four seasons.

In our part of the country (North Dakota), it’s downright frigid during much of the winter, and it simply isn’t safe to bring residents outdoors. But on those precious days when it’s not too cold, there are lots of options to get outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air.

1. Make snowmen. Residents can help, or they can sit outside and supervise.
2. Decorate a tree outside a window. Check out these recipes for beautiful sun catchers made of ice.
3. Bundle up, then sit outside on a sunny day and drink hot chocolate or hot cider.
4. Make bird feeders, then go outside and hang them in the trees. We do this activity in our memory care unit using these instructions.
5. Sit outside and watch birds through binoculars. Identify them with a bird book.
6. Add food coloring to water in spray bottles, then go outside and paint the snow.
7. Have a snowball throwing competition. (Throw them at a target, not at each other!)
8. Go for a brief outdoor walk as long as it’s safe and not slippery.
9. Do an outdoor Tai Chi class.
10. Invite an expert to teach an outdoor nature class.

On those chilly days when it’s not safe to be outside, it’s easy to get cabin fever. Here are several ideas that offer residents an opportunity to get out of the building while staying warm:

1. Ask if you can tour the nursery at a local big box store or garden center.
2. Check out activities at your local library. This month our library is offering cooking demonstrations, guest author visits, and writing classes.
3. Schools or colleges often welcome residents to attend dress rehearsals for upcoming plays or concerts at no charge. Your residents might also enjoy attending the dress rehearsal for a figure skating show.
4. Local volunteer agencies are eager to have residents help with charitable projects. This may include stuffing envelopes, sorting donated goods, or reading to children.
5. This is the perfect time of year for a trip to a museum, art show, or indoor zoo.
6. Help arrange for residents to attend their local church or another house of worship. Also, look for churches providing music programs or guest speakers of interest to your residents.

What did I miss? I would love to hear your ideas for winter activities!