Even though the winter months in the UK can feel long, cold, and dreary at times, they present many special seasonal opportunities for families to spend quality time together. From frosty nature walks to hot cups of cocoa, school holidays full of cosy staycations to charity drives spreading holiday cheer, there are so many ways for households across Britain to participate in festive traditions, give back as a family unit, and make the most of short winter days through simple indoor and outdoor fun.
This list presents five of the top tried-and-true winter activities that UK families look forward to enjoying year after year when Old Man Winter comes to town.
Enjoy a Wintry Walk
One of the simplest but most enjoyable winter activities for families is bundling up and going on a brisk group walk. Explore the frosty landscapes and country trails scattered around the UK. Spot winter birds and other animals leaving their prints in the snow. Stop for a thermos of hot chocolate or cup of coffee from home to keep you warm. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors together during the colder months and is a great activity for anyone fostering in Middlesbrough.
Try Ice Skating
From November through January, many towns set up outdoor ice rinks that make perfect family-friendly winter hangouts. Lace up your skates side-by-side with your kids, partner, or friends and carefully shuffle-step your way across the ice. Most rinks have helpers and penguins you can lean on as you get accustomed to keeping your balance. Filled with music, lights, and laughter, skating rinks create a festive atmosphere the whole group can enjoy.
Volunteer Together
Volunteering as a family is rewarding any time of year, but charities often have a greater need for volunteers and donations during the holidays. Check your local homeless shelters, salvation army, or community kitchens to see if they need help serving meals or distributing donations. Bring your kids along so they learn the value of giving back. Volunteering can lift everyone’s spirits and foster new holiday traditions.
Construct a Snowman
When freshly fallen snow blankets the neighbourhood, make the most of it by building frosty snow sculptures together. Gather with your family to assemble traditional snowmen with lumpy bodies, stick arms, scarves and hats. Or get creative with mythical snow creatures like dragons and unicorns. Have a friendly snowman building competition and vote on the most creative designs. It’s an ageless way to play.
Explore a New Indoor Attraction
There are lots of family-oriented museums, aquariums, and other indoor spaces that provide a welcome activity on cold or rainy winter days. Visit London to spend an afternoon immersed in exhibits tailored for curious young minds at the Science Museum or Natural History Museum. Discover new underwater species at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Or explore hands-on design at the V&A Museum of Childhood in East London. A new indoor adventure awaits!
The winter provides a beautiful icy backdrop for families to embrace the season together with heartwarming activities, old traditions, and new more memories. Don’t let the cold keep you from enjoying these next few months. Layer up, get outside, and have some simple wintertime fun!
