13 Outdoor Activities for Families This Winter

Look no further for winter inspiration as we welcome you to ‘Your Al Fresco Winter’ with Grass & Air. This year more than ever we will be cherishing our time exploring the outdoors. We have created a list of 13 fantastic activities that will help the entire family beat the boredom this winter. This cold weather approved guide will get the family outside even on a crisp winter day. With so many things to do right on your doorstep take a look at this helpful list for inspiration.

1. Explore Your City Like a Tourist

Yes, you might have lived there for years, but have you ever really explored your city like a tourist? Or if you have recently taken the plunge and moved to a new area, this is a great way to explore your surroundings. We’re talking sightseeing, visiting historic landmarks, or discovering a new urban outdoor space. We especially love taking a moment to appreciate graffiti and artistic walls. They provide perfect photo opportunities for style-loving families.

Image of Hector wearing our Little Kids Navy Colour-Revealing Wellies, Little Boys Navy Rainster, and Little Kids Colour-Revealing Umbrella.

2. Winter Trails

Whether it is your local walking route, or you head somewhere new, there are so many winter trails to explore. You could even create your own in a local park or green space. Kids love hunting for clues in nature. Go on your own self-guided adventure with a Treasure Trails map, available to download for villages, towns and cities across the UK. We love the Wizards Spellbook Trail in Manchester which takes in our fave city centre haunts. There are loads to choose from. Remember to pack your Grass & Air Wellies in case it’s muddy.

Image of Elba wearing our Little Kids Grey Colour-Revealing Wellies.

3. Mazes

If we are lucky enough to get some snow this year, we suggest making a snow maze. You can do this in your garden by carving out various routes in the snow to create fun mazes. Set the kids a challenge to reach the middle of the maze and you’ve got hours’ worth of fun. Alternatively, if the snow does not fall, you can use washable chalk to paint the driveway or different objects from your garden to make a maze. If DIY is not your forte, then seek out a Maize Maze in your area, our top tip for Northern folk is Seven Sisters Ice-Cream Farm in Cheshire. Not that we are influenced by the thought of a massive scoop of double-chocolate at the end. Not at ALL!

4. Christmas Lights

Watching the Christmas lights switch-on is one of the most magical moments of winter. The festivals might not be the same this year as most cities are broadcasting the switch on across social media instead of hosting it in person. Once the lights are on, why not explore your local neighbourhood to find the best Christmas light displays. Get the kids to spot their favourites and make it a festive evening.

5. Go to An Outdoor Cinema

Outdoor cinemas experienced a serious revival in 2020. Grab your popcorn and a couple of blankets, get the kids in the car and drive to an outdoor cinema. From the warmth of the car tune in and watch one the family favourites playing on the big screen.

6. Carpark Panto

Going to the panto is a winter tradition, and this year Horrible Histories have put a great spin on the event with their Car Park Panto. Get the family into the car and prepare for a hilarious time-travelling panto like you’ve never seen before.

Tickets are available nationwide and are fully refundable in the event of COVID-19 disruption.

7. Drive-Thru Dinner

2020 called and it’s given the humble takeaway a drive-thru makeover. Whether on foot or in the car, be sure to make a beeline for one of your local independent eateries who are sure to be offering new and unique ways to enjoy their menu this winter. We can’t get enough of Nell’s Pizza 22inch monster pies in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, enough to feed all those hungry mouths after a day of exploring.

8. Cook on Fire

It may be cold outside but if you have a fire pit, why not brave the winter chill and spend an evening al fresco. Cooking on fire might be as simple as toasting marshmallows. Or if you’re feeling handy, why not make your own popcorn over the flames. Eating hotdogs in the crisp winter air always revives dull dinnertimes. And who says sparklers should be reserved for bonfire night, an easy simple way to bring wow-factor to a weekend night at home.

9. Winter Solstice

It’s known as both the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year. The winter solstice is a long-standing tradition in the northern hemisphere. It marks the 24-hour period with the fewest hours of daylight in the year. Daylight may be limited but the winter solstice is the perfect time to celebrate the wonders of nature and have gratitude for the seasons. This year it falls on Monday 21st December.

Learn more about this year’s Winter Solstice traditions from the experts.

10. Backyard Cinema

Bring the cinema home by creating one in your garden. Set up the comfy chairs with cosy cushions and blankets, get all your favourite movie snacks and take the cinema al fresco. This is a great option if you’d prefer to stay at home and make use of your garden.

11. Camp in Your Garden

As the cold weather draws in, enjoy the last bit of winter sun and build a den in your garden. Build the den between trees and create a cosy set up, perfect for outside play activities. You could take it one step further and camp out in your garden. Think wild camping, but just at home. Take a good old fashion camping trip in your back garden, brave the cold and set up the tents for an outdoor sleepover.

12. Visit a Magical Woodland

Magical Woodlands are a spectacular winter activity for kids. Watch them marvel at the lights as you wander through the woods. There are magical woodlands across the country putting on Christmas themed light displays in December. Grab tickets to our favourite Magical Woodland in Manchester or find a torch and take a walk in one of your local green spaces after dark. The humble walk is reinvented. Ta-dah!

13. Visit the Parklands of a Castle or Historic House

Due to lockdown many castles and historic houses are closed to the public. But we have good news, the grounds are still open. You can go for a nice family walk and see the historic sites from a distance. It’s a great way to get the kids out for the day. Visit English Heritage and The Nation Trust to find grounds and parks that are open near you, many will require you to pre-book tickets so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

13 Outdoor Activities for Families This Winter

1. Explore Your City Like a Tourist

2. Winter Trails

3. Mazes

4. Christmas Lights

5. Go to An Outdoor Cinema

6. Carpark Panto

7. Drive-Thru Dinner

8. Cook on Fire

9. Winter Solstice

10. Backyard Cinema

11. Camp in Your Garden

12. Visit a Magical Woodland

13. Visit the Parklands of a Castle or Historic House

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1. Explore Your City Like a Tourist

2. Winter Trails

3. Mazes

4. Christmas Lights

5. Go to An Outdoor Cinema

6. Carpark Panto

7. Drive-Thru Dinner

8. Cook on Fire

9. Winter Solstice

10. Backyard Cinema

11. Camp in Your Garden

12. Visit a Magical Woodland

13. Visit the Parklands of a Castle or Historic House

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