Winter camping with kids can be an unforgettable adventure filled with snowy fun and cozy moments. While the colder weather might seem challenging, it opens the door to unique activities and bonding opportunities you won’t find any other time of year. With a little preparation and creativity, you can turn your trip into a magical experience that keeps the whole family entertained. Here are some tips on How to keep Kids Entertained While Winter Camping for a memorable, stress-free experience!
Outdoor Fun
Play In The Snow:
Bring sleds, snowshoes, or toboggans to keep the kids entertained for hours with old-fashioned sledding fun! Take it up a notch by giving them spray bottles filled with water and food coloring so they can create their very own snow art or add colorful touches to snowmen and other snow creations. Don’t forget the classic snowball fight—it’s always a hit! For an extra challenge, set up an obstacle course to make the snowball battle even more exciting and fun.
Observe Nature
In the evening, take advantage of the crisp, clear winter skies for some stargazing. Pack a telescope or a star map to explore constellations together—it’s a magical way to end the day. During the day, head out for a winter hike and bring along a scavenger hunt to keep the kids engaged as they search for winter-themed items. Along the way, use the opportunity to teach them about winter wildlife, how snow forms, or the wonders of the night sky.
Survival Skills
Show them how to build a basic shelter and turn it into a fun competition to see who can create the best snow fort or igloo. Teach them how to start a fire (with supervision) and even practice tying basic knots—an essential outdoor skill. Once the fire is roaring, enjoy roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire they helped build.
These hands-on activities will not only entertain them but also teach valuable skills they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Indoor Fun:
Arts & Crafts:
Create your own activity book with printable winter-themed coloring pages, crosswords, and word scrambles. There are free printable coloring pages available on Pinterest and other websites that keep your kids entertained during those snowy nights. For a creative twist, bring along construction and tissue paper so they can cut out snowflakes to decorate your RV. String the snowflakes together for a cozy, festive touch that brings the magic of winter indoors!
Gametime
Games are a great way to bring the whole family together for some fun. Pack compact board games and a deck of playing cards to ensure you always have a source of entertainment when settling in for the evening with your favorite warm beverage. Kids also love using their imagination to make up their own games and play pretend. Kick off a make-believe story—for example, imagine they’re stranded in Antarctica and have just stumbled upon an RV. Now, they’ll need to set up shelter and plan their next steps! This kind of creative play sparks their imagination and makes for endless fun.
Movies & Books
Bring along a portable movie setup for cozy evenings. Download a few of your favorite movies onto your phone or tablet, or take it to the next level with a portable movie projector. You can create a cinematic experience by hanging a white sheet or blanket as a screen, turning your campsite into a personal theater and making lifelong memories with your kids. Don’t forget to pack some great books, too! Storytime with the whole family gathered around is another wonderful way to wind down and bond together.
Winter camping with kids is all about creating magical memories and embracing the season’s unique wonders. By combining fun outdoor adventures, cozy indoor activities, and plenty of preparation to keep everyone warm and happy, you can make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re building snowmen, exploring snowy trails, or sharing stories around the fire, the moments you create will leave a lasting impression.
So pack up, bundle up, and enjoy the frosty fun—your family winter adventure awaits!
