Winter can test the patience of even the most resourceful parents. Dark evenings, icy pavements, and children bouncing off the walls can easily lead to extra hours of television or tablets. Yet, research suggests that stepping away from screens — even briefly — has huge benefits for children’s creativity, social skills, and mental health.
A 2018 report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health notes that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for screen use, but families who build in tech-free routines often report calmer households. In practice, this means finding engaging alternatives — activities that feel like treats, not chores.
Here are 25 screen-free winter ideas families across the UK and beyond are rediscovering this season.
1. Build a blanket fort
Most parents can recall building forts in their own childhood. One London mum described how her children spent three entire afternoons last February creating a “hotel” out of duvets and dining chairs. “They even made paper keys for check-in,” she laughed. “I didn’t hear ‘Mum, I’m bored’ once.”
2. Go ice skating
Whether it’s Somerset House in London or a temporary rink in your local town, ice skating is one of winter’s most joyful family outings. It’s equal parts exercise and comedy when beginners wobble on the ice.
3. Cook (or bake) together
From cinnamon rolls to vegetable soups, cooking as a family transforms mealtime into playtime. Children learn real-world skills, and parents enjoy extra help with dinner.
4. Arts & crafts afternoon
Snowflakes, clay ornaments, and hand-painted greeting cards bring out children’s creativity. Psychologists at Child Mind Institute note that art helps children express feelings they can’t always put into words.
5. Family puzzle challenge
Puzzles may test patience, but finishing one together brings a huge sense of achievement. Some families keep a “winter puzzle” on the dining table to return to over several weeks.
6. Board game night
Dust off the classics. Monopoly for the competitive, Guess Who for the quick thinkers, or cooperative games like Pandemic for teamwork. Board games also teach children how to win — and lose — gracefully.
7. Dance party in the living room
On long, grey afternoons, music is medicine. One father told us, “We started putting on old Motown records and dancing around the kitchen. Now the kids ask for it every Friday.”
8. Cardboard creations
Give a child a cardboard box, and you may not see them for hours. Castles, cars, or “shops” can appear from the recycling pile. All that’s needed are crayons, scissors, and tape.
9. Indoor obstacle course
Cushions become stepping stones, chairs form tunnels, and string creates laser beams to crawl under. This burns energy on snowed-in days.
10. Storytelling night
Instead of watching a film, create one. Families can tell stories round-robin style, where each person adds a sentence. Others script plays, with children making costumes out of old clothes.
11. Home scavenger hunt
Hide objects with written clues. Even older children get drawn in when prizes include staying up later or choosing tomorrow’s dinner.
12. Puppet show with toys
Sock puppets or stuffed animals make excellent performers. Younger kids especially love putting on a show while parents provide the applause.
13. DIY science experiments
Safe kitchen chemistry — from vinegar volcanoes to crystal snowflakes — gives children a sense of wonder. Teachers often recommend STEM.org’s simple experiments as easy starting points.
14. Balloon volleyball
No breakages, no rules — just keep the balloon from touching the ground. It’s a simple antidote to boredom.
15. Homemade playdough
Mix flour, salt, and food colouring. Children can knead, shape, and create — without the cost of shop-bought toys.
16. Build a snowman
If snow arrives, seize the day. Parents often find that even teenagers, reluctant at first, can’t resist rolling giant snowballs.
17. Snowball fight
Set boundaries (no ice, no face shots!) and let loose. The laughter will warm everyone faster than central heating.
18. Winter nature hike
Wrap up and head to a local park. Children love spotting animal tracks, frosty spiderwebs, or listening for winter birds. The Woodland Trust offers family-friendly trail guides.
19. Neighbourhood scavenger hunt
Turn a winter walk into a game. Make a list: a red door, holiday lights, an icicle. First to spot them wins.
20. Visit the local library
Libraries are warm, free, and magical. A National Literacy Trust study found children who use libraries regularly are twice as likely to read for pleasure.
21. Explore local shops
Hardware stores often run free Saturday workshops for kids. Pet shops, meanwhile, are a wonderland of aquariums and furry creatures.
22. Bake winter treats
Beyond biscuits, try gingerbread houses or pretzels. Many families turn this into an annual winter tradition, complete with friendly “best cookie” competitions.
23. Acts of kindness
Shovel a neighbour’s path, write thank-you notes to delivery drivers, or bake extras to share. These small gestures help children see winter as a season of giving.
24. Try colouring together
Quiet, low-cost, and calming, colouring has become a surprising favourite for families. Studies suggest colouring reduces stress in both adults and children. Free printable pages are available online — for instance, this resource provides a wide variety to download. Parents often sit alongside their kids, chatting while they color, and notice conversations flow more easily without the distraction of phones.
25. Write letters or keep a journal
A handwritten note feels special in today’s digital age. Some children start winter diaries, others write to grandparents. One 9-year-old told us, “I like when Nana writes back. It feels like a secret code.”
Why screen-free matters
Dr. Jean Twenge, author of iGen, has documented how excessive screen time can link to sleep problems and reduced face-to-face interaction. But experts also caution against guilt: it’s not about banning screens entirely, but about balance. As the BBC reports, carving out just one screen-free hour a day can improve mood and attention span.
For parents, the reward is seeing children light up from activities that cost little but create lasting memories. Whether it’s a snowball fight or a cardboard castle, these moments remind families that the best winter entertainment doesn’t need Wi-Fi.
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