Wintertime—the time of hot cocoa, cheery jingles, and warm, fuzzy sweaters.
For most people, winter is about staying warm from the frigid weather outside. And while there is a certain allure to cozying up, spending time in the backyard can be fun and worthwhile too.
From playing in the snow to making a campfire, here’s a list of some fun things you can do outdoors.
1) Build a Snowman
Let’s face it, no winter lawn is complete without a snowman. These snowy creations are one of the most iconic things to place on your lawn, and for good reason. They’re fun to make, can last for weeks, and they add a touch of whimsy and magic to any backyard.
Besides sticks and stones, you can spruce up your snowy friend with some winter hats, scarves, or even a pair of sunglasses. If you and your kids are feeling extra creative, you can build an entire family of snowmen as a fun weekend activity.
And don’t worry if the snowman doesn’t look perfect! Creating a snowman is still a great way to bond with family and friends. Even if the result isn’t impressive, at least you can say you’ve tried, right?
2) Make Snow Angels
One of the best things about winter is the freshly fallen snow that covers the land. The pristine, untouched snowbed is the perfect canvas for all sorts of art.
One such art is the snow angel—a figure made by lying in the snow and flapping your arms and legs. Once your yard is covered with inches of snow, you’re pretty much set to begin making them right away!
This activity is a fun and free thing to do with kids. If they’re feeling bored and if the conditions are right—give them the option to make snow angels. They definitely won’t regret it!
3) Build a Snow Fort
When it comes to snow, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial than a snowman or snow angels, why not try building a snow fort?
A snow fort is essentially a small structure made entirely out of packed snow. It’s the perfect place to hide away from the cold or to have a snowball fight with friends.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even turn your snow fort into something as structurally complex as an igloo. Just be sure to have the right tools on hand, like a shovel, some buckets, and plenty of snow.
4) Stargaze
While the United States and Europe enjoy warm beach weather, Australia gets stunning night skies.
Wintertime is the perfect opportunity to grab a blanket and head outside for a spot of stargazing. If you’re blessed with clear skies and little light pollution, you might even be able to see the Milky Way with your naked eye.
If you want to take things up a notch, a telescope or a pair of binoculars can help you get an up-close look at the stars and planets. Trust us, being able to see them up close beats looking at them through a phone screen any day.
5) Roast Over a Firepit
Nothing says winter like sitting around a roaring fire. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, now is the time to use it!
Whether you’re considering an indoor or outdoor heater, a fire pit is a perfect tool to use when roasting marshmallows or hot dogs. You can also use them to make s’mores, a classic treat that Aussies can borrow from our American neighbours.
If you don’t have a firepit, no worries! There’s no shame in making a natural campfire either. You can build your own using some rocks, bricks, or logs, for instance. Just make sure you’re not putting your surroundings at risk and have a fire extinguisher on hand, in case something goes wrong.
6) Hang Bird Feeders Around Your Yard
While the squirrels are holed up and hibernating in tree dens, don’t forget about the birds that are braving the cold outside.
One way to show them some love is by filling up a few bird feeders and hanging them around your property. This simple act can make a world of difference for the little feathered friends who are trying to survive the winter.
On top of that, you get to see them up close and enjoy their company from the comfort of your window sill. Perhaps you can even see a species that you’ve never seen before.
7) Have a Snowball Fight
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned snowball fight. It’s the perfect way to have some fun and let off some steam with family or friends.
The great thing about snowball fights is that they’re easy to set up and don’t require much equipment. All you need is some snow, a target, and a good throwing arm.
To up the ante, you can even add some obstacles and create a full-fledged snowball fight arena. You can even make it a team activity by dividing up into two groups and seeing who can hit the most targets. It’s sure to be a pleasant time for everyone!
Images by Depositphotos
