33 Fun Winter Camping Activities For The Whole Family

These fun winter camping activities will ensure the whole family has a great time on your winter camping trip! While many people might shy away from camping in cold weather, winter camping can actually be a lot of fun.

And winter camping doesn’t just mean camping in the snow either!

These fun activities for camping in winter have ideas for kids, families, and adults during the winter months, and of course, plenty of ideas if you do happen to be camping in the snow!

The Best Activities for Camping in Winter for the Whole Family

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from planning your next outdoor adventure! There are plenty of great things to do while camping during winter.

So long as you’ve prepared for the cold weather, you can easily stay warm and have fun at the same time.

We’ve put together a list of the best winter camping activities for the whole family, sorted into categories for easy planning – activities for kids and families, activities for adults, snowy weather camping activities and indoor camping activities for when you’re snuggled up in your tent!

And your winter camping experience doesn’t need to be in an all-season tent – you can take an RV or caravan trip or stay in a cabin instead and still enjoy these best things to do.

Here are our top picks for the best winter camping activities for the whole family:

Winter Camping Activities for Kids and Families

Kids love to play and explore, even when it’s cold outside. Taking them on outdoor adventures during the cold season can be an excellent way for them to learn about the winter season compared to other seasons of the year.

After all, each season brings its own unique experiences to your camping trips.

Here are some fun winter camping activities that kids will love.

1. Winter scavenger hunt

Create a winter scavenger hunt with items you would normally see around the area in the winter months.

Your scavenger hunts could be spotting items in nature such as trees that have lost all their leaves, animal tracks in snow, insects and even types of animals that are common in the area.

Make it more interactive by turning it into a photo scavenger hunt where each person needs to snap a pic of the different items.

This is a good option if you’re looking for camping activities for teenagers that the entire family will love.

2. Winter Crafts

Bring along some craft supplies such as construction paper, glue, scissors, and markers to create winter-themed crafts.

This is a great tent or indoor activity for when the weather is too cold or rainy to be outside.

These don’t even need to be winter-themed. You can bring along a craft kit with any theme but winter crafts will make it extra special.

3. Nature Observation

Have kids observe and identify different types of trees, plants, and animals in their natural habitat.

It’s a great way for kids to learn about the environment around them and often the type of things you see in winter will differ from the other seasons.

This can be anything from bird watching to watching insects on branches or even using an app to identify types of plants from their leaves.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars with you.

4. Toast Marshmallows Or Sausages On The Fire

A classic camping activity that is always a hit with kids.

Toasting marshmallows and sausages over an open fire can be done during any season, but the cold weather makes it even more special as you huddle around the warmth of the fire.

5. Make S’mores

Once you have toasted your marshmallows, put them between two pieces of graham crackers and a piece of chocolate for the perfect winter camping treat!

You should always remember to bring a warm dessert with you when camping in cold weather and making S’mores is a classic campfire activity no matter the season.

You can also make campfire cones or use a pie iron to make other hot desserts to warm everyone up.

6. Play Campfire Games

There are plenty of fun campfire games to play with the whole family.

From traditional games like Charades and Pictionary to modified versions of board games that can be played around the fire, there’s an activity for everyone.

Some easy classic campfire games for kids include iSpy, where you can choose item colours rather than the first letter if playing with younger kids.

Or try one of our favourites, Alphabet Soup.

Choose a theme such as food or girls’ names and for each letter of the alphabet, each person must come up with their own unique answer to get a point for that round. Move through each letter and see who has the most points at the end.

7. Visit A Local Indoor Attraction

If you’re lucky enough to be camping near some local attractions or landmarks, this can be a fun way to escape the cold for an hour or two and explore somewhere new.

Think museums, galleries, family entertainment centres and whatever else might be nearby.

Even a cinema trip can be a break in the cold outdoor weather if you need one.

Winter Camping Activities for Adults

Adults need some winter fun too! And while there’s a good chance you will find it much easier to keep yourselves entertained than kids might in the cold weather, it’s always good to have a few winter activities in mind.

Here are some winter camping activities that adults will enjoy:

8. Hiking

There aren’t many ways to warm up in the great outdoors than taking a hike. Even the kids can join in on this activity, but with a shorter hiking trail perhaps.

Research local hiking trails in the area and choose one that suits your experience level.

Just make sure if it is a longer hike or if you are heading off later in the day that you’ve got enough time to get there and back before dark. You don’t want to get caught out trying to find your way back to camp.

9. Nature Photography

Take advantage of the beautiful winter scenery and take some photos of the sights around you.

It’s a great way to capture memories for years to come.

Unless you’re a dedicated photographer, you might want to leave your expensive camera gear at home and opt for a smile point-and-shoot camera you can easily carry in your hiking pack.

Or just use your phone since most phone cameras are quite impressive these days!

10. Cooking Over An Open Fire

Cooking over an open fire is a classic camping activity that is even better in the winter when you crave that hot meal to warm you up.

Sure, you probably have to do a bit of camp cooking, since there’s only so many make-ahead meals you’ve prepared, but you can level this up a little by trying something new on your camping trip.

Try a new camp oven recipe or experiment with a different cooking style you’ve not tried before. These winter camping meals will give you some inspiration.

11. Stargazing

Take advantage of the clear winter skies and do some stargazing. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

The best thing about stargazing while camping is that you’re usually far enough away from the light pollution of the nearest cities that you can see a lot more than you might at home.

Bring a compact telescope for an enhanced viewing experience that doesn’t add too much extra to your camping gear.

12. Hard Hot Chocolate

Warm up with a twist on the classic hot chocolate – add a splash of your adult alcohol for a hard hot chocolate.

This is a fun and festive way to enjoy a warm drink around the campfire in the winter months.

Just remember to drink responsibly and ensure everyone has alternate non-alcoholic drinks available as well.

And, of course, never drink and drive or engage in any water sports!

Activities for Camping in Snowy Weather

Camping in snowy weather requires a little extra planning and cold-weather gear to stay warm and dry, but it can be a lot of fun. If you do happen to be camping in the snow, there’s a whole lot of other fun winter camping activities to keep you busy:

Here are some activities to enjoy in the snowy weather:

13. Build A Snowman

Take advantage of the snowy weather and build a snowman with your family. This is a classic winter activity that never gets old. And you don’t need to plan ahead for this activity.

Use a stick for a nose, rocks for buttons and eyes, and decorate your snowman with other items you find on the ground.

Don’t limit yourself just to a snowman either. Have a competition on who can make the best snow sculptures for an extra challenge.

14. Go Sledding

Sledding is a great way to enjoy the snow and get some exercise. Find a nearby hill and take turns sledding down with your family and friends.

You will have all worked up a heck of an appetite after an hour or two on toboggans!

15. Snowball Fights

Have a friendly snowball fight with your family. Make sure everyone is bundled up and ready for some fun competition.

Divide into teams or just go for an every man (or child) for himself round of snowball pelting!

16. Ice Fishing

If you’re camping near a frozen lake, try ice fishing. This is the type of activity that might need a little extra preparation and it helps to know what you are doing before you try, but certainly one to consider.

17. Snow Painting

Fill squeeze bottles with water and a little food colouring to create “paint” for the snow.

Kids can use this to create colourful designs in the snow, using food-safe colouring.

18. Snowshoeing

If you’re camping in an area with lots of snow, try snowshoeing. It’s a great way to explore the area and get a heap of exercise.

There are snowshoeing tours in a lot of places that get regular heavy snowfall, so you might be able to try this winter activity without needing to buy all your own gear.

19. Snow Fort Building

Building a snow fort is a fun challenge that will get everyone keen to try, no matter their age. This is a unique way to learn some survival skills but with the aim of fun.

Pack snow into walls and create rooms, or just build a mini snow cave for the kids to play in with their toys.

Be creative and see who can make the most impressive snow fort!

20. Skiing and Snowboarding

If your camping trip is near a ski resort, why not take advantage of the slopes? Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to get some exercise and enjoy the winter weather.

Try cross-country skiing or head down some nearby slopes.

Just remember to pack all necessary gear or consider renting equipment from a nearby ski rental service.

21. Snow Angels

Free and simple fun – make snow angels in the freshly fallen snow.

If camping with kids, they can decorate the angels with rocks, leaves and other items they find on the ground afterwards to extend the activity.

Just make sure to change out of your damp clothes quickly if you’re feeling cold. This might be a good final activity just before you head home to the warmth.

22. Make A Snow Maze

Create a maze in the snow using your hands and feet or drag sticks through the snow to create maze walls.

Have fun racing each other to see who can make it through the maze in the quickest time.

You can even make it more challenging by creating obstacles like tunnels to crawl under if you’re going for a really elaborate set-up.

23. Ice Skating

If you’re camping near a frozen lake or pond, bring your ice skates and go skating. This is a fun activity for all ages and can add a different dimension to your winter camping trip.

Just make sure the ice is thick enough to safely support your weight before venturing out onto the frozen water.

This is absolutely one of those activities you need to practice extreme caution with, ideally with a place you are already familiar with such as a very shallow lake or one that is popular annually with ice skaters.

24. Ice Hockey

Just as above, if you’re near a really safe frozen lake or body of water, you can try out your ice hockey skills for some fun winter sports you don’t often get to do while camping.

Or you can just play ice hockey on the icy ground instead!

25. Go Snowmobiling

If you have access to snowmobiles or are camping near a local snowmobile tour company, take advantage of the winter weather and go for a ride. This is a great way to explore the surrounding area and see some beautiful snowy landscapes.

Just make sure to follow all safety precautions and stay on designated trails or areas approved for snowmobiling.

26. Track Animal Footprints

This takes your animal observation to the next level, looking for animal footprints in the snow is a fun and educational activity for kids.

Bring along a guidebook or use an app to help identify which animals made which tracks.

Just make sure you don’t accidentally find yourself face-to-face with a bear.

Choose friendly animal prints, just in case you do find the owner at the end of the track. And always keep a safe distance, no matter how harmless you think the animal might be.

Indoor Camping Activities

If the weather outside is too cold, you can still have fun inside your tent! Sometimes you need some cozy indoor activities to take a break from the cold weather outside – especially if the weather turns bad.

Here are some activities to try while snuggled up in your tent:

27. Storytelling

Gather around the tent (with a flashlight to spotlight the storyteller) and take turns telling stories. This is a great way to bond with your family or friends and pass the time.

If you’re camping with teens or adults, you can turn these into ghost stories if you dare.

28. Play Board Games

Bring some board games with you on your camping trip for some indoor entertainment. There are so many fun camping board games to play that can give you hours of entertainment in the warmth of the tent.

The best bit, it’s time off screens, even if you aren’t out in the wilderness at every moment of your camping trip.

29. Read A Book

Sometimes an hour or two with a good book is the best way to spend a cold afternoon. Make sure to bring some books along on your trip.

30. Card Games

Card games are compact to pack on a camping trip and there are so many games you can play with a pack of cards. Here are some of the best camping card games to try.

31. Shadow Puppets

When camping with kids, shadow puppets are a great way to add a little fun to your time in the tent if they are feeling a little unsure.

Use your hands to make silly animals and tell stories to entertain the family.

32. Journaling

Bring your journal and take some time to reflect on your camping trip. Write about the activities you did, the memories you made, and anything else that comes to mind.

Journaling can be a great way to relax and unwind while also documenting your adventures, all while curled up in your warm sleeping bag.

33. Have A Movie Night

Make sure your laptop or tablet is charged and turn your tent into your very own cozy indoor cinema. Snuggle up in sleeping bags and watch a movie together as a family or for a romantic couple activity for camping.

This is also a great option for rainy days when you can’t be outside enjoying the winter weather.

Tips For Camping In Winter

Before you head out on your cold weather camping, here are some tips to plan your next winter camping trip to make sure everyone stays safe and warm and has a great time in the outdoors:

• Pack warm and waterproof clothing: Be prepared for any snowy, cold, or wet weather by packing plenty of warm and waterproof clothing. This includes base layers, outer layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.
• Bring proper camping gear: Make sure to have a suitable tent, sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures, and a reliable source of heat. Consider investing in a good-quality tent designed for winter camping and make sure your beds are off the cold ground.
• Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated, even in the cold weather. Pack plenty of water and warm drinks like tea or hot chocolate.
• Plan for shorter days: With less daylight during the winter months, plan your activities accordingly and make sure to bring extra light sources such as lanterns or headlamps.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia: Learn the signs of hypothermia and make sure to take precautions to prevent it. If someone in your group is showing symptoms, immediately seek shelter and warm them up.
• Check weather conditions before heading out: Always check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for any changes or unexpected storms. If necessary, postpone or cancel if there are safety concerns.

Conclusion: Things To Do On A Winter Camping Trip

Winter camping doesn’t have to mean sitting inside your tent all day trying to escape the cold weather. There are plenty of fun winter camping activities for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Whether you’re camping with adults, kids, or a mix of both, there are endless options for staying active and having fun in the winter wonderland.

So don’t let the cold weather hold you back from experiencing the great outdoors during the winter months.

Find more ideas for camping activities:

• Fun activities for camping with toddlers
• Fun activities for camping with teens