Winter is here, and we’ve got 55 fun activities for kids. These activities are perfect for keeping kids entertained and creative. They’re great for making memories during the holidays.
Our list includes everything from indoor crafts to outdoor fun. It’s all about keeping kids active and engaged, even when it’s cold outside. We’ve picked activities that are both fun and educational, making them easy to do at home or in the community.
Key Takeaways
Comprehensive list of 55 December activities for kids
Activities cover a range of indoor and outdoor options
Activities designed to be fun, educational, and easy to implement
Suitable for various age groups and interests
Aim to keep kids engaged and active during the winter season
Fun December Activities for Kids
Winter is here, and it’s a great time for kids to get creative. They can make DIY snow globes or winter slime. These activities spark their imagination and keep them happy all holiday season.
1. DIY Snow Globes
Let your kids be artists with DIY snow globes. You’ll need jars, glitter, small figurines, and water. They’ll learn about snow globes and have fun making them.
2. Make Winter Slime
Slime is always a hit with kids, and winter is a great time to make it special. Add glitter, fake snow, or small snowflakes to make it winter-themed. Your kids will love playing with it.
3. Create Pinecone Bird Feeders
Help your kids connect with nature by making bird feeders from pinecones. Coat pinecones in peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Hang them outside for birds to enjoy.
4. Snowman Building Contest
Host a snowman building contest to enjoy winter. Everyone can build their own snowman. Give prizes for the tallest, most creative, or silliest snowman.
Nothing says “December” like holiday cookies! Bake some cookies, grab icing and sprinkles, and let the kids create their masterpieces.
6. Friendship Bracelet Craft
Get some beads and string to make friendship bracelets. Not only are these fun to make, but they’re also perfect for gifting to friends or family.
7. DIY Advent Calendar
Instead of buying one, make your own advent calendar with small bags or envelopes. Fill each with a special note or treat.
8. Paper Snowflake Cutting
All you need is paper and scissors! Let the kids create intricate snowflake designs to decorate the windows.
9. Build a Hot Cocoa Station
Set up a special area with cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and fun toppings like crushed candy canes. It’s a delicious way to warm up after outdoor play.
10. Homemade Ornaments
Use materials like salt dough, pinecones, or even pasta to create homemade ornaments that your kids will love hanging on the tree.
These activities are great for kids to be creative and enjoy winter. They’re perfect for winter crafts for toddlers, winter crafts preschool, or easy december activities for kids. Your kids will have a blast with these december activities for kids preschool.
December Craft Activities for Kids
Get ready to channel your inner crafter this December! Our collection of fun and creative craft activities offers endless opportunities for kids to explore their artistic side. From festive popsicle stick sleds to winter-themed painting projects, these projects are designed to spark imagination and cultivate fine motor skills.
11. Popsicle Stick Sleds
Transform ordinary popsicle sticks into adorable mini sleds perfect for decorating or imaginative play. Kids can customize their sleds with glitter, pompoms, and other fun embellishments to create unique winter-inspired masterpieces. This simple december craft activities for kids project is a great way to upcycle household items and ignite their creativity.
12. Winter-Themed Painting Projects
Unleash your child’s inner artist with vibrant december activities for kids art projects. Encourage them to create snowy landscapes, icy crystals, or festive holiday scenes using acrylic paints, watercolors, or even finger painting. These christmas crafts for children allow kids to explore various painting techniques while celebrating the magic of the season.
13. DIY Reindeer Hats
Get ready for a jolly good time with these whimsical DIY reindeer hats. Using construction paper, pipe cleaners, and a touch of creativity, kids can craft their own unique reindeer headpieces perfect for holiday dress-up or school performances. This easy diy projects for kids activity promotes fine motor skills and imaginative play.
14. Sock Snowmen
Transform plain white socks into adorable december craft activities for kids with this cozy craft. Kids can stuff socks with rice or cotton to create plump snowmen, then decorate them with buttons, googly eyes, and other festive trimmings. This simple project is a great way to upcycle old socks and create charming winter decorations.
15. Handprint Mittens (Winter Crafts for Toddlers)
Trace your child’s hand on construction paper, then cut out two mitten shapes. Let them decorate their mittens with cotton balls or glitter for extra flair.
16. Pinecone Christmas Trees
Paint pinecones green and add decorations to make mini Christmas trees.
17. Holiday Wreath Making
Gather leaves, berries, and branches to make small wreaths that can hang around the house.
18. Snowflake Ornament Craft
Cut out snowflake shapes and decorate with glitter and beads for festive tree ornaments.
19. Paper Plate Santa Masks
Use paper plates and craft supplies to make funny Santa faces.
20. Glitter Pinecones
Roll pinecones in glue and glitter for a sparkly, easy December activity.
These december activities for kids art projects, christmas crafts for children, and easy diy projects for kids are sure to keep little hands busy and minds engaged this holiday season. Encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and a touch of holiday cheer with these delightful December craft ideas.
Outdoor December Activities for Kids
Winter is coming, and there are many fun outdoor activities for kids in December. They can enjoy winter sports and nature adventures. These activities help kids feel the holiday spirit and make memories with their families.
21. Ice Skating Trip
An ice skating trip is a classic winter fun. It helps kids improve their balance and coordination. Many places have public skating or indoor rinks for families to enjoy together.
22. Sledding Day
Sledding is an exciting winter activity for kids. Find a safe hill for them to sled down. It’s a fun way to get active and bond with the family.
23. Build a Winter Fort
Building a winter fort is a fun challenge for kids. They can make simple snow structures or big snow castles. It’s a great way to use their creativity and work together.
24. Bird Watching Adventure
Bird watching is a great way for kids to learn about winter wildlife. They can spot different birds, set up feeders, or visit nature centers. It teaches them about nature and observation skills.
25. Winter Scavenger Hunt
Plan a winter-themed scavenger hunt with items like pinecones, red berries, animal tracks, and more.
26. Snow Painting with Food Coloring
Fill spray bottles with colored water and let the kids “paint” on the snow.
27. Snow Angel Competition
See who can make the best snow angel or create a whole family of angels.
28. Nature Walk to Collect Winter Leaves
Collect unique leaves and branches for crafts at home.
29. Have a Bonfire with S’mores
If it’s safe to do so, set up a small bonfire and roast marshmallows with the kids.
30. Build an Igloo
If you have a lot of snow, work together to build an igloo or snow shelter.
These activities are great for kids to stay active and enjoy nature in December. By doing december outdoor activities for kids, winter break activities, and fun winter activities at home, families can have lots of festive family fun during the cold months.
Indoor December Activities for Kids
Winter is here, and it’s time for fun indoor activities. These will keep your kids happy and learning during the holidays. They can enjoy cozy movie nights, creative DIY projects, or brain-stimulating challenges. These activities will make boredom disappear and help your kids grow.
31. Family Movie Night (December Holiday Activities)
Turn your living room into a movie theater for a family movie night. Use holiday films, blankets, pillows, and snacks to make it festive. Let your kids make their own tickets or crafts to make it even more special.
32. DIY Photo Booth
Create a DIY photo booth for endless fun. Use holiday hats, scarves, and props for silly photos. These photos will be treasured for years.
33. Read-Aloud Time with Holiday Books
Have a cozy time reading holiday books together. It’s a great way to bond and improve reading skills. It’s a special way to spend time together.
34. Indoor Obstacle Course
Build an indoor obstacle course with household items. It’s a fun way to keep kids active and engaged. It’s perfect for cold December days.
35. Holiday Card Making (December Literacy Activities)
Set up a card-making station where kids can create holiday cards for family members, friends, or neighbors.
36. Family Game Night
Pull out board games, cards, or trivia for a fun evening.
37. Host a Mini Dance Party
Put on some festive music and have a dance party!
38. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Use graham crackers or gingerbread pieces to create mini holiday houses.
39. Hot Cocoa and Story Time
Enjoy hot cocoa while reading a classic holiday story.
40. Build a Blanket Fort
This is a winter classic! Set up a cozy fort with blankets and pillows.
These activities are full of learning and fun for the holiday season. They help kids stay active, creative, and connected with family. These ideas will keep your kids happy and busy all winter.
STEM December Activities for Kids
Want to add some learning to your holiday fun? These STEM-based December activities for kids are educational and entertaining. Our STEM december activities for kids will make learning fun and hands-on.
41. Build a Snow Volcano
Combine baking soda and vinegar in a small container inside a mound of snow for a cool “volcano” effect!
42. Ice Crystal Experiments
Experiment with salt, food coloring, and ice cubes to see how ice crystals form and change. It’s a simple yet fascinating project.
43. Candy Cane Science Experiment
Place a candy cane in water, vinegar, and other liquids to observe how it dissolves at different rates.
44. Build with Marshmallows and Toothpicks
Kids can create different shapes and structures by connecting marshmallows with toothpicks.
45. Make a Holiday-Themed Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with rice, beans, holiday-themed toys, and small seasonal items for a winter sensory experience.
46. DIY Ice Lanterns
Freeze water and small objects in containers to make “ice lanterns” you can light up outside.
47. Salt Crystal Snowflakes
Grow salt crystals on pipe cleaner snowflakes.
48. Holiday Coding Games
Try free online coding games with holiday themes.
49. Snow Measuring Experiment
Measure how much snow falls each day with a ruler.
50. Make Your Own Snowstorm in a Jar
Create a fun snowstorm effect with water, oil, and Alka-Seltzer tablets.
December Kindness and SEL Activities for Kids
Encourage kindness this season with activities that focus on giving and compassion. These December SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities are great for teaching kids the joy of helping others.
51. Donate Toys to Charity (December Kindness Activities)
Have your kids choose toys they no longer use to donate to a charity. This helps them understand the importance of giving.
52. Create a Gratitude Jar
Each day in December, write down something you’re grateful for and place it in a jar. At the end of the month, read them together as a family.
53. Write Letters to Elderly Neighbors
Encourage kids to write thoughtful letters or draw pictures for elderly neighbors or residents at a local nursing home.
54. Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Create an advent calendar with a different act of kindness for each day. This can be as simple as sharing a compliment or helping a sibling.
55. Make Holiday Cards for Service Members
Let kids make holiday cards to send to service members who are away from their families.
Conclusion
As the chilly December air sets in, families begin to look for ways to keep their kids engaged and entertained during the holiday season. December cooking activities for kids can be a wonderful way to spark creativity and encourage teamwork. From baking gingerbread cookies to preparing festive dishes, these activities not only provide a fun hands-on experience but also teach valuable life skills, such as measuring ingredients and following instructions. Taking advantage of these moments in the kitchen can create lasting memories, allowing children to feel a sense of accomplishment as they share their culinary creations with family and friends.
Moreover, when it comes to keeping school-age kids engaged, December activities for school age kids can range from educational games to community service opportunities. Encouraging kids to participate in local charity events or volunteer at shelters introduces them to the spirit of giving while reinforcing lessons in empathy and compassion. Whether through engaging in winter-themed science experiments or participating in spirited holiday challenges, there are countless ways to keep children active and learning throughout the month. The key is to find activities that resonate with their interests and foster a sense of community and joy during this special time of year.
In conclusion, the month of December offers a plethora of opportunities for enriching children’s lives through fun cooking experiences, printable resources, and meaningful community involvement. By combining education with holiday cheer, families can create a season filled with joy and learning, ensuring that their little ones not only enjoy the festivities but also develop skills and values that will last well beyond the holidays. Embracing these activities can lead to a fulfilling and memorable December, where every moment spent together becomes a cherished highlight of the season.