FREE Winter activities for Kids AND Adults in Northern Ontario
Sliding with my big cousin during Christmas holidays.
Happy Winter! In Northern Ontario, winter can be cold and hard to manage (snow ,ice, etc.). But it can also be VERY fun! Here’s some ideas for activities for all ages , whether you are still a kid or just a kid at heart!
Outdoors
If you don’t have time or enough snow to build a snowman , then building a mini snowman can be super fun! And it’s easier for young children! If you want to get some fresh air, but it’s very cold outside bundle up as warm as you can and build a fort. This will make you work out and in turn keep you nice and warm! And when it’s windy you`ll have a nice wind shelter , and the more it snows the bigger it will become just shovel the snow inside your fort and put it on your walls! Go sliding (if you don’t have a sled a garbage bag always works) or find organization in your community which loan equipment like cross-country or downhill skiis (most have special times during the season when they do). Of course in February Family day and the Free-fishing weekend (Feb.18-20) in Ontario allow everyone to enjoy ice fishing without a licence and many Northshore communities host events during the weekend where equipment is available and volunteers are even on hand with ice-augers to cut holes in the ice for you! (Remember most public libraries in Ontario participate in tackle share and rod-lending programs – visit your local library for details).
If all else fails, make a snow angel! Here’s a fun idea, once you’re done, draw your snow angel a funny face, or even a speech bubble!
Sliding gets a little crazy as we loose control of which direction we’re facing going down!
Indoors
If the outdoors isn’t your thing, or it’s simply too cold to be outside then here are some indoor ideas:
- Play a board game, you can often find fun and original ones at the thrift store for under a dollar!
- If you’re alone, play a game of cards, memory games or solitaire are all great card games for 1 person plus you can always google “card games for one person“.
- Read a book, there’s a book for everyone, so go to your local library and choose a book or two!
- Finally, doodle while talking to friends and family on the phone, or take advantage of the day inside to plan for when the weather is kinder: a day of sliding, board games or even just a simple lunch together. There’s always something to do and you don’t have to be rich to enjoy some winter fun!
- Enter the colouring draw (CLICK for details of how to enter) for a chance to win a fishing prize package (from www.ontariofamilyfishing.com) Download image here: Winter 2017 Colouring Draw PDF.
Remember, the OntarioNewsNorth.com community calendar can also be a great place to find free (or almost free) events being hosted by community groups or non-profit organizations (and you can post your event there free).
Living in Northern Ontario winter can be discouraging and long OR it can become one of your favourite things if you are willing to bundle up or get creative! I’ve shared just a few of the things I like to do during winter, no doubt there are many more to add, in the comments below share YOUR favourite activities to do inside and outside in Winter.
Emeraude Hunter
