Last Updated: October 11, 2022
Happy winter solstice friends! As this year comes to a close, we’re trying to get into the spirit of celebrating winter and cold weather. December feels easier for celebrating winter, when it’s fresh and new and the holidays are here. January and February – the depths of winter – are a bit tougher. So here are our ideas for a winter bucket list for young kids – preschoolers and toddlers. Just like my other seasonal bucket lists, you’ll find activity ideas for kids, a printable winter bucket list, and a list of winter holidays. Plus, a small list of local Portland winter ideas.
Winter Bucket List Ideas: Activities
- Create a solstice spiral to welcome winter and do a spiral walk.
- go to the snow!
- go sledding
- make a snowperson (snowman, snowlady, snow animal etc)
- go on a winter hike
- cut down your own Christmas tree in national forest
- make garlands or gather natural material for holiday decor
- find Christmas lights in your neighborhood to bike or walk
- make a winter lantern
- refresh your favorite winter books or add to your collection
- make air dry clay ornaments or hand prints
- roll beeswax candles
- dry orange slices to make a festive winter garland
- cut paper snowflakes
- get outside everyday or another winter outdoor challenge like a weekly hike or # of miles etc.
- update any kids winter gear – consignment shops are great for this
- take a break from outside play with some indoor active toys!
- learn about Martin Luther King Jr – books, speeches etc
- watch the inauguration
- look for ways to learn about Black History month in your city
- make orange pomanders with oranges and cloves
- learn a new winter sport or activity – snowshoeing, ice skating etc.
- feed the birds
- make a kid-friendly snack board
- have a snowball fight – no snow? roll up some socks!
- make Valentines cards or other crafts
- read books about love!
- get bundled for a winter bike ride adventure to a different part of town
- learn about Daylight Savings time
- create your own “March Madness” bracket game – best hot chocolate? best snacks? etc
- look for four leaf clover on St Patricks day
- start planning for your spring garden
- start a spring bucket list!
Winter Holidays 2022/2023:
Winter solstice is December 21, 2022 – March 20, 2023. Sometimes we use full months as seasons – like winter is December, January, and February (so March is spring). But this list follows the more technical winter season from the Winter Solstice (Dec 21) to the Spring Equinox (March 20).
- December 21 – Winter Solstice (WINTER begins)
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- January 16 – MLK Day
- January 22 – Chinese New Year
- February 1 – First Day of Black History Month
- February 12 – Super Bowl Sunday (US)
- February 14 – Valentine’s Day
- February 20 – Presidents’ Day
- February 21 – Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras
- March 1 – First Day of Women’s History Month
- March 8 – International Womens Day
- March 12 – Daylight Savings Time Begins
- March 14 – March Madness
- March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
- March 20 – Spring Equinox
Local Area Winter Bucket List Outings & Events:
We also like to find some local activities to add to our winter bucket list as outings. Check your local tourism website for seasonal ideas. Or search for “winter events” + your city. Here are some of activities we can hopefully still enjoy in some aspect!
- Winter Light Festival
- Lunar New Year Festival
Winter Bucket List Printable
Here is your bucket list free printable! Fill it with ideas from the list above! Download here.
As usual, I hope this idea list gets you started on some exciting winter adventures and plans! Remember this list is intended to be fun and give you some ideas for things to occupy your kiddos. If it’s stressful or a production – especially in light of an ongoing pandemic – please skip it!
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