• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
An Off Grid Life
  • Off Grid Living
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • Homeschooling
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Off Grid Living
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • Homeschooling
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Off Grid Living
    • Self-Reliance
    • Homesteading
    • Food
    • Homeschooling
    • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Homeschooling Off The Grid

    Outdoor Christmas Activities for Families

    Published: Nov 13, 2022 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

    Share!
    TwitterFacebookEmailFlipboard33Pinterest
    33
    SHARES

    If your winters are anything like ours, chances are you'll have at least one family member who doesn't want to venture outside one day. Or more than one day. Cold temperatures, biting winds, ice and snow can make December days tough to deal with. 

    That's why I created this free downloadable calendar of a month's worth of outdoor Christmas activities for families. You'll find a link to sign up for it down at the bottom ⬇️  of this post.

    Child outdoors in winter with snow and with Santa out onPin

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

    Plan Your Outdoor Christmas Activities for Families

    Fresh air and physical activity are essential to good health. Yet today, many adults and children spend more time indoors than ever.

    According to Yale University, a study of 12,000 children and adults found that more than 50% of Americans spend less than five hours a week outdoors. And once that temperature drops, it can be even more challenging to get inspired to go outdoors.

    And if you homeschool and work from home as I do, online lessons, educational though they may be, mean more time sitting in front of a screen. 

    Schedule Outdoor Time Daily

    So it would help if you had a plan. Start by scheduling at least 45 minutes of outdoor time each day.

    If you work from home, this could mean your outdoor Christmas activities for families happen when you break for lunch. 

    Related: 5 Simple Pioneer Christmas Activities

    Got younger kids? Head out right after lunch. Forty-five minutes of fresh air will help prepare them for nap time.

    Start a Family Hiking Habit

    Outdoor Christmas Activities text overlay on image of a child bundled up outdoors in the snowPin

    Last year, our family had to self-isolate for a two-week stretch. My husband Dan and I took this opportunity to start a new habit. We head out daily with our 11-year-old and 8-year-old. We tried to go around 2:30 pm after their homeschool day was complete. 

    Whatever your family's situation, introducing regular outdoor activity with a Christmas theme for the month is a fun way to start.

    And if you're working towards a green Christmas, you'll get a chance to gather some natural and recyclable Christmas decor too. Or supplies to make some rustic and pioneer Christmas crafts.

    Dress Your Kids for Cold Weather

    When you dress appropriately for the outdoors, it's easy for even the youngest children to enjoy the winter days.  Take care to make sure their feet and hands are extra warm, and if it's below freezing, keep an eye out for frostbite.

    We sometimes use plastic between two layers of socks to keep little feet warm. Handwarmers in mitts are also helpful. And a quick smear of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly high on the cheeks helps combat frostbite too.

    Give your kids something to look forward to when they return. Maybe a hot chocolate and read-aloud time with an old-fashioned Christmas book for kids.  

    Pin

    BLACK FRIDAY SALE: $15 off Monthly Subscription, $20 off Quarterly Subscription, $25 off Full Year Subscription - Valid 11/27 - 12/2

    Start a New Tradition with Outdoor Christmas Activities for Families

    Although our family lives in the middle of nowhere (literally), and it's easy for us to run outside and get immersed in a snow-filled forest, not everyone has that opportunity.

    That's why this list includes a variety of outdoor activities.

    Check it out, and then sign up to grab your free printable calendar. It includes these activities in a grid format to print out and post on the front of your fridge.

    (Note: yes, I know there are 31 days in December and only 23 activities listed here. Include 7 "kids choice" days and let your children select their favorite outdoor Christmas activity for your family. You can see how I schedule them on the calendar.)

    Want More Ideas for Christmas Activities?

    Head over to our sister site, Thrive at Home, for our 12 Days of Christmas series!

    You might also like...

    • 10 Old-Fashioned Christmas Books for Kids
    • 5 Simple Family Pioneer Christmas Activities
    • Rustic and Pioneer Christmas Crafts for Kids
    • 9 Ways to Have a Green Christmas
    • Eco-Friendly Gifts
    • Homemade Gifts from the Kitchen

    Like this post? Save it for later and share it with a friend!

    Outdoor Christmas Activities for Families text overlay on image of kids sledding in winterPin
    31 Outdoor Christmas Family Activities text overlay on image of family skating Pin
    Share!
    TwitterFacebookEmailFlipboard33Pinterest
    33
    SHARES
    « Living Off The Grid in Winter: How We Prepare
    Seasonal Homestead Checklists »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Craft Attic Resources

      November 18, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Great ideas!!

    2. Ann @ Live The Old Way

      November 18, 2020 at 7:17 am

      This is a great list! Your post has been chosen as one of our features this week on the Homestead Blog Hop #315!

    3. Dee | Grammy's Grid

      November 18, 2020 at 3:10 am

      All fun things, building a snowman, making snow angels, hanging lights, love it all! Thanks so much for linking up with me at #AThemedLinkup 34 for All Things Christmas. Shared.

    4. Laurie Cover

      November 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      I like your list.
      I mostly like it because it’s simple, old-fashioned ideas. I get weary of overdone activities. Simple is just refreshing.

      Thank you for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop!

      Blessings!
      Laurie
      https://www.ridgehavenhomestead.com

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Dan Hosfeld and Sarita Harbour of An Off Grid Life

    Hi, I'm Sarita! My family and I started living off the grid nine years ago. And if I did it, you can too!

    Learn more here →

    Popular

    • Sourdough Discard Biscuits on Plate
      Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe
    • Gardeners Soap wrapped in twine.
      Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe
    • Sourdough Discard Crackers in jar.
      Sourdough Discard Crackers
    • Beeswax wrap covering bowl
      How to Use Beeswax Wraps

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions

      Newsletter

    • Sign Up Here

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Harbour Content Development Inc.