Winter Activities For The Whole Family

I previously did a post on fun things to do in the snow, but these are great winter/Christmas activities for your family! The best part is, they can be done with kids of just about any age!

I know winter is a busy time with school and extra activities, but the cold and short days can be hard for a lot of people. There are some really fun things to do that can help beat the winter blues!

• Ice Skating. Some towns have community rinks that are free, and others, like Campus Martius, cost a few dollars. But it's outdoors and a fun winter-only activity. I wish I could still ice skate.
  
• Baking. Whether it is assembling a gingerbread house kit or making something from scratch, you'll have so much fun and create a lot of memories. Plus, your house will smell amazing :)
• Driving To See Christmas Lights. In Wayne County, Michigan, we have the HInes Drive lightfest. It's a road that is lined with light displays and it so cool! There is a local church that does an amazing light show as well. Wherever you live, there is probably some street, neighborhood, or church that really goes all out with the Christmas lights. Spend an evening driving to see the decor!
• Eat S'mores. If you have an indoor fireplace or a gas stove, you can enjoy s'mores in the winter! I know they are traditionally a summer treat, but sometimes it's fun to have them in the dead of winter.
• Read Books. While you're "stuck" inside, consider starting a read-aloud book or series. A chapter or two each night and you could real quite a lot over the winter. I recommend The Chronicles of Narnia or Little House On The Prairie, if you need a suggestion. But anything you have in your home that you think your kids will enjoy is a winner
• Put Together A Puzzle. If you have the space, grab a big, intricate puzzle and leave the pieces out on a table. People can work on it in a spare moment and you can make dedicated time to sit and give it attention as well. If you get a really complicated one, this could take weeks :)

What things does your family do in the winter? Share your fun activities with the rest of us so we can try them too!