Winter Fun Activities for Families (Who Don't Ski)

If your family is looking for frosty adventures that completely avoid zipping down ski hills, look no further than this list! We’ve gathered 9 ideas for winter fun activities for families that are not skiing, but will ensure you’re still making the most of the winter season.

1. Holiday Light Festivals & Drives

There’s nothing quite as magical as a walk or drive through fun and festive holiday lights! Children will be awed by larger than life Christmas decorations and displays. Holiday music is often played so that you can sing and dance along as you go through. If you can’t get to a Christmas light event, take a drive or walk around your community and enjoy the decorations your neighbours have displayed.

Some wonderful events include the Polar Winter Festival and the Lions Festival of Lights.

2. Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Most communities large and small will host a tree lighting ceremony. Residents gather together to watch and celebrate as one or many Christmas trees are lit for the first time of the season. Check with your local and surrounding areas to see what is offered in your neighborhood.

3. Skating

If your family aren’t skiiers (yet?), but still wants to get active, skating is a great alternative. Head to a nearby arena or outdoor skating rink and get ready for the most classic of all winter fun activities for families! Most skating clubs offer skating lessons in the winter months, and some even offer adult lessons if you’re all just starting out.

4. Theatre & Shows

Many theatres are showing classic Christmas plays like A Christmas Carol or ballet performances of The Nutcracker. If you’re near Toronto, tickets to The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle are still available. This exhibit projects over a million frames of the well-loved holiday story around you as you explore 500,000 cubic feet of winter enchantment. If you’re closer to Ottawa, take a look at Holiday Cirque, a circus performance with gravity defying feats set to holiday tunes.

Spoil your family with a wonderful performance they’ll never forget!

5. Charitable Events

The holiday season is a great time to give back to your community! Look into donating to a food or toy drive, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen. The help of your family could really make all the difference in making the holidays of someone in need so much brighter.

6. Holiday Markets

These markets across the country are a great place to pick up items like handmade ornaments and unique gifts created by local artisans. You can also buy local produce, sweets, and baked goods.

7. Library Events

Check the library in your city to see if they are hosting winter events. Many libraries offer free holiday-themed events for everyone in the community. Some events may include story time, winter themed arts and crafts and movie nights.

8. Tobogganing

The best things in life are free! Head to a local park and bring your sleds!. Share the thrill of whizzing down snow covered hills with your little ones. Don’t forget to bring some hot chocolate in a thermos so that you can warm up afterwards!

9. Sleigh Rides

Is there anything that will get you more in the Christmas spirit more than dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh? Many farms offer horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter months. You’ll listen to sleigh bells jingling as you enjoy a scenic ride through nature. Some wonderful places to try include St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours in St. Jacobs, Ontario and Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis, Alberta.