Play in the snow

Most parents don’t have to ask their kids twice to go play in the snow, but if you have younger children, you’re going to need to supervise them and give them tips on what to do. For starters, teach your children how to build a snowman and snow forts. They may be too little for snowball fights, but they will love rolling the snowballs to make a snowman. Another idea for little ones is snow sculptures. Assembling a snowman can be tiring for young children because of the heavy lifting. Instead, have them build snow sculptures on the ground. To make it more interesting, mix water and food coloring in a spray bottle and let your kids color their sculpture or even paint pictures in the snow.

Go to the zoo

For a fun family weekend outing, try visiting your local zoo. At this time of the year, there won’t be many people and the zoo itself may be decorated with lights for Christmas. It can get a bit chilly, but if you’re all bundled up tight it can be more fun than going during the summer, especially if you bring a thermos full of hot chocolate to keep you warm.

Play games indoors

Though you don’t want your children to get too riled up inside, some structured games on bad weather days can help them burn energy and still leave the house intact afterward. Play games like hide and seek, duck-duck-goose, and Simon says. You can also play songs, and for little kids, you can play with finger puppets to act out a story.

Don't underestimate the power of reading a favorite book aloud to your kids, even in this digital age. Or better yet, take turns having them read along with you. The books read together now will become treasured memories in the years to come.

There are plenty of ways to have fun this holiday season even though the weather is bad. Don’t let a little snow and rain stop you from playing as a family. Just grab your coats, scarves, and mittens and play away the holiday season!

Skating season

Nothing screams winter like ice skating! The holiday break is the perfect time to teach young children how to ice skate. If they're having a difficult time picking it up, no worries. Just spending time at the rink itself, especially one outdoors, is a beautiful and fun experience they won't forget. 

Lots of lights

Decorating for the holidays is always a good time, but we all know those people that simply go above and beyond. Taking the kids on a drive through a holiday light show will have them captivated and in awe. Try scoping out local light shows in your area. There's likely many to choose from, varying from those in residential areas or larger viewings in public spaces.