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Don’t let your kids end up stuck indoors with these winter garden games! No need for thick snow or big spaces to get them moving, that even you might want to join. Here are some ideas you can set up right at home.
Safety note: Check surfaces for ice or puddles before games and keep sessions short so kids stay warm.
Playful Kids Winter Garden Game Ideas
These winter garden games are simple and safe enough for any garden.
Classic tag
Tag is always a winner. Kids don’t notice the cold because they’re running the whole time. Swap who’s “it” often, and that way nobody ends up standing around.
If your garden is on the small side, set a boundary to stop the chase from spilling into wet or slippery spots. Add twists, like only running on the grass or tagging with a soft ball, to make it extra lively!
Mini obstacle course
An obstacle course is great for burning off energy when it’s cold. Grab what you already have, such as chairs, buckets, or even a laundry basket—and set them up in a path. Don’t stretch it too far, though, as patios, gravel paths, or even lawns can be slippy.
A few sprints, a crawl under a chair, then a jump over something safe is all it takes. Kids will love the challenge, and you can make it more exciting by timing them or letting them race each other.
Kids playhouse hide and seek
Hide and seek gets a new twist with a playhouse. It lets your kids weave around their hideout during the chase, adding fun obstacles. Just stick to areas that aren’t wet or muddy, and ensure the floor inside the playhouse is safe for running.
Introduce a rule, like “touch the playhouse before hiding,” to keep the pace up. You can also set a time limit for each round to create short bursts, keeping everyone active and warm.
Freeze chase
This outdoor game will get the kids moving without long breaks. One child tags another, and that person has to stay still until someone comes to “unfreeze” them. Paths around the playhouse are a good spot to play. Keep the rounds quick, and let kids make up their own ways to unfreeze each other.
Always check the area for slippery spots or obstacles to avoid accidents!
Quick relay races
Divide the players, and you can join in too, into small teams so everyone gets a turn. Mark a start and finish line, and keep the distances short; long laps can mean kids get cold waiting for their turn. Use a soft ball, beanbag, or a small toy to pass.
Mix it up with challenges at each leg, like hopping, skipping, or zig-zagging around objects.
Scavenger hunt dash
Grab some small toys, beanbags, or soft balls that won’t get ruined if they touch wet ground. Hide them around the garden, and avoid muddy or slippery patches. Set a timer and let them dash to collect as many as they can.
Tip: Make the challenge part of the game itself. For instance, have them bring each item back to a base before grabbing the next.
Kickabout football
Try a mini football game where teams are small, so everyone is running almost all the time. Use a soft ball that won’t hurt if it hits the ground or someone.
Switch the rules, like only being allowed to shoot after passing twice, to shake things up. Better yet, having to run to a marker before scoring. Let the kids change positions and make their own small decisions.
Wooden playhouse cafe game
Turn the playhouse into a cosy winter café with cups, plates, or pretend food. Kids can take orders, run out to “collect ingredients” from a spot in the garden. Then, they can deliver hot cocoa or snacks to their friends. This would also look cheery next to a Santa’s Grotto shed during the holidays.
The idea mixes pretend play with running around. Having them “serve warm drinks” also gives it a seasonal, wintery feel.
Round-up
These winter garden games give kids a reason to get outside and burn energy, even on chilly days. Keep sessions short, keep them moving, and they’ll come back inside warm and happy.
And speaking of the holidays, this is your sign to surprise your child with a playhouse if they don’t have one yet. When the next winter comes, their outdoor games will be even more exciting. Check out your options here: Children’s Playhouses – A Christmas Gift-Buying Guide
