MAKING MEMORIES IN THE SNOW: WINTER FUN WITH KIDS

WRITTEN BY SHANNON BEVER | PHOTOS SHANNON CONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY

Wintertime offers a special kind of magic— fluffy snowflakes, cozy layers and that brisk air that seems to invite daytime adventure and cozy nights. For parents with young children, it’s not just about keeping them entertained during the colder months, but also about creating memories worth capturing. As a photographer and a mom of four, I find that winter is full of fleeting, picture-perfect moments. Below are some of my favorite winter activities that not only keep kids engaged, but also offer incredible opportunities to snap some beautiful photos that create tangible memories.

Outdoor Winter Play: Snow Angels, Sledding and Snowball Fights

Nothing beats bundling up and heading outside to play in the snow. Activities like sledding, building snow forts or simply rolling around to make snow angels not only keep kids active but also provide a great backdrop for candid photography.

Photography Tip: Capture action shots of kids sliding down hills or mid-snowball throw. To freeze the motion, use a fast shutter speed. The joy on a child’s face while sledding down a hill or chucking a snowball is priceless. Cell phones are pretty good at stop motion but if you want to stop the motion even more, switch to the pro feature on your smartphone and adjust the speed or use burst mode.

Bonus: Photograph footprints or sled tracks in the snow—those patterns tell a story of the day’s adventures.

Winter Walks and Hikes

A winter hike through snow-covered woods or a stroll through your local park can become a family favorite. Kids love to look for animal tracks, frozen streams and icicles. This is a great opportunity to teach little ones about nature and how it changes in winter.

Photography Tip: Bring a zoom lens to focus on details like frost on leaves or tiny footprints in the snow. Don’t forget to take a wide shot of your kids bundled up, standing against the backdrop of snowy trees for a “winter postcard” look.

Ice-Skating

at a Local Rink

Ice-skating is a classic winter activity that guarantees plenty of laughs (and maybe a few tumbles). Many towns open outdoor rinks, adding to the seasonal charm. Kids love trying to master their balance, and even the wobbly first attempts make for sweet memories.

Photography Tip: Capture the moments when kids are learning—those flailing arms and beaming faces when they glide for the first time. Try a panning shot to emphasize their movement across the ice.

Winter Crafts and Baking Days

When the weather is too cold or snowy, indoor activities like baking cookies or making holiday crafts offer plenty of fun. Kids love creating things with their hands, and it’s a perfect time to snap photos of them focusing or proudly displaying their finished masterpieces.

Photography Tip: Use natural light from windows to illuminate their faces while they work. Candid shots of kids kneading dough or painting ornaments can be just as enchanting as posed pictures.

Family Movie Nights with Hot Cocoa

Some of the best winter memories come from quiet moments spent at home. Cozy up with the family, blankets, hot cocoa and a good movie. These lazy days are great for relaxed, unposed photos that showcase the comfort and joy of being together.

Photography Tip: Use soft, ambient lighting for cozy photos. Capture little details like hands wrapped around a mug of cocoa or kids giggling under blankets.

Seasonal Events and Light Displays

Winter festivals, holiday parades and neighborhood light displays bring color and excitement to the darker months. Load the kids into the car, take a drive and stop at any light display. Not only is it fun, but the festive scenes create beautiful photo opportunities.

Photography Tip: Bring along a tripod for nighttime shots and use a slower shutter speed to capture the twinkle of lights. Include your children in the frame to show their wonder as they experience the holiday magic.

Here’s a list of some other fun activities you can do outside and around the house with kids of all  ages; you’d be surprised at how well the little ones adapt to what are usually “big kid” activities.

Outdoor Winter Activities:

1. Build a Snowman or Snow Fort – Get creative with scarves, sticks and other decorations!

2. Winter Scavenger Hunt – Make a list of things to spot in nature (icicles, pinecones, animal tracks).

3. Go on a Hot Cocoa Picnic – Pack warm drinks and snacks, and find a scenic spot to enjoy.

4. Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing – A great way to explore and burn off energy.

Backyard Winter Adventures:

Indoor Winter Activities:

1. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar – Let kids pick toppings like marshmallows, candy canes and whipped cream.

2. Craft Snowflakes from Paper – Easy, creative and fun for all ages.

3. Winter-Themed Sensory Bins – Fill bins with cotton balls, rice or fake snow for hands-on fun.

4. Pajama Dance Party – Play favorite tunes and dance around to shake off cabin fever.

5. Read Books by the Fireplace – Make it cozy with pillows, blankets and hot tea or cocoa.

6. DIY Holiday Cards or Decorations – Craft cards for friends, family or local nursing homes.

7. Puzzle or Game Night – Pick a big jigsaw puzzle or enjoy family board games.

8. Science Experiments with Ice – Freeze objects in ice and let kids figure out how to free them (with warm water or salt).

1. Backyard Campfire and S’mores – Gather around the fire pit for warmth and treats.

2. Winter Scavenger Hunt – Make a list of winter items (pinecones, icicles, red berries) for kids to find.

3. Light Up the Snow – Put glow sticks or fairy lights in the snow for a magical evening display.

4. Create an Ice Lantern – Freeze water in a bucket with leaves, berries or flowers, then place a candle inside.

5. Snow Obstacle Course – Build snow walls, tunnels and jumps for kids to run through.

6. Winter Bird Feeding – Hang bird feeders and watch birds visit for food.

Capture the Moments That Matter

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy both the magic of the outdoors and the warmth of indoor activities. It offers endless activities to keep kids busy and entertained, but don’t forget to go outside for some winter fun to beat those cabin fever blues. These experiences become stories—a collection of moments that you’ll look back on for years to come.

So, the next time you’re outside building a snowman or sipping hot cocoa by the fire, don’t forget to bring your camera along, even if it’s just a cell phone, because the best camera to use is the one you have on hand. Life moves fast, but wintertime slows us down just enough to appreciate these fleeting moments. After all, these are the kinds of memories that warm our hearts long after the snow has melted.

Shannon Bever owns Shannon Conrad Photography Helena, MT.