Winter can be a challenging time to find fun and engaging activities to do with your teen. Sure, it’s easy to leave them with an iPad and a movie, but unless you want them mindlessly scrolling all day, there needs to be a bit more structure to your cold-weather routine.

One-on-one time with your teen doesn’t have to be an overcomplicated or detail-oriented project; in fact, there are plenty of simple things you can do around your home to have fun and interact with one another!

While spending time with your teenager can certainly strengthen the bond between you both, it can also lead to improved communication – and, therefore, fewer issues in terms of behavior, both in your home and at school. Even everyday activities like cooking together, doing the dishes, or even folding laundry can present opportunities for you to engage positively with your teenager.

Aside from the sometimes mundane tasks of daily life that you can participate in with your child, we often need more ideas once the chill of the winter months rolls around. So we’ve compiled a list of a few favorite winter activities you can do with your teen to stay connected!

Fun Winter Activities

Have a Snowball Fight

Snowball fights bring back memories of your childhood. You might not think your teen would want to have a snowball fight….but that first snowball flying through the air might spark a little bit of friendly competition!

Gather the whole family for a giant snowball fight, or just spend some quality time with your teen tossing snowballs back and forth.

Try a New Winter Sport

if you enjoy spending time outside in the winter (and live in an area where it’s feasible), then trying a new winter sport might intrigue you and your teen.

Snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing and ice skating are all wonderful ways to burn off some energy, get some fresh air, and learn a new skill. If your child isn’t interested in sports or outdoor activities, perhaps they would enjoy going to see a hockey game or ice skating competition.

Shovel the Driveway

Granted, this isn’t the most fun if it’s your own driveway you’re shoveling. However, shoveling for an elderly neighbor or the new mom down the street can be very rewarding.

Grabbing your teen and heading outside to make quick work of a neighbor’s driveway and/or sidewalk can be a lesson in being able to do something nice for someone else and can give them a sense of responsibility and pride over their work.

This may even provide them with an idea for a small business to start.

Roast Marshmallows

Often thought of as a light night summer activity, roasting marshmallows in the winter can be just as fun – and bonus, the bonfire you’ve made before roasting your marshmallows can help keep you warm as you’re outside.

You can also use this opportunity to teach your teen how to make a bonfire, which can be amazingly satisfying when done right (and safely!)

Go Sledding

Another childhood pastime, sledding with your teen, can be a fantastic way to connect and have fun! Throw on your snow bibs, zip up your winter jacket, and find a local hill that can provide hours of sledding and laughter – for you and your teen!

Make Hot Chocolate

Connecting over a cup of hot cocoa is a simple and easy way to spend quality time with your child. You can each make your own flavored hot chocolate or play around with adding mint, marshmallows, chocolate syrup, and cinnamon, the works!

Make it a date, head to your favorite spot for hot drinks, and enjoy catching up.

Have a Movie Night

Yes, technically, you’ll be in front of the television for this activity, but you can make it a fun bonding experience. Grab a bunch of fuzzy blankets, add some fun twinkle lights to the living room, make that hot chocolate and popcorn, and let your teen pick out the movie of choice.

Try a New Recipe

The chilliness of winter inspires many to test out fresh soups, stews, muffins, and desserts from the warmth of a kitchen. If your child enjoys cooking (or has expressed interest in being in the kitchen), test out a new recipe.

If you need ideas, think about the things you usually eat. Do you love homemade bread? Are soups constantly on rotation each week? Search for a fun new recipe and make it together!

Do You Need Help For Your Teen?

These are just a handful of the many available ideas to help you better connect and engage with your teen during the winter months. If you’ve tried a few and realize that you still might need a bit more guidance, reach out to the specialists at Help Your Teen Now.

Not only can they work closely with you and your family to work through specific struggles, but they’ll also be available for community and support. So reach out today to find the best fit for you and your teenager!