6 Cozy Winter Activities the Whole Family Can Enjoy
We all know that winter in Texas can be unpredictable. February can still bring cold days that keep families indoors. When the temperatures drop, it helps to have a list of go-to activities that keep kids entertained and parents sane.
Here are family-friendly things to do in and around Round Rock when the cold weather settles in. From making backyard bonfires to attending craft classes, discover cozy activities perfect for families in Texas.
In Texas, we might not get the feet of snow our northern neighbors deal with, but that damp, bone-chilling cold can still keep us cooped up inside. When the weather decides to turn frightful—or at least delightful enough for a light sweater—you need a game plan to keep the kids entertained without resorting to screens all day. We’ve got you! Below, we’ve compiled six great ideas for cozy winter activities your whole family can enjoy. Get ready to make some memories, because we are fixin’ to have a good time!
Host a Backyard Bonfire
We Texans love our backyards, and cooler weather just means it is time to fire up the pit. You truly can’t beat the feeling of gathering around a crackling fire as the sun goes down. Plus, you don’t need a fancy setup to make this work; a simple metal fire pit or a safe clearing will do the trick nicely.
The main event, naturally, is the s’mores station. You should stock up on graham crackers, chocolate bars, jumbo marshmallows, and long roasting sticks to keep little hands safe from the flames.
But aside from the great company and food, a bonfire night is the perfect excuse to tell stories. Turn off the porch lights, let the fire be your only illumination, and swap ghost stories, family legends, funny memories from the past year, or hopes for the new one. If the kids get restless, you can teach them how to safely tend the fire. Just remember to check the county burn ban status before you strike that match, because safety should always come first.
Plan a Family Game Night Tournament
When the roads ice over and the city shuts down for that annual snow day, staying inside is your only option. Instead of retreating to separate rooms, clear off the dining table for a serious tournament. Classic board games are great, but you should introduce the kids to 42 (dominoes) if they haven’t learned it yet. It is the state game of Texas, and it trains the useful skills of teamwork and strategy. Who said game night can’t be practical and educational?
You can also set up a bracket system for quick card games like Uno, Go Fish, Spades, or Crazy Eights. Keep a running tally of wins on a chalkboard or piece of paper to raise the stakes. You might even offer a prize for the winner, such as picking the next movie or getting out of dish duty for a night. The friendly competition brings out plenty of laughs and teaches good sportsmanship, regardless of who takes home the trophy.
Get Creative With Winter Crafts
A great way to beat the chill is to stay busy, and crafting lets you do just that. Using your hands to get creative will help you and the family pass a dreary afternoon productively and happily. Really, any project will do.
If you have super young kids, then they’d probably enjoy simpler projects. Paper snowflakes, homemade ornaments, pinecone bird feeders, and hand-painted rocks are easy and affordable options. You can use these creations to decorate the house or give them away as heartfelt gifts to neighbors and grandparents.
Or if you have a particularly crafty family and older kids, consider tackling a more complicated craft. Knitting, crocheting, or quilting could be great for y’all, especially since they teach practical skills perfect for winter. Imagine being able to sew your own blankets each year! To get over the learning curve quickly, consider attending a class. All you need to do is figure out what to bring to your sewing or quilting class and then show up. The teacher will take it from there!
Movie Marathon With a Blanket Fort
Streaming services have made movies accessible instantly, but you can do better than just sit on the couch with snacks in front of the TV. Elevate the experience for the family by building an epic blanket fort. Drag the dining chairs into the living room, grab every sheet and blanket in the house, use pillows for weights, and create a cozy cavern. This activity transforms a regular movie night into a whole event.
You could pick a theme for the marathon, like watching the entire Star Wars saga, classic Disney movies, westerns, or superhero flicks. Whatever you watch, though, you can’t go wrong. Snuggling up in a pile of blankets is so cozy and safe that the kids are sure to remember it forever.
Go on a Hot Chocolate Crawl
If you are feeling a bit adventurous and the roads are clear, why not sample the best hot cocoa in town? Many local coffee shops and bakeries put their own spin on this winter classic.
Alternatively, you can do this right in your own kitchen. Set up a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings and let everyone customize their mug. You can experiment with different types of milk, chocolate syrups, caramel drizzles, and sprinkles. Make it extra fun by taste-testing each other’s creations and voting on the best one.
Drive Through Holiday Lights
Even after December 25th, many light displays stay up through the New Year, and some permanent installations look beautiful all winter long. San Antonio’s River Walk, neighborhood displays in the suburbs, drive-through light parks, and town squares often remain lit up for weeks. It’s relatively easy to load your family into the car, and the payoff is magical.
Make the drive special by creating a festive playlist, turning up the heat, and enjoying the sparkling sights. It is a low-stress activity that captivates toddlers and teenagers alike.
Winter in Texas might be short and unpredictable, but it is definitely sweet if you know how to spend it. These months give us a break from the intensity of the rest of the year and allow us to reconnect with loved ones. So, the next time the temperature drops, do not just complain about the cold—embrace it. Your whole family has plenty of cozy winter activities to enjoy until the bluebonnets start popping up again.
