Winter Activities for Kids: Staying Active, Connected, and Happy When It’s Cold OutsideWith St. Louis–Area Ideas for Families
By Lisa Tritto, MD, FAAP, DABOM
Board-Certified Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Specialist
Winter can feel long — especially for families with kids who are used to being outside and on the go. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and busy schedules can make it tempting to default to screens. The good news? Winter offers plenty of opportunities for kids to stay active, creative, and connected — even here in St. Louis.
Below are realistic, family-friendly winter activity ideas, including local options, that support kids’ physical health, mental well-being, and connection.
Outdoor Winter Activities in St. Louis
You don’t need perfect snow or hours outside. Even 20–30 minutes of fresh air can help reset mood and energy.
Great local outdoor options include:
Forest Park – walking paths, biking, and open space
Tower Grove Park – playgrounds and winter walks
Art Hill sledding (weather permitting)
Queeny Park – sledding hills and trails
Castlewood State Park – winter hiking
Lone Elk Park – wildlife viewing year-round
Saint Louis Zoo – animals are often more active in winter, and crowds are smaller
Parent tip:
Dress in layers, aim for short outings, and set expectations ahead of time so kids know it won’t last forever.
Indoor Movement (When It’s Just Too Cold)
Movement still matters — especially during darker winter months — and it doesn’t need to feel like “exercise.”
St. Louis indoor activity ideas:
The Magic House – interactive, movement-based play
Indoor swimming at local YMCAs
Ice skating at Brentwood Ice Arena
Indoor climbing gyms with youth programs (Upper Limits)
Trampoline parks for high-energy play (SkyZone)
At-home movement still counts:
Dance parties
Balloon volleyball
Indoor obstacle courses
Kid-friendly yoga or stretching videos
Creative & Learning Activities Around the City
Winter is a great time to lean into creativity and curiosity.
Local favorites:
Saint Louis Science Center – hands-on exhibits
Saint Louis Art Museum – free admission, family-friendly galleries
St. Louis County Library – story times, crafts, and STEM programs
St. Louis Public Library – winter programs and events
Community centers offering art, music, and enrichment classes
https://stlouiscountymo.gov/parks-recreation
At home:
Baking or cooking together
Art projects or LEGO/building challenges
Journaling or comic-making for older kids
These activities support creativity, problem-solving, and confidence — and they’re often calming for kids.
Family Connection Activities (Simple but Meaningful)
Winter is busy, but connection doesn’t need to be complicated.
Easy ideas include:
Family game nights
Movie nights with conversation afterward
Reading aloud together (even with teens)
Weekly “highs and lows” check-ins
Cooking one meal together each week
Connection supports emotional regulation and resilience — especially during winter months.
A Realistic Approach to Screen Time
Screens are part of winter life. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on balance.
Helpful strategies:
Pair screen time with movement before or after
Choose higher-quality content when possible
Set predictable boundaries
Model balanced screen use as adults
Extra screen time during winter is common — and okay — when balanced with movement and connection.
A Gentle Health Reminder for Winter
Winter can be a tough season for kids — not because families are doing anything wrong, but because routines shift. Shorter days, less outdoor time, schedule changes, and increased screen use are all very normal this time of year.
Rather than focusing on weight or numbers, winter is a great time to focus on health-supportive habits:
Regular movement in ways kids enjoy
Predictable routines around sleep and meals
Time outdoors when possible
Emotional connection and stress support
These habits support energy, mood, sleep, focus, and overall well-being. Health isn’t built in a single month — it’s shaped over time, with flexibility and compassion.
If you’re noticing ongoing struggles — such as changes in mood, energy, sleep, or increased stress around food or activity — it may be helpful to talk with a trusted healthcare provider. Support can look very different for every child, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
The Big Picture
Winter doesn’t need to be about doing more.
It’s about:
Moving regularly in enjoyable ways
Staying connected
Supporting emotional well-being
Creating routines that feel sustainable, not stressful
Small, consistent habits matter far more than perfect plans.
At Evora for Kids, we focus on compassionate, evidence-based care that supports children and families without judgment. If you’re looking for guidance or simply want to ask questions, we’re always happy to connect.
Dr. Lisa Tritto is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric and adolescent weight loss specialist. She is passionate about helping children and teens develop healthy habits in a supportive, nonjudgmental way, partnering closely with families to promote long-term health and well-being.
