Winter Trends for Kids in the USA

As winter continues to chill the USA, parents are looking for exciting and engaging ways to keep kids entertained, active, and creative. From interactive toys and immersive indoor activities to thrilling outdoor adventures, here’s a detailed look at what’s trending for kids this winter.

Outdoor Activities

1. Snow Tubing with Themed Gear

Snow tubing is becoming a popular alternative to traditional sledding, and kids are loving themed gear featuring their favorite sports teams and characters. Officially licensed NFL and Disney snow tubes are making waves, allowing kids to showcase their fandom while gliding down snowy hills. These high-quality tubes offer durability and speed, making them an exciting addition to any winter outing.

2. Building Snowmen and Snow Forts

Classic winter activities like building snowmen and crafting elaborate snow forts remain timeless favorites. With new tools and kits designed specifically for snow play, children can take their creations to the next level. Snow brick makers, sculpting kits, and color sprays allow for customized, artistic snow sculptures, adding an extra layer of fun.

3. Winter Scavenger Hunts

Parents and educators are organizing outdoor scavenger hunts that turn an ordinary winter day into an adventurous exploration. Kids can search for items like pinecones, icicles, animal tracks, and winter birds while enjoying the crisp, fresh air. Many families are also incorporating nature journals to document their findings.

4. Ice Skating and Frozen Ponds Adventures

Outdoor ice skating remains a beloved winter activity, and many towns are setting up pop-up rinks to accommodate growing interest. Families who live near frozen ponds (and have checked for safety) are also introducing kids to pond hockey, a freeform and fun variation of the sport.

5. Sledding Races

While sledding has always been a winter staple, competitive sledding races are now trending, where kids and parents set up tracks with small jumps and obstacles to add an element of challenge. Glow-in-the-dark sleds and LED-equipped tracks are making nighttime sledding a unique and exciting experience.

Indoor Activities

6. Arts and Crafts Projects

With kids spending more time indoors, arts and crafts have become a top trend. Parents are seeking out themed DIY craft kits, such as holiday decorations, candle-making, and pottery painting. Personalized crafts like handprint keepsakes and homemade winter wreaths are also trending.

7. Science and STEM Experiments

Winter-themed STEM kits are rising in popularity, with children conducting fun experiments like making artificial snow, creating ice volcanoes, or growing crystals. Subscription boxes that deliver monthly STEM activities are becoming a go-to gift for young scientists.

8. Virtual Travel and Cultural Exploration

With technology making the world more accessible, families are embracing virtual travel experiences. Online museum tours, interactive cultural workshops, and virtual zoo visits allow kids to explore new places from the warmth of home. Augmented reality apps further enhance these experiences by bringing historical sites and wildlife encounters to life.

9. Family Board Game Nights

Board games are making a major comeback, with families embracing classic and new games alike. Titles like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and cooperative games such as Pandemic Legacy are engaging both kids and parents. Themed trivia nights and puzzle challenges are also becoming favorite weekend traditions.

10. Indoor Obstacle Courses

To help kids stay active during colder months, parents are setting up indoor obstacle courses using furniture, tunnels, and balancing activities. Ninja warrior-inspired challenges, including climbing holds and mini trampolines, encourage both physical activity and problem-solving skills.

Popular Toys and Games

11. LEGO Sets and Construction Kits

LEGO remains a top pick for kids this winter, with new sets based on popular franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter. Advanced building kits that incorporate motors and coding elements are also becoming favorites among older kids interested in STEM.

12. Interactive Playsets

Immersive playsets like Playmobil’s Haunted Ruins and Barbie’s Winter Wonderland house are gaining popularity. These sets encourage imaginative storytelling and role-playing, keeping kids engaged for hours.

13. Sensory Toys and Fidget Items

Squishmallows, kinetic sand, and pop-it toys continue to trend among kids of all ages. Winter-themed sensory bins filled with artificial snow, glitter, and small figurines provide a calming and interactive experience.

14. Video Games with Family-Friendly Features

Gaming is still a major trend, with family-friendly titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Minecraft, and Just Dance 2024 Edition leading the way. Parents are looking for games that offer cooperative play and physical movement to keep kids engaged while avoiding excessive screen time.

15. Augmented Reality and Smart Toys

Educational AR toys, such as Osmo’s learning kits and LeapFrog’s interactive books, blend technology with hands-on play. These products make learning math, reading, and problem-solving more engaging through digital enhancements.

Winter-Themed Entertainment

16. Winter Movie Marathons

Families are organizing themed movie nights featuring winter classics like Frozen, The Polar Express, and Home Alone. Streaming services are also introducing new holiday specials and kid-friendly winter series.

17. Holiday Baking Challenges

Baking is becoming an interactive family tradition, with kids getting involved in cookie decorating competitions and DIY gingerbread house challenges. Subscription baking kits are making it easier for families to enjoy festive baking without the hassle of ingredient shopping.

18. Cozy Reading Nooks

Parents are setting up reading nooks with fairy lights, comfy blankets, and themed bookshelves filled with winter and holiday-themed stories. Popular book series like The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter are making a resurgence in winter reading lists.

Social and Community Trends

19. Winter Volunteering and Giving Back

More families are involving children in community-driven activities like donating toys, writing holiday cards for nursing homes, and participating in food drives. Teaching kids about kindness and generosity is becoming a major winter trend.

20. Subscription Boxes for Kids

From science kits to art projects and cooking challenges, subscription boxes tailored for children are becoming a favorite gift idea. These monthly surprises provide ongoing entertainment and learning opportunities.

21. Digital Playdates and Online Clubs

As technology connects kids across distances, virtual playdates, online book clubs, and multiplayer educational games are allowing children to stay social even when stuck indoors.