A Winter Bucket List is good for everyone

​After the hustle, bustle and excitement of the Holidays is over winter can get everyone feeling a bit down. But this wonderous season that we are so lucky to be able to enjoy has a lot to offer! Even if you skip the really cold -25C days and opt for the more balmy -5C outdoor winter explorations you can still get everyone out and enjoying the cold.

We truly love bucket lists as they are a great learning tool to use at home. Building a bucket list with your kids 

• encourages and teaches goal setting
• motivates and challenges them to learn and try new things
• builds a sense of accomplishment 
• becomes something for them to talk about or share with their friends at school
• gets everyone outside during the cooler weather
• creates childhood memories which gives them a love of nature

Winter Playground Bucket List

To get you started, we have created a sample Winter Playground bucket list. Not everything on this list requires a playground and remember sometimes the simplest activities can be the most memorable. If you're following me on Instagram share your #Winterplaygroundbucketlist adventures! (just remember to make your account or posts public). We'd love to see what you and your kids come up with for their Bucket Lists!

1. Build a snowman
2. Play pin the smile or nose on the snowman
3. Build a snow fort
4. Build a quinzee (easier than a proper igloo with blocks)
5. Jump into a pile of powdery snow
6. Make a snow angel
7. Play Fox and Goose tag
8. Host a snowball target practice
9. Track Yeti footprints
10. Identify animal tracks in the snow
11. Play 'sardines' or 'manhunt' in a park or playground (rules found here)
12. Play a traditional game of hide and seek (snow piles and snow forts make this extra fun!)
13. Create art in ice
14. Watch bubbles freeze
15. Go sledding on a local hill (some resources can be found here)
16. Go skiing or tubing (local Durham Region resources)
17. Create a snowy obstacle course (think tunnels, climbing mounds, mazes, be creative!)

Keep in mind Ontario Winter Playground Safety; if the ground is frozen, the playground isn't safe.

​Remember, do not make the list too long as it may seem impossible to accomplish before you start a
​Spring Playground Bucket List!