The Winter Olympics are coming, and my kids have suddenly decided that our backyard sledding hill is basically the halfpipe. They’re commentating their own runs, demanding scores, and arguing about who gets to be the “Snowman” (that’s the yeti mascot, obviously).
If your living room is currently doubling as a luge track or you’re just looking for ways to harness that post-cocoa energy, I’ve got you covered. Here are 12 Winter Olympics activities for kids that will turn your home into a miniature Games village. No experience required.
Outdoor Snow Activities (If Winter Actually Shows Up)
Let’s start outside, assuming Mother Nature cooperated this year. If she didn’t, skip ahead to the indoor stuff—I won’t tell.
1. Backyard Biathlon
Ever wonder why skiing and shooting go together? Me neither, but it’s a blast for kids.
We set up a simple “ski” course by having the kids run laps on boots in the snow. Then, we place a few targets at the “shooting range.” Instead of rifles, we use squirt guns filled with water (or snowballs) to knock down plastic cups stacked in a pyramid.
The key here is the penalty loop. Miss a target? They have to do a fun penalty—like 5 jumping jacks or a silly dance—before continuing their lap. It keeps the competition fierce but friendly. IMO, the sillier the penalty, the better the laughs.
2. Figure Skating (The Driveway Edition)
Unless you have a frozen pond in your backyard (if you do, can we be friends?), you’ll need to improvise.
Grab some plastic disposable tablecloths or large garbage bags. Have the kids stand on them on a flat, snowy surface. Hold onto their hands and pull them gently across the snow. They’ll feel like they’re gliding on ice!
We pretend the driveway is the main rink in Beijing, and I act as the overly dramatic commentator. “And they stick the landing on the triple axel… oh, and they’ve fallen into a snowbank!” It’s a core memory, I swear.
3. Snow Curling with “Stones”
Curling is that sport we all pretend to understand every four years. It’s also ridiculously easy to replicate.
You just need two teams, a target (draw a circle in the snow with food coloring diluted in water), and some “stones.” We use frozen water balloons or plastic containers filled with water and frozen overnight.
Grab a mop or a broom for sweeping, and let the kids slide their stones toward the target. They can sweep the snow in front of the stone to help it glide further. It’s a surprisingly strategic game that keeps them busy for at least 30 minutes. That’s a parenting win in my book.
Indoor Olympics (For When It’s Too Cold to Function)
Let’s be honest, sometimes the wind chill is just cruel. That’s when we bring the Games inside.
4. DIY Bobsled Run
This is a staple in our house when cabin fever hits.
Grab a long cardboard box (like from a big online delivery), cut it in half lengthwise, and tape the two halves together to form a long, U-shaped tube. Prop one end up on the couch or a stack of pillows to create an incline.
Then, find small “bobsleds.” We use Hot Wheels cars, but LEGO mini-figures riding on the lids of markers work great too. Time each run to see whose sled is fastest. Warning: this leads to intense debates about aerodynamics and whether the LEGO guy’s scarf is creating drag. :/
5. Sock Skating Rink
Hardwood floors + slippery socks = instant entertainment.
Clear a big space in the living room, put on some energetic music, and let the kids “skate” around. For an extra challenge, set up empty plastic bottles as cones for them to weave through.
To make it feel more official, I cut out numbers from construction paper and safety-pin them to their backs. They love it. My downstairs neighbors? Probably less so. But hey, go for gold, right?
6. Freestyle Skiing with Pool Noodles
If you have pool noodles hiding in the basement, now is their time to shine.
Hand one to each kid. They become skiers. Then, play some dramatic instrumental music. The goal is to perform a freestyle routine—spins, jumps, and “tricks”—while holding the noodles like ski poles.
We set up a “judging panel” (stuffed animals on the couch) that holds up scorecards. It’s hilarious to watch them get serious about their choreography. FYI, the dog always gives them a perfect 10.
Arts, Crafts, and Games (The Creative Gold Medals)
Sometimes you need to lower the heart rate. These activities are perfect for a quiet afternoon.
7. Medal Making Station
No Olympics is complete without hardware.
Break out the cardboard, aluminum foil, ribbon, glue, and markers. Have the kids design and create their own medals. We trace cups to make perfect circles, cover them in foil, and attach a ribbon.
But here’s the twist: we don’t just give them out for winning. We award them for things like “Best Sportsmanship” during board games or “Most Creative Sledding Technique.” It reinforces the idea that everyone has a talent worth celebrating.
8. Torch Relay with a Twist
The Olympic torch is iconic. We make our own using paper towel rolls and tissue paper (red, orange, yellow) stuffed into the top.
Then, we set up a torch relay around the house. The course goes from the front door, through the kitchen, over “mountains” (couch cushions), and into the backyard. Time each kid to see who can complete the course the fastest without dropping the torch or losing their tissue paper flame.
9. Winter Olympics Bingo
This is my secret weapon for when I need 20 minutes of quiet to drink my coffee while it’s still hot.
Create bingo cards with winter sports and symbols—skiing, snowboarding, a medal, a Yeti, a mug of hot chocolate, etc. As you watch recorded Olympic highlights or just browse photos online, the kids mark off what they see.
First one to yell “BINGO!” wins the honor of picking the next movie. It’s simple, educational, and surprisingly effective at keeping them engaged.
Food and Celebration (The Victory Lap)
What’s a Gold Medal effort without a celebration?
10. Build-Your-Own Hot Chocolate Bar
This is non-negotiable in my book.
Set out mugs of hot chocolate and a spread of toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
- Mini marshmallows
- Caramel sauce
Let the kids customize their own “victory drinks.” The mess is worth it for the look on their faces when they pile on the marshmallows. They get to be creative, and you get a photo op that will embarrass them later. Win-win.
11. Olympic Ring Snacks
You are what you eat, right? Let’s eat the rings.
Use Fruit Loops or Froot Loops (the generic kind work great) and have the kids string them onto string licorice or yarn to create edible Olympic rings necklaces.
For a healthier option, arrange colored fruits on a plate in the iconic ring shape: blueberries (blue), blackberries (black), raspberries (red), orange slices (yellow), and green grapes (green). It’s a fun way to teach them about the five continents represented by the rings while they snack.
12. The Living Room Closing Ceremony
End your “Games” with a proper closing ceremony.
Turn off the lights, grab some flashlights or glow sticks, and let the kids perform their best routines one more time—whether it’s a dance, a joke, or just marching around with their medals.
We usually end with a screening of a favorite winter-themed movie. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day full of competition. They feel celebrated, and you feel like the coolest parent on the block.
So, there you have it. Twelve ways to go for the gold without losing your sanity. Do your kids have a favorite Winter Olympics activity? I’m always looking for new ideas to add to our lineup—drop them in the comments!
