Experience the magic of winter in your yard!

Quebec winters sometimes invite us to hunker down indoors. However, this season offers unique opportunities to create unforgettable family memories. The key? Transform your outdoor space into a welcoming winter playground and organize activities that make you want to get outside. Let's learn together to embrace the cold season and rediscover the pleasure of being outside!

1. Create an inviting outdoor space

To encourage the whole family to enjoy the outdoors, it's essential to keep your yard welcoming and functional, just like you do in the summer.

Create a warm atmosphere:

• Install LED lanterns along paths

• Arrange weatherproof string lights in the trees

• Place solar lights to mark important areas

• Add outdoor LED candles in wind-protected containers

Maintain accessible spaces:

• Clear snow regularly:

• The picnic table and its surroundings

• The little outdoor house

• The game modules

• The main access paths

• Keep the campfire area ready for use:

• Protect the wood under a tarpaulin

• Store fire starters in a sealed container.

• Keep the area around the fireplace clear of snow

Practical installation:

• Create a “winter station” near the entrance with:

• An easily accessible snow shovel

• Cushions and blankets in a waterproof chest

• Emergency lighting equipment

2. Make free play easier by organizing your yard

Even without a skating rink or slide, your backyard can become a winter adventure playground. The goal is to make play as easy and natural as it is in summer.

Play areas to maintain:

• Transform the sandbox into a wintery creative space:

• Keep shovels, buckets and rakes accessible

• Leave trucks and excavators available

• Create a “winter kitchen” bin with:

• Cake molds

• Small silicone muffin molds

• Assorted cookie cutters

• Dedicated kitchen utensils

Practical organization:

• Store equipment in clearly labeled, waterproof containers.

• Provide sheltered storage space for toys

• Keep snow tools within reach of children

• Create defined areas for different types of games

3. “Teaser” activities to motivate outings

Once outside, children naturally find their own games if the space is well organized. Here are some special activities that will make the whole family want to go outside initially:

The comforting winter picnic:

• Serve grilled cheese and hot soup in large mugs

• Take out a tablecloth, set out waterproof cushions or comfortable chairs

• Create a friendly space with a small coffee table or use the picnic table

• Use thermoses to keep drinks hot

The outdoor hot chocolate bar:

• Set up a stand with a thermos of hot chocolate

• Offer different toppings: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips

• Add insulated mugs and towels

• Create an ambiance with lanterns

Winter popsicle tasting:

• Turn your backyard into a frosty popsicle bar:

• Stick the sticks into the snow to create a natural display

• Choose comforting flavors: chocolate, wild berries, maple

• Set up comfortable chairs with cozy blankets

• Enjoy the fact that, for once, nothing is dripping onto your fingers!

• Create a memorable moment by photographing this unique tasting

Storytelling evening around the fire:

• Build a Safe Campfire

• Arrange comfortable seats in a circle

• Bring warm blankets

• Have marshmallows ready to roast

Mini Winter Lab: Experiments for Little Scientists

Turn your yard into an exploration lab with these questions to explore:

• "What happens if you blow soap bubbles in very cold weather?"

• Observe their gel

• Note the patterns that form

• “Do all liquids freeze at the same rate?”

• Test pure water, salt water, sugar water, juice

• Timing the freeze time

• “What makes snow melt the fastest?”

• Experiment with salt, sand, water

• Measuring melting times

• “How do different objects sink into snow?”

• Test different weights and surfaces

• Measure the depth of the prints

The magic of winter is revealed when you take the time to tame it. Going out, even if it's just for 5 minutes to drink a hot chocolate, does the world of good! By creating a welcoming environment and offering motivating activities, you will see your children naturally develop their own joyful relationship with this unique season!