Cozy Up to Connection: Family Fun for Wisconsin’s Colder Months

As the crisp autumn air gives way to winter’s chilly embrace, many families look for creative ways to remain active and connected. The colder months offer some fantastic opportunities to build strong connections and create lasting, treasured memories. From indoor fun to outdoor activities, Wisconsin offers lots of ways to enjoy family outings, even when the temperatures begin to cool off.

Build Connections with Other Families

The Wisconsin Family Connection Center (WiFCC) provides many free and fun family events throughout Wisconsin all year. Be sure to visit the WiFCC’s Calendar of Events page for upcoming family events throughout Wisconsin. To see what’s coming up in different regions of the state, check out the Eventbrite collections from the WiFCC.

Museums & Discovery Centers

Many Wisconsin cities boast incredible children’s museums, science museums, tribal museums and cultural centers, and historical sites. Many museums offer interactive exhibits with digital components. Before you go, explore the museum’s website or app for scavenger hunts or digital guides. Take photos and create a digital scrapbook of your visit!

Public Libraries

Libraries provide free access to materials, information, and technology (books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, digital resources, internet/Wi-Fi, research assistance, and literacy programs). In addition, free arts and craft activities and educational and cultural enrichment programs are offered for children, teenagers, and adults. Many libraries now check out a vast variety of items, allowing you to try out new hobbies before you buy any materials.

Community Resources and Indoor Recreational Centers

YMCA’s, YWCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, park and recreational centers, indoor and outdoor ice rinks, indoor climbing centers, indoor waterparks, bowling alleys, indoor mini golf, escape rooms, and indoor community pools are a few examples of fun family activities that everyone in your family could enjoy. Shared physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and creates opportunities for encouragement and celebrating achievements.

Community Events & Performances

Community calendars are a great way to discover upcoming events in your area. Indoor concerts, plays, educational seminars, cultural events or celebrations, cooking classes, interactive arts and crafts, magic shows, and holiday-themed events are a few examples of activities you and your family could try together.

Staycations

Sometimes staying at home can be an absolute blast. When was the last time you created a fort in your living room or tried a new recipe where everyone worked together? In our technological world, it can be pretty refreshing to dust off a board game, put on some music, and enjoy an indoor family campout!

Connect with Cultural Roots

Because we often find ourselves indoors more during the colder months, it can be a perfect opportunity to bond over family stories and connect with the cultural roots of each family member. See our handout, “Celebrating Racial & Cultural Roots: 5 Joyful Activities for Connection” for even more ideas! 

Outdoor Adventure Opportunities

Some families look forward to participating in exhilarating outdoor activities. Wisconsin offers many opportunities to enjoy nature in the colder months, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing, ice fishing, and ice skating. There are also numerous opportunities to cheer on athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who compete in these events. And afterward, you and your family can warm up by a roaring fire, toasting s’mores!

Click on the links below to discover exciting outdoor adventures in the Winter Wonderland of Wisconsin:

Creating family memories happens every day, all year long! Our team at the Coalition hopes these ideas help you enjoy quality time together during the colder months and beyond.