Winter Stories & Outdoor Play Ideas for Kids and Families

One of the great things about living in Michigan is that, rest assured, we’ll get to experience the change of the seasons. As we consider this change we might ask ourselves, “is there a way to connect literacy to winter?” And the answer is “Yes!” 

For me, I love winter books that not only explore the whimsy of the season but embrace all the sensory aspects that we hear, taste, see, and touch. We can feel the cold as it settles on our face and hear the ice as we walk down a sidewalk. So as we pull on our mittens and hats, let’s also highlight some great children’s literature that puts the season of winter on full display.  

The Snowy Day By Ezra Jack Keats 

Follow little Peter outside as he observes (and plays!) in the snow. 

Activities

Head right outside your front door on a day with newly fallen snow and just have fun! Build a snowman, lie down in the snow and create snow angels, or try to create a snowfort. And maybe if you're big enough, have a snowball fight. 

Red Sled By Lita Judge

What fun can a bunch of woodland creatures have on a child’s sled? A bunch! Wheeeeeee!

Activities

Did you know that Bloomer Park has a sledding and tobogganing hill? For a very nominal price you can bundle up the whole family and slide down these hills in whatever way you wish. Added bonus, they have heated restrooms on-site! 

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner 

Follow a child and their father as they discuss what’s under the snow while cross country skiing. 

Activities

Take a little time to go visit the Avon Nature Study Area that features 102.5 acres of nature trails and wildlife viewing. See if you can identify animal tracks and snug hidey-holes. Check out the pond and talk about the wildlife and what might be snoozing in the cozy mud.

My Winter City By James Gladstone

Travel with a child and his father as they experience a winter day in the city. 

Activities

Isn’t downtown Rochester such a cool and walkable city? Bundle up and take a walk through the streets! Can you find ways in which the city in the book is the same as downtown Rochester? Can you find ways that make them different? Don’t forget that downtown Rochester looks completely different in the evening when it turns on 1.5 million lights for its annual Big, Bright Light Show which begins on ‘Lagniappe’ and happens every night from late-November until mid-January. 

Lastly, if you are looking for something fun to do please consider attending our ‘Winter Wonder Library’ on Friday, January, 23 at 6 PM or the Free Winter Carnival Family Event held at Bear Creek Nature Park on Saturday, January 24. They will both be tons of fun!

This post was written by Miss Kim, Youth Services Librarian Extraordinaire at RHPL.