The Winter Olympics are the perfect excuse to turn cold winter days into exciting family fun. From friendly competitions at home to creative crafts and themed snacks, there are so many ways to get kids involved while cheering on athletes from around the world. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, these Olympic-inspired ideas make watching the Games more interactive—and way more fun.
Host Your Own Backyard (or Living Room) Winter Olympics
You don’t need snow—or fancy equipment—to create your own mini Winter Olympics at home. Set up simple “events” using what you already have.
Easy event ideas:
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Sock skating races on hardwood floors
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Paper plate “curling” across carpet
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Snowball toss using rolled socks or cotton balls
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Balance challenges inspired by figure skating
Create a schedule, assign country teams, and let kids take turns being athletes and judges.
Make DIY Olympic Medals
Craft time meets Olympic pride with homemade medals kids can design themselves.
How to do it:
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Cut circles from cardboard or use jar lids
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Wrap with foil or paint gold, silver, and bronze
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Add ribbons or yarn to wear proudly
Bonus idea: Let kids design medals for different achievements—best teamwork, biggest smile, or most creative move.
Learn About the Sports (and the Countries!)
Watching the Winter Olympics becomes even more exciting when kids understand what they’re seeing.
Try this:
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Pick one sport each day to learn about
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Look up the rules together before watching
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Find the country each athlete represents on a map
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Learn fun facts about winter sports like bobsledding or curling
This turns screen time into a geography and cultural lesson without feeling like schoolwork.
Create an Olympic Torch Craft
An Olympic kickoff isn’t complete without a torch lighting moment!
Simple torch idea:
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Use an empty paper towel roll
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Decorate with markers, stickers, or paint
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Add tissue paper flames at the top
Let kids “light” the torch before the opening ceremony and parade it around the house.
Plan an Olympic Viewing Party
Make opening night special with themed snacks and cozy vibes.
Fun snack ideas:
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Popcorn “snowballs”
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Pretzel sticks for torch handles
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Hot chocolate bar with marshmallows
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Flag-themed fruit trays
Invite friends or extended family, or keep it a cozy family-only event.
Keep a Medal Tally Chart
Help kids follow along by tracking medals throughout the Games.
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Pick a few favorite countries
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Make a chart on poster board
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Update medal counts daily
This builds excitement and keeps kids engaged even between events.
Encourage Active Play Inspired by the Games
The Olympics are all about movement—use that inspiration to get kids moving too.
Try:
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Family dance breaks during commercials
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“Practice sessions” for jumps, spins, and speed walks
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Yoga poses inspired by winter sports
It’s a great way to burn off energy on cold days.
Why the Winter Olympics Are Perfect for Family Fun
The Winter Olympics are full of awe-inspiring moments, teamwork, and perseverance—making them a wonderful opportunity to spark conversations about goal-setting, sportsmanship, and trying new things.
With just a little creativity, you can turn watching the Games into an unforgettable family tradition that kids will look forward to every four years.
