Getting outside at night offers a sense of calm after a busy day with the kiddos. Family winter play after dark can help calm some of the busiest bodies.
The dark sky, the quiet street, the freshly fallen snow and the crisp night make for a relaxing breath of fresh air and some time to clear the mind (especially if you head out after bedtime for a few moments of “me” time).
There is something about being outside during winter nights that just makes me happy. My all time favorite time to run is at night, after a freshly fallen snow. The fresh snow makes everything so quiet and the low clouds make everything brighter, making for a truly peaceful run.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!
Take Advantage of the Night
With winter here we have shorter days and longer nights so, just because it is dark outside doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. Winter brings an average of 14-16 hours of darkness each day. It might be easy to stay inside because it is dark out, but so much fun can be had when you take advantage of the longer nights.
We hope these activities, tips, and gear suggestions help you to have fun with your family and stay safe while getting outside in the winter night.
Looking for more ways to beat the winter blues? Here are 9 ways to beat the winter blues. Also be sure to check out our Affirmation Cards For Getting Outside for some more inspiration. You can also check out ALL our winter posts here (we hope some will encourage you to embrace the cold and just get out!)
Watch a Sunrise or Sunset as a Family
One of the perks to longer nights is later sunrises and earlier sunsets. Unlike summer where you might have to be up at 4:00AM to see the sun come up, during winter you can sleep in a few extra hours and still catch a beautiful winter sunrise.
Summer sunsets can keep kids out way past their bedtime, but winter sunsets happen before some of us even have dinner!
Bundle up the family and head out to catch a sunset with some hot cocoa in hand before settling in for the night. I like to use www.timeanddate.com to check out the sunrise, sunset, or moon phases.
Go Play Under the Full Moon in the Dark
A full moon and a snowy landscape can make for a bright night. This is a great time to get out and go for a snowshoe, hike, bike ride or even go sledding.
The bright moon often gives off enough light that you don’t even need to use an extra light to see. It’s simply magical.
See a Whole New Sky With a New Moon
Opposite the full moon, the new moon is when no moon is visible from Earth, meaning dark and starry nights. Grab a star chart and head out of town to a spot where there is minimal light pollution and check out the sky.
Look for shooting stars, constellations, or even the aurora borealis!
You can bundle up and hike to a good spot or view from a cozy car, especially if you have one of those panoramic moon roofs. Just don’t forget to be courteous to other night sky viewers and make sure you keep your headlights off once you are parked.
Wondering where a good, dark place might be? Look here to see if you have a Dark Sky Park nearby.
Get Out and Play in the Dark
It doesn’t matter when or how you do it, but getting outside and playing is a great way to spend time together as a family. Here are some games and activities you can do under the winter night sky.
For more ideas for outdoor games and toys, check out our Ultimate Outdoor Games & Toys Gift Guide.
Nighttime Capture the Flag
This summer time classic has gone to the night. Check out this glow in the dark version of capture the flag. Then, grab your family and friends, set up your territories and get playing…in the dark!
Enjoy a Glow or Candlelit Event
Many nature preserves or parks often have winter glow or candlelit hikes/snowshoes/XC ski events you can attend.
Ask your local nature center, preserve, or local park system if they offer any events like these. If not, you can always make your own using some of the gear below. Glowsticks are always a hit with kids.
Flashlight Tag
This summer night classic game can be played all year round. All you need is some space and flashlights. Check out some lights we recommend below.
Night Skiing or Sledding
Check with your local resorts or ski areas to see what night skiing options are available. They may have lighted downhill and/or lighted cross-country ski areas. Local sledding hills may even be lit! They may even have some special events like glow or candlelit.
Ice Skating
Ice skating under the lights or stars can be a fun evening activity. If you have your own skates, there are many places where you can skate for free (check your public parks). If you don’t find a fun lighted rink that may of some other amenities available, like skate rentals and fire pits for s’mores!
An activity I am looking forward to doing sometime is a lighted ice trails through the forest. There are a few around the Midwest and and I am sure others are popping up elsewhere. And if you have your own skates, getting out on some wild ice under the full moon can be lots of fun (just make sure you know your ice).
Nighttime Scavenger Hunt
Jot down some things or animals you may see or hear in the night sky. Next, get dressed, grab a flashlight and head outside to see what you can find or hear. This can be tailored to all ages and abilities.
Light Up the Night All Winter Long
Winter nights can get dark, early. So, check out the items below to help you stay safe, light the way and have some fun when the sun goes down!
Noxgear Tracer 360 Vest
With a variety of color settings to choose from and a reflective band, the Noxgear vest will make sure you are seen when you are out in the dark. Great for nighttime walks and runs. Not suited for rough play as the light loops could be damaged.
Noxgear now has a kids vest – the Tracer Jr. that is more durable than the regular tracer version. They also have a Lighthound harness for your furry friend.
Reusable Glow Sticks
The possibilities are endless with some glow sticks. Let the kids run around with them, make snow ghosts, or just put them under the snow for some nighttime fun.
Clip on LED Safety Lights
These lights are handy to attach to almost anything, bikes, strollers, kids. They have a built in clip or come with velcro straps to loop around. Three light colors and three settings: steady, fast strobe, slow flash.
Cycle Torch Rechargeable Bike Light
This bright light is perfect for attaching to a stroller, kick sled, or your bike. It has three brightness settings and a strobe setting.
Reflective Tenacious Tape
These strips and patches are great for adding reflective details to helmets, bikes, strollers, jackets, shoes, or anywhere else! They are durable and bright!
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp
A favorite headlamp among a few of our kids here on the blog. Its kid friendly design is easy to use and the multi-color LED light is a kid favorite. Strap one on your kid’s head and they might stay out all night.
Light Up Your Backyard
Grab some string lights and decorate your back yard, swing set, or play area. Everything is always more fun under twinkle lights! You can run an extension cord or get some solar powered lights. We use solar white lights for brightness on ours or grab some colored lights for more fun.
Just Get Out!
Just because its dark, doesn’t mean you still can’t have some fun. Now that you have some ideas for things to do or ways to light up, get out and play under the night sky! Don’t forget to share your adventures with us!
Feeling a bit more adventurous and want to get out and go winter camping? Check out this post for some tips and tricks: Winter Camping for Families or Winter Backcountry Cabins with Kids
Related Articles:
- How to Stay Visible at Night
- Ice Cleats for Kids and Adults for Winter Hiking
- Outdoor Winter Fun Gifts
- 25 Best Children’s Books About Winter
- 100+ Ideas for Outdoor Family Fun
Family Winter Play After Dark
© 2025, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.