Outdoor Snow Games to Play with the Whole Family This Winter
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
These outdoor snow games are perfect for cold-weather fun. Grab a coat and get ready to play!
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If you’re into fresh air and good fun, make the most of a wintry yard, driveway or other open space with these fun outdoor snow games. From classic family games to timeless adult favorites, these winter-ready experiences are the perfect way to keep your eyes on the prize (and off your devices). And they make a perfect family holiday gift!
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Snow Game
When looking for the best outdoor snow games, consider who will be playing. Skill-based games like oversized chess may be fun for older children. However, youngsters will likely prefer easier games like ring tosses or snowman building.
Additionally, those that experience several feet of snow should look for games that don’t require a lot of movement. Always keep your regional conditions in mind and try to plan any outdoor activities around the weather. If playing outside isn’t an option, an indoor activity like pool is a good way for the family to spend some quality time together in the winter.
The Best Outdoor Snow Games
- Best Overall Outdoor Snow Game: Inflatable Snowball Toss
- Best Budget Outdoor Snow Game: Reindeer Ring Toss
- Best Outdoor Snow Game for Groups: Flarts Floor and Yard Darts Game
- Best Outdoor Snow Game for Adults: Snow Chess
- Best Outdoor Snow Game for Couples: Winter Connect-More
- Best Outdoor Snow Game for Nighttime: Light-Up Bean Bag Toss
- Best Outdoor Snow Game for Older Kids: Winter Laser Tag
- Most Classic Outdoor Snow Game: Snowball Maker Kit
- Most Creative Outdoor Snow Game: Snow Painting Kit
Best Overall Outdoor Snow Game
Inflatable Snowball Toss
This nine-piece inflatable snowball toss set comes with an inflatable vinyl game piece designed to catch well-aimed snowballs. The first to score three in a row wins the game — and maybe some prizes. The game comes with small plastic balls in case there’s not enough snow on the ground, but it’s snow much more fun to use real snowballs or a set of fake light-up snowballs for those in warmer climates.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight vinyl material
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not puncture-resistant
Best Budget Outdoor Snow Game
Reindeer Ring Toss
Ring toss games are a classic way to enjoy time outdoors. Whether you give this inflatable reindeer ring toss as a Christmas gift or just want to have some “reindeer games” on-hand, it’s sure to make loads of winter memories.
“I bought this as a white elephant gift,” says one verified Amazon purchaser. “We had so much fun! We played group ring toss, all of us grabbing rings as fast as we could, and making ring shots on the two people who were wearing the antlers.
“Rings were flying everywhere — lots of laughter! Definitely livened up our party! It even comes with a little air pump.”
Pros
- Fits both kids and adults
- Chin straps for security
- Comes with an air pump
Cons
- Won’t withstand rough use
Best Outdoor Snow Game for Groups
Flarts Floor and Yard Darts Game
You can play Flarts in all four seasons or even indoors, but it’s especially fun when the weather is crisp and you find yourself working up a sweat trying to win.
This outdoor game set includes a double-sided mat featuring a classic darts graphic on one side and your choice of a monster or unicorn-themed graphic on the other. The darts are inflatable and present just the right amount of safe, challenging fun for everyone in the group.
Pros
- Challenging for adults, but still easy enough for kids
- Takes minutes to set up
- Target stakes included
Cons
- May require a motorized pump for inflation
Best Outdoor Snow Game for Adults
Snow Chess
Snow chess is exactly what it sounds like—except the pieces are huge. Each stands 12 inches tall, and the chessboard is more like a giant picnic blanket laid across a snowy field. Just think of the photo opportunities for next year’s holiday card!
Pros
- Weather-resistant materials
- Lightweight pieces are easy to move
- Nylon board folds up easily for storage
Cons
- Pricey
Best Outdoor Snow Game for Couples
Winter Connect-More
Need a little time together? This enormous take on classic Connect 4 offers just the right amount of relaxed fun and laughs to get you through the chilliest days. Pop on some cozy mittens and do your best to win. Keep this game on the patio or deck year-round—it’s perfect for entertaining during outdoor parties in the wintertime.
Pros
- Smooth edges prevent scratches
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy-to-follow rules for all ages
Cons
- Expensive
Best Outdoor Snow Game for Nighttime
Light-Up Bean Bag Toss
This clever bean bag toss (AKA cornhole) is ideal for all ages and comes in at an affordable price. It also makes a fun patio gift. Not only does this simple game improve hand-eye coordination, but it also inspires a competitive spirit since it’s skill-based. The best part? While typical bean bags may sink into the snow and vanish, these light up so they’re easy to spot.
Pros
- Light up beanbags won’t disappear in snow
- Durable, weather-resistant materials
- Foldable design for storage
Cons
- Requires batteries for light up components
Best Outdoor Snow Game for Older Kids
Winter Laser Tag
Tweens and teens will have hours of fun playing with this fun set. Heck, adults will love this laser tag set, too. It comes with four infrared laser guns and four vests. The vests slip over kids’ fleeces, jackets and sweatshirts with ease, but they’ll probably work up a sweat playing this on even the chilliest days.
Pros
- Rechargeable set comes with charging station
- Different game modes available
- LCD screen displays lives and stats
Cons
- No laser sensor on guns
Most Classic Outdoor Snow Game
Snowball Maker Kit
Old-school snowball fights are still a popular favorite, but small hands need a little assistance. These snowball makers are incredibly easy to use. Just open them up, scoop up some snow, and press the handles close. Voila—perfect snowballs in an instant!
For a little extra fun, each purchase comes with the several different shapes for variety. Included is a drawstring bag for easy storage once playtime is over.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Easy for little hands to use
- Included shapes add a little extra fun
Cons
- Smaller molds work better in sand
Most Creative Outdoor Snow Game
Snow Painting Kit
Make your own outdoor games or challenge each other to a snow art duel with a variety of colored chalk powders that offer hours of creative play for people of all ages. Simply fill a few ketchup bottles with the non-toxic powder color and decorate the snow by giving the bottle a squeeze. While the colors are incredibly vibrant, they’re still safe for the planet and wash off clothes easily with laundry detergent.
Pros
- Easy-open packets don’t require scissors
- Doesn’t stain clothes or landscaping
- Comes with 10 vibrant shades
Cons
- Perfumed smell may bother some
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a Shopping Editor at Family Handyman with expertise in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. For this piece, I consulted Benedict Ang, ACE CPT, PN1-NC. He has over 10 years of experience in the Health and Fitness industry and has helped hundreds of people get into the best shape of their lives.
Benedict Ang is an ex-national soccer player turned MMA and Kickboxing champion who’s been featured on ESPN, Yahoo, USA Today, Sherdog and Tapology. A believer in fitness’s transformative power, he empowers clients with passionate and personalized training and ignites results for readers by unifying his expert advice with a do-or-die mantra.
How We Found the Best Outdoor Snow Games
To find the best outdoor snow games, our Shopping Editors tapped into their imaginations. We started by identifying the games we loved as children. Then, we looked for modern twists on these games that make them appealing to both modern children and adults. After that, we considered how each game performs in the snow, choosing only those that offer oodles of cold-weather fun. From our original list of 20, we were able to narrow our picks down to the nine best outdoor snow games for families.
FAQs
How do children stay safe while playing in the snow?
“It’s important to ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather,” says Ang. “This means multiple layers of clothing, waterproof gloves and boots, and a hat to protect their ears and head. It’s also crucial to keep an eye on the weather conditions and limit their time outside if it’s extremely cold.”
Is there any benefit to playing in the snow?
“Yes! For one, it’s a great physical activity. Building a snowman or a snow fort, for example, can be quite a workout. It also encourages creativity and imagination,” says Ang.
“However, just like with any outdoor activity, supervision is key to ensuring safety. So, let your kids enjoy the snow, but always keep a watchful eye on them. Remember, it’s all about balance—safety and fun can go hand in hand.”
Originally Published: October 12, 2021
