8 Tips for a Cozy Winter Cabin Stay with Kids
There’s something magical about bundling up, heading to a winter cabin, and spending a few cozy days surrounded by nature with the kids. The snow-covered landscape, crackling fireplace, and sense of adventure make a cabin getaway the perfect family escape.
But traveling with kids can bring its own challenges, so a little preparation goes a long way.
To help you have a cozy, stress-free cabin experience with your whole family, this blog post is packed with 8 tangible tips that can help from start to finish!
How To Have a Stress-Free Winter Vacation With Your Kids
1. Pack Smart but Cozy
Packing for a winter cabin getaway with kids means choosing comfort and warmth above all else. Think about layers—sweaters, thermals, and puffy jackets that can be added or removed as needed.
If you don’t live in a cold climate and aren’t exactly sure what to pack for your winter getaway, we have a curated list of must haves to help you out!
In addition to everything on that list, a few recommended items that can often be forgotten include cozy slippers and thick socks.
Cabins can be chilly, especially if you’re planning on stepping outside to enjoy the scenery. It’s also smart to toss in a couple of favorite blankets or throws from home for an extra cozy touch, perfect for cuddling up with a book or watching a movie.
2. Bring a Winter Activity Kit
Keeping kids entertained is key, especially when snow or chilly temperatures might limit outside time. To beat the boredom, we recommend packing a winter-themed activity kit that’s easy to pull out anytime - some fun options include:
Coloring Books & Puzzles: A cabin stay is a great time to enjoy quiet activities, so bring along some coloring supplies, puzzle books, or even a favorite storybook.
Board Games and Cards: Family game nights in a cozy cabin can become a trip highlight. Choose games that are easy to pack and fun for everyone—think Uno, Connect Four, or classics like Go Fish.
3. Plan for Outdoor Adventures
One of the best parts of a cabin stay is getting to explore the beautiful winter landscape. Whether it’s a brisk walk, sledding, or even a mini snowball fight, kids love playing in the snow. Here’s how to make the most of your outdoor time:
Snow Play Essentials: If snow is in the forecast, pack sleds, snowball makers, and waterproof gloves and boots. Kids can play outside for hours as long as they’re warm and dry! Be sure to check out our shoppable winter must haves for the kids- from boots,to gloves to the warmest socks— we have you covered.
Winter Hikes and Nature Scavenger Hunts: Bundle up and explore nearby trails or wooded areas. Try a scavenger hunt for things like animal tracks, pinecones, or unique icicles—it’s a fun way to turn a simple walk into an adventure.
Hot Cocoa Tradition: After a play session in the cold, come back to the cabin for a warm-up with hot cocoa. Let the kids make their own with marshmallows, whipped cream, or sprinkles—a treat they’ll look forward to!
4. Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook
If your cabin has a big armchair, a comfy sofa, or a window seat, turn it into a cozy reading nook for the kids. Bring along a few winter-themed picture books and kid-friendly magazines that will keep them engaged. Favorites like The Snowy Day or Frosty the Snowman are perfect for setting the winter tone. Add a few pillows, plushies, and blankets for an extra snuggly spot for quiet moments.
5. Prep Easy, Comforting Meals
Cabin cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate to be satisfying. Keep meals simple, warm, and hearty—think of one-pot wonders like stew or chili that simmer away while you relax with the family. A few ideas:
One-Pot Dishes: Stews, soups, and pastas are easy to make and clean up, and they’re perfect for a cold day after outdoor activities.
Fun Breakfasts: Start the day with something cozy like pancakes, waffles, or cinnamon rolls. These feel special but are simple to whip up with a few ingredients. At the Pocono Bear Den, we leave our guests a quick recipe for Bear Den's Breakfast Wrap! With a few popular ingredients and a few minutes to whip up, it has become a fan favorite!
S’mores by the Fire: If the cabin has a fireplace or outdoor fire pit, take advantage of it for s’mores night! Bring along graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for a fun, easy treat that everyone can join in on.
6. Plan a Family Movie Night
What’s cozier than a family movie night while you’re nestled in a winter cabin? A mini movie theater setup can make it extra special:
Since some cabins have limited Wi-Fi, download a few family-friendly movies or shows before you arrive and make it extra special by adding popcorn and blankets! .You could also add in hot cocoa or warm cider to make it an experience the kids will remember.
We’re big fans of fun movie nights in our house, so if you aren’t sure how to bring this to life, click here to shop our curated list!
7. Embrace Quiet, Screen-Free Time
Cabin stays are perfect for a little screen-free family bonding. Encourage kids to bring journals and crayons to document the trip. They can draw what they see or write about their favorite cabin moments. A fun family activity can be storytelling by candlelight or firelight. Take turns telling stories, making up your own adventures inspired by the woods around you, or retelling classic tales.
8. Capture the Moments
Lastly, don’t forget to capture the memories you’re creating together. A few photos in the snowy outdoors or cozy shots by the fireplace will be wonderful keepsakes. Take advantage of the wintery landscape to capture beautiful famiily photos OR if you really want to create an experience that your kids will love, give them a disposable camera [we love this instant camera] or let them take a few supervised shots on your phone—it’s always fun to see the trip from their perspective.
A winter cabin getaway can be an amazing family experience, filled with cozy moments, adventures in the snow, and plenty of time for relaxation. With a few essentials, easy meals, and lots of activities, you’ll be all set for a memorable and enjoyable cabin stay with your kids.
Here’s to cozy winter adventuring!
Enhance your winter getaway experience with these additional resources:
How To Enjoy Winter (Even If You Hate It): Discover practical tips to embrace the colder months and find joy in winter activities.
Cozy Cabin Getaway: A How-to Guide: Learn how to plan the perfect cabin retreat, from booking tips to packing essentials.
WINTER CABIN PACKING LIST (FOR A COZY GETAWAY): Ensure you have all the necessities for a comfortable and enjoyable cabin stay.
Winter Wraps Us in the Cozy Comforts of the Season: Explore ways to embrace the warmth and magic of winter through various activities and comforts.
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