Here's five great family activities that will brighten and warm any family's wintry day. And they won’t cost you too much money. Try one of these outdoor ideas today!

1. Backyard Campfire. With a few safety precautions and some common sense, you can share a great time with your family right in your own backyard. Once you get a nice fire going, why not break out your camp cooking equipment and heat up some marshmallows? Enjoy some yummy hot chocolate or some warmed apple sider by the fireside. If you’re worried about your lawn, you can always get a chiminea—or a covered fire pit—available at any outdoor furniture or sporting goods store. (see link below)

2. Family Snow Fun. If you have some snow on the ground, take the kids outside and have some timeless fun. You’re not too old to demonstrate how to make snow angels, right? Build a snowman. Or an igloo. Take the kids for a sleigh ride. Remember the thrill of sledding? Take the kids out there or go on a ride yourself. Get out the old Toboggan, sleds, or intertubes. How about a playful snowball throwing contest?

3. Winter Walking. Take the kids out on a walk around the neighborhood or woods trail. Stop a moment to notice the differences the season brings. Show your kids the difference between evergreens and deciduous trees. Point out winter birds or the geese flying south.

4. Ice Skating. If you live in an area where lakes and ponds freeze over during the winter months, you probably remember when you learned how to skate. Get outside and sharpen up your skills (and your skates) this winter! Imagine how cool you'll look on blades of steel as you carve up the ice. For Parents: Could this be the year that your kids learn? If you already have ice skates, this one won’t set you back more than a few bumps and bruises. If you don’t already have skates or know of an ice-skating rink or outdoor frozen ice-skating surface, they aren’t too hard to find. Look in your local yellow pages or online directory for "Ice Skating Rinks or Ice Skate Shop." They also sell great economy skates (which, today, are fully functional and even comfortable) at your local sporting outlet: Dick's Sporting Goods.

5. Helping Neighbors. There are few things that make a person feel better than helping each other out when we're in trouble (in the snow). Every neighborhood has it’s share of elderly and disabled folks who can use a hand clearing the snow off the driveway and walkway. Or how about helping your neighbor dig his car out? Show your kids how much fun helping can be, and you’ll instill positive values that will last a lifetime!

We Hope You Have A Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

And that you enjoyed:

Five Frozen Family Fun Ideas for Winter — Outdoors!

We'd love to hear all about your favorite outdoor activities... so we invite you to

Log-in and share them with your friends on GettingOutside.com!

Or you're welcome to go visit our Activities Section: Here you'll be able to find out about hundreds of other fun, amazing, and eco-friendly things you can do outside this year! Be good for the earth, be good to yourself: Get Outside Today and Enjoy The World Around You!