91 Winter Facts Every Kid Needs to Know

Winter brings a world of white wonder and cold-weather joy!

As the year’s chilliest season arrives, the days grow shorter and snowflakes begin to fall, each one different from the next.

From the fun of snowball making to the thrill of sliding down hills, winter offers countless ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Animals change their habits—some sleep for months while others put on extra fur to stay warm. This season also brings beloved family times and special gatherings across many countries.

In this post, we’ll find cool facts about snow, winter wildlife, fun cold-weather activities, and how people around the world make the most of these frosty months!

Chilly Charms – General Winter Facts

1. Winter is the coldest season of the year.

2. It starts around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. The shortest day of the year, called the Winter Solstice, happens during winter.

4. The Winter Solstice is when the Earth is tilted farthest from the sun.

5. Snowflakes are unique – no two snowflakes are exactly alike.

6. The record for the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -128.6°F (-89.2°C) in Antarctica.

7. Animals prepare for winter by growing thicker fur or feathers.

8. Some animals hibernate during winter to conserve energy.

9. Winter is a time for fun activities like ice skating, sledding, and building snowmen.

10. Winter brings cooler temperatures, which can freeze water, turning it into ice.

11. Frost occurs when moisture in the air freezes directly onto surfaces.

12. The winter season lasts about three months: December, January, and February.

13. Days are shorter, and nights are longer in winter.

14. Cold weather in winter can cause lakes and rivers to freeze.

15. Snow is actually made of tiny ice crystals that form in clouds.

Frozen Wonders – Snow and Ice Facts

16. Snow can fall at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour.

17. Snow is made up of water that freezes into ice crystals.

18. Snowflakes form when water vapor in the air freezes and joins together.

19. Snow is a great insulator and helps protect plants and animals from the cold.

20. The world record for the heaviest snowfall in one day is 75.8 inches in the United States.

21. Some places get “lake-effect” snow, caused by warm air from lakes meeting cold air.

22. You can make snowballs out of dry snow, but wet snow is better for snowmen.

23. Snow can reflect sunlight, making snowy areas seem brighter.

24. Ice is harder than snow and can form in temperatures below freezing.

25. Some animals, like penguins and seals, live in snowy and icy habitats year-round.

26. Snow is actually clear but appears white because of the way light reflects off of it.

27. Snowstorms can cause dangerous driving conditions by making roads slippery.

28. A blizzard is a severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility.

29. Winter storms can bring not just snow but also freezing rain and hail.

30. Thunder snow is a rare weather phenomenon where thunder and lightning occur during a snowstorm.

31. Ice storms happen when rain freezes as it hits the ground, covering everything in ice.

32. The “polar vortex” is a massive area of cold air that can spread into areas not typically cold.

33. Freezing rain can cause power outages by making tree branches heavy and breaking power lines.

34. Wind chill makes it feel colder than the actual temperature by taking away body heat.

Frosty Friends – Winter Animals Facts

35. Bears hibernate in the winter, meaning they sleep for months.

36. Some birds migrate to warmer places during winter to avoid the cold.

37. Squirrels store food in the winter to help them survive when food is scarce.

38. Snowshoe hares have white fur in winter to blend in with the snow and avoid predators.

39. Some animals, like deer, grow thicker fur during winter to keep warm.

40. Wolves often hunt in packs during the winter months.

41. Arctic foxes and owls have fur on the bottom of their feet to keep warm on ice and snow.

42. Beavers build lodges to keep warm in winter and can stay cozy inside them.

43. Penguins live in the Antarctic and are specially adapted to survive in the cold.

44. Some fish, like trout, can survive in freezing water because they have antifreeze in their blood.

45. Snow leopards’ thick fur coats help them survive in their cold mountain habitats.

Snowy Adventures – Winter Sports and Fun

46. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports that people do on snow-covered mountains.

47. Ice hockey is a fast-paced sport played on ice rinks, popular in places with cold winters.

48. Curling is a winter sport where players slide stones on ice towards a target.

49. Snowball fights are a fun way to enjoy the snow with friends.

50. Ice fishing is a winter activity where people catch fish through holes in the ice.

51. Snowshoeing is a way to walk on snow without sinking too deep, thanks to special shoes.

52. Sledding is a fun winter activity that involves sliding down snowy hills on sleds.

53. In some places, people participate in winter festivals, with activities like ice sculpting.

54. Some winter sports, like figure skating, can be done indoors in ice arenas.

55. People enjoy building ice castles during winter, especially at special winter festivals.

56. Ski jumping is a sport where athletes ski down a ramp and jump as far as they can into the air.

57. Bobsledding is a winter sport where athletes race down a snowy track in a sled.

58. Luge is another sport where athletes slide down an ice track while lying on their backs.

59. Some places host winter marathons, where participants run in cold and snowy conditions.

60. Ice climbing is a thrilling sport that involves scaling frozen waterfalls or icy rock faces.

Holiday Magic – Winter Holidays Fact

61. People in Spain celebrate “La Navidad” (Christmas) with fireworks, parades, and big family meals.

62. The winter holiday of Diwali, celebrated in India, can also fall in the winter months.

63. Winter is the season for the popular North American tradition of sledding down snowy hills.

64. People in Sweden celebrate the winter solstice with a feast and light displays during “Lucia Day.”

65. In the UK, Christmas traditions include hanging stockings for Santa and exchanging gifts.

66. In Mexico, people celebrate “Las Posadas,” a nine-night event with processions and music leading up to Christmas.

67. In Italy, families enjoy a big Christmas meal and celebrate the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.”

68. Many cultures celebrate the New Year with fireworks, dances, and special foods, marking a fresh start.

69. The Russian New Year is celebrated with fireworks, gifts, and family feasts.

70. In Poland, people celebrate Christmas Eve with a special meal that includes 12 traditional dishes.

71. Insulated jackets help trap heat, keeping the body warm while being lightweight.

72. Some jackets use a material called Gore-Tex to make them both waterproof and breathable.

73. A good winter jacket has a hood to keep your head warm and protected from the cold wind.

74. Down jackets are filled with the soft feathers of ducks or geese, which help to keep you warm.

75. People wear thermal or long underwear in winter to add an extra layer of warmth.

76. Hand warmers are small packets that produce heat when squeezed, providing warmth to your hands.

77. Thermal hats are designed to trap heat, and are often made of wool or fleece.

78. Some people wear balaclavas, which cover the entire head and neck to protect against extreme cold.

79. Winter mittens often have a lining of fleece, which is soft and helps to trap heat.

80. Snow goggles are used to protect eyes from the reflection of the sun on snow and to shield from wind.

Around the World in Winter

81. In Canada, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa freezes in winter, turning into the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.

82. People in Finland celebrate Christmas in a special way by visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

83. In Norway, the streets are lit with beautiful Christmas lights during the long winter nights.

84. The world’s coldest inhabited place is Oymyakon, Russia, where temperatures can drop to -67.7°F (-55.4°C).

85. In the UK, winter is known for foggy, cold days, especially in places like London.

86. In Japan, winter is a great time to visit hot springs known as onsens, many of which are outside in snowy landscapes.

87. The famous “Ice Hotel” in Sweden is built entirely from ice and snow and is rebuilt every winter.

88. Some regions in New Zealand get snow, but their winters are much milder compared to places like Canada.

89. The Alps, in Europe, are known for their beautiful winter resorts and excellent skiing.

90. Winter in Argentina and Chile can bring snow to the Andes mountains, popular for skiing and snowboarding.

91. Snow and ice help to regulate the Earth’s temperature by reflecting sunlight away from the surface.

Snow Much Fun: Final Thoughts on Winter Wonders!

With the snow melting and the days stretching a bit longer, we wave farewell to winter for now, looking forward to its return next year!

This chilly season offers so much more than just cold—it’s a wonderful opportunity for cozy rest, playful fun, and cherished moments together.

From watching animals use their clever winter skills to joining friends for a day of snow play, winter offers special moments we can’t find in other seasons.

Remember to stay warm in your cozy layers as you head out to enjoy the winter beauty!

We hope these facts have given you new ways to look at and enjoy this special time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Teach Kids About Winter?

Teaching kids about winter should focus on snow formation, animal changes, cold-weather safety, seasonal plant cycles, winter celebrations, and fun outdoor activities like making snow friends.

What Do Kids Like About Winter?

Children enjoy winter for snowball fights, building snowmen, sledding down hills, watching unique snowflakes fall, and drinking hot chocolate while wearing cozy clothes on cold days.

How Fast Does Snow Fall?

Snow falls at speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. The rate varies based on the size and weight of the snow crystals, as well as wind conditions during the snowfall.

What Are Some Good Words About Winter?

Some good words about winter include: frosty, snowy, cozy, sparkling, crisp, calm, peaceful, still, icy, fluffy, magical, bright, refreshing, quiet, serene, comforting, pure, glistening, chilly, and wintry.