Winter is the perfect season to slow down and enjoy special moments with your children. With chilly air and snowflakes all around, it’s time to explore winter activities for kids that blend play, creativity, and learning. Whether you’re heading outside to build a snowman or staying warm indoors with crafts and sensory fun, there’s no shortage of ways to keep little ones engaged. Below are exciting ideas to make the most of winter days while creating lasting memories through playful discovery.
Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids
Let’s head outside and embrace the chilly air with fun-filled winter adventures. These outdoor activities offer kids a chance to explore, move, and enjoy the snow in creative and active ways.
1. Build a Snowman
Gather fresh, packable snow and transform it into a frosty friend. This classic winter activity encourages creativity and provides a fun physical outlet. Requires snow that is wet enough to stick together.
Materials Needed:
- Packable snow
- Buttons, pebbles, or coal for eyes and mouth
- A carrot for a nose
- Sticks or branches for arms
- Optional: Scarf, hat, or other clothing items
How to Do:
- Find an area with sufficient packable snow.
- Begin by rolling a small ball of snow for the base and continue rolling it to make it larger, packing snow onto it as you go. This will be the largest section.
- Roll a second, smaller ball for the middle section, and a third, even smaller ball for the head.
- Carefully lift and place the middle section on top of the base, then add the smallest ball on top for the head.
- Decorate your snowman using the buttons, pebbles, or coal for the face, the carrot for a nose, and sticks for arms.
- Add any optional clothing items like a scarf or hat to complete your snowman’s look.
2. Ice Skating
Glide and slide on the ice, whether at an outdoor rink or a safely frozen natural surface. Ice skating is a great way to improve balance and coordination while enjoying the winter air. Requires access to a safe ice surface.
Materials Needed:
- Ice skates that fit well
- Warm, layered clothing
- Thick socks
- Helmet (highly recommended, especially for beginners)
- Optional: Knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, a skating aid (for beginners)
How to Do:
- Dress warmly in layers, ensuring skates fit snugly over thick socks.
- If new to skating, start by getting comfortable standing and balancing on the ice near the edge or with a skating aid.
- Learn to march in place on the ice, then try marching forward to get a feel for movement.
- Practice bending your knees and keeping your back straight for better balance.
- Once comfortable marching, try pushing off gently with one foot and gliding on the other.
- Learn how to stop by gently turning your toes inward in a “snowplow” position.
- Always skate in the designated direction on a rink and be aware of other skaters.
3. Snowball Fights
Engage in a friendly, energetic battle by throwing snowballs at each other. This active outdoor game is a wintertime favorite for burning off energy and having laughs. Requires soft, packable snow.
Materials Needed:
- Soft, packable snow
- Warm, waterproof gloves or mittens
- Warm clothing and eye protection (optional but recommended)
How to Do:
- Agree on boundaries and rules for the snowball fight beforehand (e.g., no hitting faces, no ice in snowballs).
- Find an area with plenty of packable snow.
- Quickly pack snow into balls that are firm enough to throw but not icy hard.
- Divide into teams or play individually.
- Use the environment for cover (trees, snowbanks).
- Throw snowballs at opponents while trying to avoid being hit.
- The game can be played until a designated time is up, one side surrenders, or simply until everyone is ready to stop.
4. Sledding and Skiing
Experience the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes on a sled or skis. Sledding offers simple downhill fun, while skiing involves gliding over snow on skis. Both provide exhilaration and a good workout. Requires a snowy hill or ski slope.
Materials Needed:
- For Sledding: A sled suitable for the snow conditions and hill.
- For Skiing: Skis, ski boots, and ski poles (sized appropriately); ski bindings.
- Warm, waterproof clothing (including ski pants and jacket).
- Helmet (essential for skiing, recommended for sledding).
- Goggles.
- Gloves or mittens.
- Appropriate footwear (waterproof boots for sledding).
How to Do:
For Sledding:
- Find a safe hill free of obstacles that ends in a flat, open area.
- Carry your sled to the top of the hill.
- Sit on the sled, feet first, and hold on firmly.
- Push off to start sliding down the hill.
- Use your feet to help steer and slow down if necessary.
- Once at the bottom, move out of the way of others and carry your sled back up the hill.
For Skiing:
- Ensure ski boots are properly fitted and secured in bindings.
- Start on a gentle slope or in a designated learning area.
- Learn basic techniques like shuffling on flat ground and the “snowplow” or “pizza” shape with skis to control speed and stop.
- With practice or lessons, progress to making turns and navigating steeper slopes.
- Follow all ski resort rules and be mindful of other skiers.
5. Snow Painting
Add a splash of color to the white landscape by painting designs and pictures directly onto the snow. This simple and fun activity allows for creative expression using the snow as a canvas. Requires snow on the ground.
Materials Needed:
- Empty spray bottles or squeeze bottles
- Water
- Food coloring or liquid watercolors
- Warm clothing
How to Do:
- Fill the spray or squeeze bottles with water.
- Add several drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors to the water in each bottle to create different colors. Shake gently to mix.
- Dress warmly and go outside to an area with snow.
- Hold the bottle and spray or squeeze the colored water onto the snow to create your artwork.
- Experiment with different colors and techniques to make various designs, draw pictures, or even write messages in the snow.
6. Frozen Bubble Blowing
Blow bubbles outdoors in freezing temperatures and watch them freeze into delicate spheres. This requires specific weather conditions but creates a truly magical effect. Requires very cold temperatures and calm wind.
Materials Needed:
- Bubble solution and wands
- Outdoor temperature of -7°C (20°F) or colder
- A calm day
How to Do:
- Go outside on a very cold, still day, dressed warmly.
- Gently blow bubbles using a wand, aiming for a flat surface to land on.
- Watch closely as the bubbles freeze and ice crystals form.
- Observe the frozen bubbles (some may pop); take photos if desired.
Indoor Winter Activities for Kids
When it’s too cold to play outside, bring the seasonal magic indoors. These cozy, creative activities keep kids entertained, learning, and engaged—all from the warmth of home or classroom.
1. Winter Sensory Bin
This activity provides a rich tactile experience and encourages imaginative play using winter-themed materials. It’s a wonderful indoor option for exploring textures and concepts related to the season while developing fine motor skills.
Materials Needed:
- A plastic bin or container
- Base filler (fake snow, white rice, cotton balls, shredded paper)
- Winter-themed items (small animals, trees, pinecones, beads, pom-poms, bells)
- Tools for scooping and pouring (cups, spoons, funnels)
How to Do:
- Fill the bin with your chosen base material.
- Add winter-themed items and tools for play.
- Introduce the bin and encourage exploration through digging, scooping, and imaginative play.
- Discuss textures and items found; set basic rules for containing the mess.
- Supervise and engage with children as they play.
2. DIY Snow Globes
A homemade snow globe captures the magic of a winter snowfall in a charming, contained scene. Kids will love choosing figurines and watching the glittery snow gently fall around them.
Materials Needed:
- Small glass jars with tight lids
- Distilled water
- Glycerin
- Glitter (white, silver, iridescent)
- Small waterproof figurines or objects
- Waterproof glue (epoxy or hot glue – adult use)
- Optional: Sandpaper, ribbon, paint for lid
How to Do:
- Clean and dry the jar and lid. (Adult) Glue figurine securely to the inside of the lid; let dry completely.
- Fill the jar almost to the top with distilled water, adding glycerin and glitter.
- (Adult) Carefully insert the lid with the figurine and screw on tightly. (Optional: apply waterproof glue around the rim before sealing).
- Let glue cure if added for sealing.
- Shake the globe and watch the “snow” swirl around the scene.
3. Ice Lanterns
Create beautiful, glowing ice lanterns for outdoor winter decoration. This activity teaches about freezing and density and results in temporary ice sculptures. Requires freezing temperatures and adult supervision.
Materials Needed:
- Two plastic containers of different sizes (one fitting inside the other)
- Water
- Small weights (stones)
- Optional: Cranberries, evergreen sprigs, food coloring
- Tea light candles
- Outdoor area with freezing temperatures
How to Do:
- Place the smaller container inside the larger one; add weights to the inner container.
- Pour water into the space between the two containers. (Optional: Add decorative items).
- Place outdoors in freezing temperatures until completely frozen.
- Bring inside briefly to loosen the ice; remove the inner container.
- Remove the ice block from the outer container.
- Place the ice lantern back outside; add a tea light candle.
- (Adult) Light the candle and supervise.
4. Make Winter Slime
Slime is a popular sensory activity. Giving it a winter twist with cool colors and sparkles adds seasonal fun. This is a simple way to explore basic chemistry.
Materials Needed:
- White school glue (PVA)
- Liquid starch, Borax solution, or contact lens solution (containing boric acid)
- Water
- Measuring tools, mixing bowl, spoon
- Optional: White/blue food coloring, glitter, artificial snow, peppermint extract
How to Do:
- Mix equal parts of white glue and water in a bowl.
- (Optional) Stir in food coloring, glitter, artificial snow, or scent.
- Gradually add an activator (such as liquid starch, a Borax solution, or contact lens solution with baking soda already mixed into the glue) while stirring until the slime forms.
- Knead the slime with your hands until it becomes less sticky. (Add a tiny bit more activator if needed.)
- Store the slime in an airtight container. (Adult supervision is recommended for both making and playing.)
5. Indoor “Ice” Skating
Create a safe, slippery surface indoors for kids to practice balance and coordination, mimicking ice skating without the cold or real ice.
Materials Needed:
- A large, clear area of hard floor (wood, tile, linoleum)
- Slippery materials for feet (plastic bags, paper plates, some reusable bags)
- Sturdy furniture for support (chairs, tables)
- Optional: Music
How to Do:
- Clear a large, safe space on a hard floor.
- Help kids put slippery materials over their shoes or feet.
- Use furniture for support as they stand and begin to slide.
- Encourage sliding, balancing, and gentle movement across the floor.
- Add music and make it a fun game; supervise closely.
- Remove slippery coverings after use.
6. Winter Animal Tracks Craft
Learn about winter animals by creating their “tracks” using paint and various objects. This activity combines art with a simple nature lesson.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper (white or light blue)
- Washable paint (darker colors)
- Bowls or plates for paint
- Items to make tracks (marshmallows, cotton balls, bottle caps, fingers, toy feet)
- Optional: Markers/crayons, animal tracks guide
How to Do:
- Set out paper and paint. Briefly discuss winter animals and their tracks.
- Dip various items (marshmallows, caps, fingers, etc.) in paint.
- Stamp prints onto the paper to create animal tracks.
- Experiment with different patterns of tracks across the page.
- (Optional) Draw scenery or the animals around the tracks.
- Discuss the different types of tracks created.
7. Build a Marshmallow Igloo
Use marshmallows and toothpicks to build a miniature igloo structure. This edible engineering project is a fun way to explore shapes and construction. Requires adult help for cutting toothpicks and supervision if eating.
Materials Needed:
- Miniature marshmallows
- Toothpicks (Adult help to cut some in half)
- Flat surface (plate, tray)
- Optional: Powdered sugar glaze (“snow” glue)
How to Do:
- Gather materials (marshmallows, toothpicks – cut some with adult help). Discuss igloos.
- Build a circular base layer by connecting marshmallows with toothpicks.
- Add subsequent layers, staggering marshmallows like bricks and angling inwards to form a dome. Connect layers with toothpicks.
- Continue building until the dome is complete, leaving an entrance.
- (Optional) Use powdered sugar glaze to fill gaps or reinforce.
- Display the igloo or (carefully!) eat it, being mindful of toothpicks.
8. Winter Themed Playdough Mats
Enhance playdough time with printable mats that provide prompts and scenes for creating winter-themed objects and concepts, supporting imagination and fine motor skills.
Want more seasonal fun? Head over to Worksheetzone.org for a full collection of winter-themed worksheets and activities that kids will love!
Materials Needed:
- Playdough (white, blue, or other winter colors)
- Printable winter-themed playdough mats (search online for free options)
- Optional: Laminator and pouches (for durability)
- Playdough tools (rolling pin, cutters)
How to Do:
- Print desired winter playdough mats (optional: laminate).
- Set out the mats, playdough, and tools.
- Explain the prompts or pictures on the mats.
- Let kids use playdough to complete tasks (add snow, decorate snowman, make icicles, etc.).
- Encourage creativity and discuss their creations.
- Clean playdough off mats and store dough after use.
9. Snow Volcano Experiment
Bring science outdoors with a classic volcano experiment using snow as the structure. The eruption of colored “lava” against the white snow is visually exciting. Requires snow and adult supervision for mixing.
Materials Needed:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Red or orange food coloring
- Empty plastic bottle or cup
- Snow
- Optional: Liquid dish soap
How to Do:
- Find snow outside and build a volcano shape around an empty bottle or cup.
- In a separate container, mix warm water, vinegar, food coloring, and optional dish soap.
- Add baking soda to the bottle inside the snow volcano.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the bottle; watch the eruption!
- Repeat as desired by adding more baking soda and liquid. Discuss the science of the reaction.
10. Create a Winter Reading Nook
Designate a cozy, inviting space indoors specifically for reading and quiet activities. This encourages literacy and provides a comfortable retreat on cold days.
Materials Needed:
- A quiet corner or space
- Comfortable seating (cushions, blankets, bean bag)
- Pillows and blankets
- Safe lighting (lamp, string lights)
- Winter or favorite books
- Optional: Canopy or draped fabric, bookshelf/basket
How to Do:
- Choose a quiet corner and make it comfortable with seating, pillows, and blankets.
- Add safe, adequate lighting for reading.
- Place a selection of winter or favorite books within easy reach.
- (Optional) Add decor like a draped fabric canopy or stuffed animals.
- Invite children to use the nook for reading, looking at books, or quiet relaxation.
- Rotate books occasionally to keep it fresh.
11. Snow Cream (Edible Snow Treat)
If you have access to clean, fresh snow, turn it into a simple and delicious frozen treat. This spontaneous activity is a fun way to interact with nature. Crucial: Use only clean, fresh snow away from pollutants.
Materials Needed:
- Large bowl
- Fresh, clean snow (8-10 cups)
- Milk (about 1 cup)
- Sugar (1/2 to 3/4 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Optional: Pinch of salt, mix-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles)
How to Do:
- Scoop fresh, clean snow into a large bowl and bring it inside immediately.
- In a separate cup, whisk together milk, sugar, vanilla, and optional salt.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the snow in the bowl.
- Gently stir until it reaches an ice cream-like consistency.
- Add optional mix-ins.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this unique winter treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some safe winter activities for toddlers?
Toddlers can enjoy the winter season through gentle, hands-on activities that are fun, safe, and easy to set up at home:
- Make snowmen or snowflakes using cotton balls, paper, and glue
- Explore textures with sensory bins filled with pom-poms, rice, or pretend snow
- Take short nature walks to find pinecones, crunchy leaves, or animal tracks
- Roll and toss soft balls or balloons in safe indoor spaces
- Play with bubbles and floating toys during warm bath time sessions
2. How can I keep my kids active indoors during winter?
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean couch time! Here’s how to help kids stay active inside:
- Create an indoor obstacle course with cushions, tunnels, and taped paths.
- Host a family dance party with fun music and silly moves.
- Try kids’ yoga or stretching routines for calm movement and balance.
- Set up a “movement jar” with slips of paper suggesting activities like hopping, spinning, or crab-walking.
- Play active games like Simon Says or freeze dance to boost energy and fun.
3. Which activity is the best in winter?
One of the best winter activities for kids is building a snowman. It brings together outdoor play, creativity, and physical movement, making it a favorite activity during cold weather. Kids can shape, decorate, and even give their snowman a unique personality while breathing in the fresh air and enjoying either teamwork or solo play. It is also very easy to prepare — all you need is sticky snow and a few simple items from home to create unforgettable moments outside.
Final Thoughts
Winter may be cold, but it’s full of warm opportunities to connect, learn, and play. With these 10+ creative winter activities for kids, you can turn snowy days and chilly nights into moments of laughter, imagination, and growth. Whether your child loves crafting, exploring outside, or cozying up with stories and games, there’s something here to make every winter day feel special. So grab some mittens, gather your supplies, and start creating joyful winter memories together!
