Wintertime can be tricky for keeping toddlers busy, especially when it gets too cold outside to play. I’ve compiled a list of 10 activities you can do with your toddler this winter. You can still do a lot of outdoor activities during the day in the early winter, but when it gets too cold, move the activities inside where they can stay nice and warm. I’ve included a mix of indoor and outdoor winter activities here to help you get a head start!
10 Fun Winter Activities to Do With Your Kids
1. Make a gingerbread house.
What is more fun for a kid than building with delicious food? Your little one will think you’re the best mom EVER if you help him build a small house made of graham crackers, icing, and candy. It is also an excellent activity for motor skills, dexterity, and creativity!
2. Camp in the backyard.
Toward the end of fall and the beginning of winter is the best time to go on a “camping trip” with your toddler. You can purchase a cheap tent and put it up in the backyard that afternoon, and then when evening rolls around, you could have a campfire with a fire pit or drink some hot cocoa while snuggling in blankets and looking at the stars. When it’s time for bed, everyone can snuggle up in the tent with blankets and pillows, tell stories, and make shadow puppets with flashlights!
3. Make s’mores.
Speaking of camping, one of the most fun activities you can do while sleeping under the stars is making s’mores! But you don’t have to go camping to do this winter activity with your toddler. This could be a fun after-dinner treat if you have a fire pit. The kids will love making their gooey dessert!
4. Nature collage.
When my kids are outside, they love collecting every pretty leaf or prickly pinecone they can find. Sometimes, I will have them pretend they’re on a treasure hunt and see who can find the most acorns or pinecones. One thing my kids love to do is collect different shapes and colors of leaves. We will then bring home our best specimens and make fall art collages by gluing the leaves to construction paper. It’s an easy and fun winter activity, and they love it!
5. Make a bird feeder.
In winter, birds rely more heavily on bird feeders as food is scarce. A great way to encourage the birds to keep coming to your yard is to make bird feeders and hang them outside. The kids love getting their hands messy doing this, and they especially love it when they see birds eating from their handmade feeders!
6. Go ice skating.
One of America’s favorite pastimes in the winter is ice skating. Even if you live in the warmer part of the states, you can find a mall or galleria with a good-sized skating rink. Round up your kids for an afternoon on the ice where they’ll get some energy out and perhaps learn a new skill!
7. Bake and decorate cookies.
Kids love to help bake cookies! Bust out grandma’s old sugar cookie recipe and put those kids to work in the kitchen. When the cookies are done baking and cooling, have the kids frost them with colorful icing and sprinkles galore. Save the treats for after dinner, or pack some in a tin and gift them to neighbors. The kids will be so proud to share their creations with friends!
8. Take photos at the tree farm.
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take some cute photos of your kids on the local tree farm! This is a great winter activity to let your kiddo run around and get some wiggles out in the fresh air. If you’re really on your game, arrange to have a friend come with you so you can take some family pictures and maybe get one good enough for your Christmas cards!
9. Make cinnamon playdough.
Kids of all ages love to create with playdough! A great way to add some sensory fun to this winter activity is by making playdough and making it smell like the holidays! Try this fun and easy recipe for Cinnamon Playdough:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional)
To make:
- Mix all ingredients into a large bowl and slowly stir in 1 1/4 cups boiling water.
- Mix well, then set aside for 10-15 minutes to cool.
- Roll into balls and hand out to the kids!
Don’t forget to store your playdough in an airtight container!
10. Go to the fair.
Fall and winter are the best times to check out local fairs! The weather is usually beautiful during the day to wander around vendor booths, taste local foods, and pick up a cotton candy or hot pretzel! Make a day of it by packing a blanket and having a picnic in a local park!
There are a lot of things you can do with your kids this winter to keep them entertained. I hope this list inspires you to keep those kiddos active and busy this winter!
