Winter Activities for Kids - Busy Toddler (2024)

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Tape Resist Snowflakes

We love tape resist art, and this winter snowflake version is fantastic. The best part of tape resist is how inclusive it is for different ages: from tiny toddlers or big kids, everyone can find success.

Painting on Snow

Bring the snow inside! Especially with little ones who aren’t into the cold, filling a container with snow and letting them paint it (with water and food coloring) is an A+ winter activity.

Snowman Ball Sort

One of the most inviting seasonal set ups for tabies and toddlers, the snowman ball sort is surprisingly easy to make (just use one of the many Amazon boxes you have in the garage…).

Penguin Ice Sensory

Some penguin toys, ice, and blue water: this is not to be missed. It’s such a simple activity for winter, but it’s absolute perfection.

Frozen Paint

Freeze paint (yes, paint!) to make “paint-sicles” for kids to create with. This is shockingly easy (and something I keep in my freezer year round).

Snowman Play Dough

This inviting play dough set-up absolutely crushes it in wintertime. Pull out all the extra craft supplies to make a myriad of snowmen.

Sticky Snowman

Use con-tact paper and craft supplies then let your taby or toddler go to work decorating their “sticky snowman.”

Feed the Snowman

Using an old creamer bottle and cotton balls, create a feed the bottle station for tabies and toddlers. Add a dice and make it a math activity for preschoolers. The possibilities are endless.

Winter Bear Rescue

The bears are frozen in ice! Time for a winter rescue. This idea from Days with Grey is too cute. Freezing toys is always a hit activity.

Frozen Bubbles

If you live in an area that gets cold enough (like this blogger in Wisconsin), make a batch of homemade bubbles and observe them freezing in the cold air. Seriously: they freeze.

Snow Dough

Have you ever made Snow dough? It’s different than play dough and seriously awesome. It’s a perfect winter activity for kids.

Arctic Habitat Sensory Bin

An unbelievably inviting sensory bin for children to play with. This winter activity for kids is the perfect blend of toys and sensory materials.

Painting Ice Cubes

Grab the ice from the freezer and toss it in a storage container. Let your kids paint the ice with

Threading Snowflakes

My kids love this activity! You’ll need pipe cleaners and beads. These turn out so cool!

Snow Paint

Fill the spray bottles and get the kids outside. This winter art activity is perfect for all kids ages.

Winter Tree Art

What’s awesome about this activity is the broad age range for it (it’s really perfect for all different stages). Don’t overlook this activity!

Winter Art Activity

Create winter mittens with glue, water, and tissue paper. This is a slow, methodical, and calming approach to a stained glass piece.

Snow Castles

Snow + food coloring + sand castle buckets. It has to happen! Kids will love exploring the changing snow colors and building with the colorful snow.

Make Fake Snow

Create your own fake snow with just three ingredients (that you probably have on hand). This is a perfect quick and easy sensory activity for all ages.

Snowman Sensory Bin

Bring the snow inside to let kids explore and play with it in a (slightly) warmer environment. This allows them to still experience and be part of nature without having to get them bundled up.

Winter Sensory

My daughter’s absolute favorite activity and it’s only ingredient is baking soda. Something about this activity is mesmerizing for kids. *Please remember that baking soda is not taste safe when consumed in mass quantities.*

Are winter activities necessary?

No! Winter activities are an awesome option for kids but not necessary or mandatory. I use activities as tools when I need help with my kids – but never everyday. Some days, I need help and use an activity tool. Other days, I don’t.

Do you have a winter books list?

Check out these snowy books! This list was created by a librarian (and owner of Happily Ever Elephants).

What age should you try winter activities?

That varies kid to kid. One thing I do always mention is that activities are a great way to introduce new seasons and concepts to young children.

Susie Allison, M. Ed

Owner, Creator

Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie’s parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.