Winter activities for toddlers to beat the winter blues.
Do you ever find yourself struggling to keep your toddler entertained and happy during the winter months?
The chilly weather may make you think that fun outdoor activities are out of the question, but fear not!
Living in Canada with two little kids where the weather can get super cold, I know how it can feel! As a parent you feel like you are indefinitely stuck indoors with irratable little ones.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting winter activities that will not only keep your little one busy but also bring a smile to their face.
So let’s dive in and discover how you can create magical memories and beat the winter blues with these engaging winter activities for toddlers!
This post is about winter activities for toddlers
10 Exciting Winter Activities for Toddlers Sure to Delight
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Build a Snowman
One activity that is synonymous with winter and brings joy to both children and adults alike is the classic tradition of building a snowman.
After all, what could be more delightful than rolling snowballs and creating a whimsical, frosty friend?
So, grab your mittens, bundle up your little one, and get ready to embrace the winter wonderland right outside your doorstep with a fun-filled snowman building expedition!
Pstt..is your toddler refusing to wear mittens? Read my post here on brilliant tips on how to tackle this issue.
Building a snowman not only allows your toddler to explore their creativity but also provides an opportunity for them to develop their fine motor skills.
The process of rolling and packing snow encourages hand-eye coordination and the practice of gripping and shaping snowballs helps to strengthen their little hands.
RELATED POST:
20+ Essential Fine Motor Activities to Delight Your Toddler
Plus, the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing their snowman take shape will surely bring a sense of pride and satisfaction to your toddler’s face.
To get started, find a suitable spot in your yard or a nearby park where there is ample snow.
The ideal conditions for building a snowman typically include snow that is slightly wet and sticky, making it easier to pack into balls.
Once you have found the perfect location, gather a couple of large snowballs for the body, a smaller one for the head, and a few twigs for arms. Don’t forget to bring along colorful accessories like scarves, hats, and buttons to give your snowman some personality!
Begin by rolling the largest snowball along the ground, adding more snow as you go to create a sturdy base.
Encourage your toddler to join in the fun by helping them push the snowball and showing them how to make it bigger and rounder.
Once the base is complete, repeat the process for the middle section, using a slightly smaller snowball. Finally, place the smallest snowball on top to form the head of the snowman.
Now it’s time to let your toddler’s imagination run wild!
Together, decorate the snowman using the accessories you brought along or get creative with natural materials found in the surroundings, such as pinecones or leaves.
You can use a super affordable snowman making kit like this one to make this activity even more fun!
AMAZON SNOW TOYS
TOY Life Snowball Makers for Kids
This hands-on activity will not only bring out your toddler’s artistic side but also allow them to personalize their snowman and truly make it their own.
Go Ice Skating
Now it’s time to embrace another one of those classic winter activities for toddlers that is sure to bring a smile to your child’s face – ice skating. Strap on those skates and hit the ice for a fun-filled adventure that will have your little one gliding with delight.
Ice skating is not only a great physical activity but also a fantastic opportunity for your toddler to improve their coordination and balance. The act of staying upright on the icy surface will challenge their motor skills, helping them develop strength and agility in a fun and playful manner.
Get Busy With A Busy Book
I get it, sometimes it’s way too cold to go outside with your little one. Especially if they are having the sniffles or not feeling well. One indoor activity that your toddler can do on a cold winter day is engaging with a Busy Book.
A Busy Book (as the name suggests) is designed to keep your toddler busy. Not just that, but it contains activities that also teach your toddler fundamental skills (like matching, sorting, counting, tracing, phonics activities etc) that lay the foundation for future learning.
The Sweet n Sour Busy Book is an insanely cute Toddler Busy Book (if we do say so ourselves!). Featuring bright and unique illustrations, each page has been crafted to perfection.
Designed to keep toddlers busy, engaged, learning and out of trouble, this little printable bundle is a life saver for toddler parents. Take it along during travel, in the car, at the restaurant or anywhere you’d prefer to replace screen time with something that actually benefits your child.
Check out the Sweet n Sour Busy Book (we promise you won’t be disappointed!).
Busy Books are ideal as winter activities for toddlers when it’s too cold to go outside.
RELATED POST:
10 Sanity Saving Toddler Quiet Time Activities
Have a Winter Picnic
Pack a basket filled with your toddler’s favorite snacks and warm beverages, and find a cozy spot to enjoy the wintery weather.
The snowy scenery makes for a perfect backdrop as you unwrap sandwiches, munch on tasty treats, and sip on steaming cups of hot chocolate.
A winter picnic not only provides a fun activity for your toddler but also allows them to experience nature in a unique way.
Encourage them to explore the surroundings, pointing out the different animal tracks in the snow or the beautiful icicles hanging from nearby trees. Engaging with nature during a picnic not only stimulates their curiosity but also deepens their connection with the natural world.
To make the picnic even more special, bring along a warm winter blanket or two to sit on and a cute picnic basket like this one.
Spread it out and huddle close together as you share stories and laughter. The winter picnic becomes a cozy and intimate setting where you can bond as a family while enjoying the beauty of the season.
Create Snow Art
As the winter sun casts a soft glow on the landscape, your little one can use their imagination to turn a blank sheet of snow into a masterpiece.
Take along colorful spray bottles filled with water and food coloring. You can even take along a snow toy kit like this one.
Then your toddler can create vibrant designs and patterns on the white canvas beneath their feet. Its another one of those ideal winter activities for toddlers.
Encourage them to experiment with different colors and techniques, like spraying water in straight lines or swirling it in playful curves.
If you want to take the snow art up a notch, bring along some paintbrushes and let your toddler’s creativity run wild.
They can use the brushes to carefully apply watercolors or even mix snow with food coloring to create a textured effect.
RELATED POST:
15 Genius Non Toy Gifts for Toddlers Who Love to Draw
Explore a Winter Wonderland
As the snowflakes gently fall from the sky, a magical winter wonderland emerges before your eyes. This is the perfect opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure together with your toddler, creating unforgettable memories.
With gloved hands and warm boots, venture into the snowy wonderland with your little one.
Take a leisurely stroll through the glistening landscape, crunching the icy snow beneath your feet. As you wander, point out the intricate patterns the frost has painted on tree branches, and marvel at the untouched beauty of nature.
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Your toddler’s curiosity will be piqued as they spot animal tracks in the snow, leading you both on a nature scavenger hunt.
This thrilling adventure will allow them to explore the wonders of the winter season while also keeping them engaged and entertained. As you embark on this exciting quest, be sure to have a list of items to find in nature, such as pinecones, icicles, or different types of leaves.
Scavenger Hunt Games:
Hapinest Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game for Kids
MOLLYBEE KIDS Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards at Home
Encourage your little one to use their observational skills to spot these treasures, fostering their love for the natural world. The joy and excitement that come with discovering each item will surely make your toddler’s winter experience even more memorable.
A nature scavenger hunt offers numerous educational benefits for your toddler too.
RELATED POST:
Brilliantly Fun Educational Gifts for Toddlers That Promote Learning
As they search for different items, they will learn about the various elements of nature and the unique characteristics of each.
They might observe the intricate patterns on a frozen pond or discover the softness of freshly fallen snow. These encounters with the natural world will ignite their curiosity and spark a desire to learn more about their surroundings.
Bake Winter Treats
Cooking together not only engages your toddler’s senses but also allows them to learn valuable skills in measuring, following instructions, and exploring new flavors. It’s one of those winter activities for toddlers that are ideal when it’s tool chilly to head outside.
Start by selecting a few simple recipes that your little one can participate in.
Opt for treats like cookies, cupcakes, or muffins that are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. This way, your toddler can actively contribute and feel a sense of accomplishment as they see their creations take shape.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Get your toddler involved in the process by letting them help gather the ingredients from the pantry or refrigerator.
This not only teaches them about organization but also adds an extra element of excitement to the baking experience.
Toddler Kitchen Must Haves:
JoyTown Kids Cooking and Baking Set with Storage Case – Real Cooking Supplies
Once you’re ready to start, give your toddler age-appropriate tasks to complete. They can help mix ingredients together, shape dough, or decorate the finished treats with sprinkles or icing.
Encourage them to explore the textures and smells of the ingredients, allowing them to fully engage their senses throughout the process.
As you and your little one work side by side in the kitchen, take the opportunity to explain the steps and concepts involved in baking. Use simple language to describe concepts like measuring, mixing, and baking, fostering their cognitive development.
This not only helps them understand the science behind baking but also encourages their curiosity and desire to learn.
As the treats bake in the oven, take a moment to appreciate the warmth and coziness of the kitchen. This is the perfect time to share stories or sing songs together, deepening your connection and creating lasting memories.
And then, when the timer dings and the treats are ready, your toddler will be thrilled to try their creations.
Build an Indoor Obstacle Course
First, clear a space in your living room or play area where you can set up the obstacle course.
Move any furniture or delicate items out of the way to create a safe and open space for your little one to explore. You can use pillows, couch cushions, and blankets to create tunnels to crawl through or hurdles to jump over.
I’ve used a foldable mattress like this one and it’s ideal for creating forts and obstacle courses.
Get creative with the materials you have on hand. Use chairs to create a makeshift balance beam or a table to crawl under.
You can even add some stuffed animals or toys along the course for your toddler to interact with and navigate around. The possibilities are endless!
To make it even more exciting, turn it into a race. Time your toddler as they make their way through the obstacle course, and encourage them to beat their previous record.
This will not only keep them entertained, but also help develop their coordination and motor skills.
Have a Cozy Story Time
Gather some blankets, pillows, and your child’s favorite books for a cozy story time that will provide a calming end to their busy day.
Curl up together in a soft, warm nook as you open up a world of imagination and adventure through the pages of a book.
Snuggle close to your little one as you immerse yourselves in tales of winter wonderlands, fuzzy polar bears, and mischievous snowmen.
Let their imagination soar as they listen intently to each word, their eyes wide with anticipation of what comes next.
Alternatively, let them read independently. Especially if you have already taught your child how to read.
As you read aloud with enthusiasm, infusing each character with a unique voice, your toddler will be captivated by the power of storytelling. Encourage them to point at the colorful illustrations and ask questions about the plot, fostering their curiosity and love for learning.
RELATED POST:
10 Inspiring Ideas For Setting Up An Insanely Cute Toddler Reading Corner
Children Learning Reading Review – An Honest Opinion From a Mom
10 Super Fun Phonics Activities to Boost Your Child’s Reading Skills
Engage all their senses during this cozy story time by incorporating props and interactive elements.
For example, if the story involves a winter picnic, pack a small basket with pretend sandwiches and invite your toddler to help set up a make-believe feast
Not only does story time provide a peaceful respite from physical activities, but it also cultivates a love for reading and stimulates your toddler’s language development.
The rhythmic cadence of your voice, the rich vocabulary within the pages, and the emotions conveyed through storytelling all contribute to their cognitive growth. Furthermore, the intimate bonding experience shared during story time will strengthen your connection with your child, creating cherished memories that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Check Out Our Best-Selling Printable – the SweetnSour Busy Book for Toddlers!
This adorable Busy Book is currently available for more than 60% off! We also have 2 amazing bonuses that you can get for FREE: 7 adorable educational posters ideal for a toddler bedroom/playroom along with 2 of our best selling bedtime routine charts!
This post was about winter activities for toddlers
Read these posts next:
10 Sanity Saving Airplane Activities for Toddlers
5 Busy Bag Activities for Toddlers Every Parent Needs
Leave a Reply