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Winter days can feel long when you’re stuck inside with a busy toddler! But keeping your little one entertained doesn’t have to be stressful—or involve hours of prep. From creative crafts to energy-burning games, I’ve put together a list of 10 easy and engaging indoor activities that are perfect for those chilly winter months. These ideas will spark your toddler’s imagination, support their development, and maybe even give you a few moments to sip that (lukewarm) coffee.
So, grab your supplies and let’s make this winter a fun one!
1. Snow-Themed Sensory Bin
Create a winter wonderland for your toddler with a simple sensory bin. Fill a large container with materials like cotton balls, white pom-poms, and small winter-themed toys such as penguins or polar bears (here is a great set). Add scoops, tongs, or small containers for sorting and pretend play (this is a great sensory accessory set). This activity is great for developing fine motor skills while encouraging imaginative play. Bonus: It’s super easy to set up!
2. DIY Winter Playdough
Whip up a batch of homemade playdough (or use store-bought) and turn it into a winter-themed activity by adding peppermint extract, white glitter, or blue food coloring. Provide cookie cutters shaped like snowflakes, mittens, or trees, and let your toddler roll, cut, and decorate their creations. This activity promotes creativity and builds hand strength.
3. Indoor Obstacle Course
Burn off some toddler energy with a winter-themed indoor obstacle course. Use couch cushions, chairs, and play tunnels to create a path for your toddler to crawl, climb, and jump through. Add a little storytelling by pretending they’re adventurers rescuing animals in the snow or finding treasures buried under the ice.
4. Ice Painting
Turn a tray, some ice cubes, and paper into a fun art activity! Freeze water with food coloring in an ice tray and let your toddler “paint” with the colored ice cubes as they melt (can freeze with popsicle sticks in if you don’t want to use hands to paint!). It’s a sensory-rich way to introduce colors and textures while keeping things mess-free (just use a tray or towel to catch drips).
5. Winter-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Hide winter-themed items like mittens, snowflake cutouts, or plush snowmen around a room and give your toddler a simple checklist to find them. You can even add a playful twist by pretending they’re searching for supplies to “survive the winter.” This activity is fantastic for developing problem-solving skills and keeping little ones entertained.
6. Build a Winter Fort
Transform your living room into a cozy winter cabin! Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to build a fort together, and then fill it with books, stuffed animals, or snacks. For extra fun, pretend you’re snowed in and enjoy some quality bonding time in your magical hideaway.
7. Snowflake Sticker Collages
Give your toddler a piece of blue or white construction paper, snowflake stickers, and cotton balls, and let them create a winter-themed masterpiece. This activity is perfect for fine motor skills and self-expression. Add glue and a sprinkle of glitter to make it extra special!
8. Dance Party to Winter Songs
Turn up the music and let your toddler dance away to winter-themed songs like Frosty the Snowman or Let It Go. Provide scarves or ribbons to add some flair and encourage them to twirl, stomp, and jump. Not only is it a great way to burn energy, but it also promotes coordination and rhythm.
9. Baking or Pretend Kitchen Play
If you love baking, involve your toddler in a simple cookie recipe—they’ll love rolling dough and using winter-themed cookie cutters. If baking isn’t your thing, set up a pretend play kitchen with toy food and let them “bake” their own creations. It’s a fantastic way to build their imagination while sneaking in some quality time.
10. Snowball Toss Game
Turn sock balls into snowballs for a fun and active game. Roll up white socks into balls and have your toddler toss them into a bucket or at a stuffed snowman “target.” This simple activity improves hand-eye coordination and is a great way to get some indoor exercise.
Keeping a toddler busy during the winter can feel challenging, but with these simple and engaging indoor activities, you’ll be able to embrace the season with joy instead of stress. Whether you’re crafting, dancing, or building forts, these moments can become special memories for you and your little one.
Which of these activities will you try first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save this post for later on Pinterest!
