Winter is on its way, and in some parts of the world, it has already made its frosty arrival!
While the thought of staying cozy indoors might sound tempting, did you know that venturing outside can offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure with your little ones?
If you’re lucky enough to live in a snowy area, there’s even more reason to embrace the chilly outdoors! However, if staying inside is more your style, no worries—here are 20 exciting winter craft and activity ideas for kids of all ages to enjoy this season!
See also Indoor Activities for Kids.
20. Learn How to Make Preschool Favorite Winter Patterns
Decorating mittens with fun and festive winter patterns started as a structured activity but turned into a creative free-for-all—just the kind of spontaneity kids love during the winter months!
Let me share how my idea for this preschool winter craft took an unexpected twist and still ended up as a win for everyone involved.
The original plan was simple: I would design a patterned mitten, and my four-year-old would create a matching pair, practicing pattern recognition and repetition.
However, like many activities with young kids, it didn’t go as expected. My child had a different plan—designing entirely new patterns for each mitten!
Rather than redirecting, I embraced his creativity and let the activity evolve into something different. The key was the conversation that naturally flowed as he worked on his designs.
We talked as he created, keeping the environment playful and relaxed. As he made his patterns, we discussed his choices and thought process.
I asked open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and exploration, fostering both creativity and learning.
Open-ended questions are fantastic tools for engaging kids, and they’re a cornerstone of our approach to fostering meaningful conversations with toddlers and preschoolers.
By adapting to his ideas, this winter craft became an enjoyable, engaging activity that we both loved—a perfect way to spend a cozy day indoors during the winter months!
19. Tape Resist Snowflake Winter Theme Art Activity for Toddlers
This winter art idea is inspired by my friend Susie from Busy Toddler! Her creative tape resist art projects have been a hit all year, and we knew we had to try our own version to keep kids engaged and entertained.
As a former elementary school teacher, incorporating art inspired by famous artists was always a highlight of my week. Now, as a parent, I’ve been enjoying introducing my kids to the world of great artists while learning at home.
It’s so exciting to watch them experiment with new techniques and develop their creativity.
Painting with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming or messy. A simple material like painter’s tape can make all the difference! It’s a household staple that’s easy to use and perfect for winter art activities.
Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce kids to the work of Paul Klee, a famous artist who often used tape resist techniques in his creations.
We love using big, wide brushes for tape resist painting, ensuring the entire surface gets covered with vibrant colors. It’s a simple, hands-on project that will keep kids happily engaged while adding a splash of creativity to your winter days!
18. Indoor Mini Golf – Winter Game Physical Activity
Looking for fun indoor activities that kids will love? We’ve got you covered! This creative and physical indoor play idea actually came from my husband.
While I was upstairs checking emails, he and the kids were downstairs constructing an imaginative mini-golf course out of train tracks.
How clever is that? I was amazed and knew this simple yet revolutionary activity had to be shared. A preschool-friendly indoor mini-golf course for a rainy or snowy day? Yes, please!
It had been raining all day, and my oldest was eager to practice with his golf clubs. Don’t worry if you don’t have professional golf gear—an alternative is just as fun and easy to put together.
The solution? Build your very own indoor mini-golf course for the whole family to enjoy! Anything goes when designing your creative course. Start by showing your kids some inspiration photos or better yet, work together to build it.
Then, let them take the lead in shaping the course. Not only is this activity a great way to keep kids active indoors, but it also fosters creativity and teamwork.
(Pro tip: PBS has a fantastic article on why creative play is so important for kids—worth a read!)
Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a snowy winter morning, this fun indoor game will bring smiles, laughter, and some healthy competition to your home!
17. Snow Trucks – Fun Winter Activity for Kids
Painting can easily become one of your kids’ favorite winter activities, and it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
Even if kids don’t have much painting experience, starting with a simple open-ended process art activity is the perfect way to introduce them to the joy of creating.
How do I introduce paint to my toddler?
Here are some practical tips for making painting a fun and stress-free experience for you and your toddler:
- Cover the painting area with craft paper to protect surfaces.
- Dress your child in old clothes that can get messy, or use a smock.
- Choose washable paints to make cleanup easy.
- Pour a small amount of paint onto a plate for easy access.
- Provide something fun for your toddler to paint with, like toy trucks, brushes, or other toys.
- Encourage your child to explore the materials freely at the table.
- Keep a towel or wipes nearby for quick cleanups when they’re done.
- Turn clean-up time into another fun activity by washing the toys or brushes together afterward!
Painting is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a fantastic sensory experience that helps toddlers learn self-control and explore cause-and-effect relationships. This winter, turn a simple painting session into a delightful memory your kids will love!
16. Easy DIY Skating Rink – Fun Winter Outdoor Activity
Oh my goodness… I can’t even express how much joy we’ve found with our DIY outdoor ice skating rink in the front yard! It’s been the perfect way to embrace the winter scene right outside our door.
Day or night, we can lace up our skates, step out, and enjoy gliding across the ice without leaving home. It’s been an amazing way to make the most of the recent cold snap—we’re outdoors every day, truly enjoying winter in a whole new way.
The kids absolutely love it and have become much better skaters because of all the practice.
This project has been more than just fun—it’s brought back some wonderful memories for me.
Growing up, my dad and some other neighborhood parents would flood our local park in Cold Lake, Alberta, creating a community skating rink for us kids.
Recreating that experience has been so nostalgic, and it seems to have resonated with our retiree neighbors too.
They’ve cheered us on, stopped by to chat and share tips, snapped photos of the process, and even dropped off sweet treats to enjoy with our hot cocoa after skating. It’s been such a heartwarming experience!
Here’s the best part: building this DIY skating rink was surprisingly simple! Trust me, I’m not particularly handy, and my tool collection is pretty minimal, but I managed to put it all together with just a little help.
Honestly, I could have done it entirely on my own, but my brother—who’s a seasoned builder and project manager—dropped by to check in.
Of course, he couldn’t resist jumping in and speeding things up a bit, though he made sure I got hands-on with every step.
If you’ve ever thought about making your own ice skating rink, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not only doable but also budget-friendly, especially since the materials like wood and tarps can be reused year after year.
Your design will naturally vary based on your available space, but here’s a detailed look at how we built our DIY outdoor skating rink…
15. Winter Outdoor Activity for Kids in the Woods
Winter is the best season to venture into the woods. The crisp air, the absence of pesky bugs, and the serene quiet make it magical. It’s an ideal outdoor snow activity if you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a fun snowball-filled playdate for the kids.
Pack a blanket to roll out once you’re in the woods—it’s perfect for when the kids need a quick break from their adventures.
Using thin wire, she began threading the cranberries to create a garland—a simple yet engaging winter craft for little hands. I watched as she counted, sang, and worked on her fine motor skills, totally immersed in the activity.
When her garland was complete, she carefully wrapped it around a low-hanging branch, imagining birds and foxes enjoying her creation.
Ruby, who’s 8, had her own plan. She scooped up handfuls of cranberries, tucking them into tree roots and scattering them near frozen streams.
Laughing to herself, she explained, “I’m picturing the animals finding these treats on their walks! I wonder how surprised they’ll be!” Her excitement added a playful layer of imagination to the day.
Meanwhile, Nate was too busy climbing trees to focus on crafting. While he wasn’t interested in stringing up cranberries, he loved hanging some of Sloane’s garlands high up in the branches.
And of course, he managed to throw in a few snowball battles along the way.
This outdoor adventure was the perfect mix of creativity, exploration, and snow-filled fun for kids of all ages!
14. Free Preschool Winter Worksheets with a Snowman Theme
Grab these awesome free printable winter worksheets for preschoolers to keep your little ones entertained while they learn! You’ll score five super fun sheets featuring a snowman theme.
13. Free Printable Winter Bingo Cards
These printable winter bingo picture cards are a delightful way to add some cheer to a cold, dreary day.
They’re not just fun but also fantastic for your child’s development, helping them practice paying attention to detail, sharpening their listening skills, and improving visual discrimination.
My family loves playing with them, and I hope yours will enjoy them just as much!
12.
This is an amazing winter science experiment that’s as fun as it is educational! You can decorate it in any way you like, adding a personal touch to the activity. My kids absolutely LOVED seeing the frost form—it’s just like watching magic happen.
Pair it with some time to build a snowman, and you’ve got the perfect winter day activity!
11. How to Paint With Snow in Craft Day with Kids
With a bit of cardstock, some paintbrushes, and, of course, snow, you can turn an ordinary day into a creative and memorable craft day with your kids. Learn how to bring winter magic to your art projects by painting with snow!
10.
As the chilly weather sets in, it’s the perfect time to create your very own Snow Dough! This creative twist on the classic Moon Dough recipe brings the snowy fun indoors, providing hours of tactile play and imagination for kids.
9.
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. Create excitement with a Winter Reading Challenge for kids! When my twins were little, we made it a fun game, turning storytime into an exciting adventure they looked forward to every year.
8. Borax Crystal Snowflakes (Science Experiment!)
At STEAMsational, we’re all about combining fun with learning. This winter, explore the magic of science by making borax crystal snowflakes!
Kids will love watching crystals form in this engaging and educational experiment, a seasonal twist on a classic STEM activity.
See also science experiments for kids.
7.
Discover how to whip up creamy and delicious Snow Ice Cream in just minutes! With only 4 simple ingredients from your kitchen, this sweet winter treat is the perfect addition to your hot chocolate for a cozy winter day.
6. Activities to Make Better Your Homeschool In December
By December, our homeschool routine often feels a bit like an endless cycle of learning. This year, break free with creative and festive activities designed to refresh your kids’ learning environment and keep spirits high as the holidays approach.
5. Make Christmas Ice Globes – Lights in the Snow
Take advantage of the winter chill to create stunning Christmas Ice Globes! This unique outdoor display idea is a delightful way to add sparkle to your snow-covered yard and captivate both kids and adults alike.
4.
Creating those breathtaking frozen bubbles you see during winter deep freezes is no easy feat. After years of trial and error, we’ve cracked the code!
Follow our tried-and-true method for crafting these mesmerizing winter wonders—perfect for capturing the magic of the season.
3. Snowy Polar Bear Craft For Preschool Kids
Polar bears may not always top the list when teaching toddlers about animals, but they’re fascinating creatures!
Celebrate their charm with this adorable Snowy Polar Bear Craft—perfect for introducing kids to the animal kingdom while creating something cute and memorable.
2. Make at Home The Best Crystal Snowflakes
As a family that loves science, we decided to test different methods for growing crystal snowflakes to discover which one works best. Join us in this fun experiment to create the most beautiful, shimmering crystal snowflakes for your home this winter.
1.
When the weather turns cold, I love finding creative indoor crafts that are kid-friendly and budget-conscious. One of my favorite winter activities is making cookie cutter bird feeders!
They’re easy to craft, fun for kids, and perfect for helping our feathered friends during chilly months.
