My sister, who resides in Michigan’s chilly climate, often finds herself struggling to keep her three young children under six engaged and entertained during the cold winter months. Meanwhile, I bask in the relatively mild Texas weather, where temperatures in January typically hover around 50°F (10°C). As a result, our conversations often revolve around the weather, with my sister sharing tales of sub-zero temperatures and extreme windchill warnings.
To help her prepare for such conditions, I’ve compiled this list of winter indoor activities that are sure to delight her little ones.
Winter Indoor Activities for Kids
Homemade Handprint Twister
The game’s unique feature is its two-fold design, allowing kids to both create and play their own Twister games. This dual approach not only provides endless entertainment but also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the creator, Pint Sized Treasures, aimed to utilize this game as a tool for teaching colors to children, making it an excellent way to combine learning with fun.
Candy Cane Goo
While this winter wonderland activity may not feature candy canes, it’s a delightful surprise that utilizes items you likely already have at home. The blogger at Science Sparks has cleverly infused educational value into the mix, making it an engaging sensory experience for younger children and a fun learning opportunity for older kids alike. The science behind the activity is presented in a way that’s both accessible and enjoyable, making it a wonderful indoor activity to try this winter.
Sumo Boys
As we navigate adulthood, it’s astonishing how certain joyful activities can seemingly vanish from our radar. Take, for instance, the creative endeavour of Allison at All for the Boys, who turned a simple game of sumo wrestling into a hilarious reality using only pillows and T-shirts borrowed from her sons’ father. The end result is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of embracing playfulness, even in the face of potential noise disturbances.
It’s a valuable reminder that sometimes, it’s the simplest pleasures that can bring the greatest joy.
Snow Ice Cream
If you’ve never indulged in the sweet delight of snow ice cream, I highly recommend embarking on a winter adventure to whip up a batch. The experience is as nostalgic as it is enjoyable – my childhood memories of making it with my mother still warm my heart. Similarly, when my own daughters were young and we huddled together in our Delaware home during a prolonged snowstorm, the joy of creating this treat was rekindled.
Little did I know that I would also learn the art of whipping cream in the process! It was nothing short of magical. The recipe that follows is courtesy of Ali at Gimme Some Oven.
Indoor Camping
While some people revel in the coziness of winter, I’m among those who start to feel the winter blues by mid-February. Even Texas, where I reside, can’t escape the gloomy atmosphere. However, as a kid, I used to love snow days and would set up an indoor campout in our living room, transforming it into a beachy oasis with a makeshift pool and tanning area. It was my own little sanctuary.
And that’s exactly what I want parents to know – you can still create magical moments indoors, even when the weather outside is less than ideal. So why not try setting up your own indoor adventure and let the kids’ imaginations run wild? Just think of all the fun memories you can make together!
Use Your Resources
Television for kids often receives a bad rap, but what if we’re thinking about it all wrong? It’s not about letting children zone out in front of a screen for hours on end, but rather utilizing the internet as a valuable resource. For instance, when my oldest was young, I allowed her one hour of Sesame Street per day – and that extra hour gave me the freedom to tackle other tasks. The key is moderation. In fact, some YouTube videos can be just what you need to get your kids moving and engaged.
Tiffany over at Spark & Pook’s shares some fantastic examples of videos that not only capture children’s attention but also encourage them to get up and active. As a parent, this is a win-win! And speaking of fun indoor activities, have you tried this winter-themed one?
String Obstacle Course
A few years ago, I created a unique sensory experience with my daughters in our home’s hallway. The string was secured to the wall using tape. On the other hand, Jamie from Hands On As We Grow approached it differently. She utilized chairs and positioned the activity at a lower level. Additionally, she incorporated it into her children’s learning routine by focusing on number bonds.
If you’re unfamiliar with number bonds, I recommend visiting Jamie’s blog to learn more about this valuable educational concept.
Laundry Basket Skee Ball
I’m thrilled to share this winter indoor activity that brings back fond memories of arcade nights. The game I always go to first, now recreated at the comfort of my own home. A big thank you goes out to Sara from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls for sharing this delightful experience with us.
Bozo’s Grand Prize Game
If you’re looking for an alternative to skee ball, consider Bozo the Clown’s Grand Prize Game. The memories of enthusiastic contestants and excited prizes are still vivid in my mind, even though I was a young kid at the time (not yet in school). The game show’s energy is infectious, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement as kids strive to win big. While you don’t need ping-pong balls or buckets to replicate the experience, feel free to get creative with your own twist.
Most importantly, I hope you have just as much fun as those contestants on the show!
Indoor Snow Games
Imagine conjuring up a winter wonderland without braving the chill or worrying about the fleeting nature of freshly fallen snow. Jillian, from Confidence Meets Parenting, has taken the concept of indoor snowplay to the next level by providing creative ideas for crafting fake snowballs that can be enjoyed just as enthusiastically as their natural counterparts.
Paper Bag Snowman Puppet
Who says snowmen have to be limited by supplies? With a little creativity, you can create adorable winter wonders using everyday items. Take for instance the use of markers as makeshift scarves, googly eyes, and buttons – it’s a stroke of genius! And if you’re stuck inside without these materials, don’t worry, just roll with it and let your imagination run wild. The beauty lies in embracing the imperfections and having fun. Why not involve the kids from the get-go?
You never know what amazing ideas they might come up with. If you’re looking for inspiration, head over to Rachel’s blog at I Heart Crafty Things to see exactly how she brought these snowmen to life. And hey, if you don’t have white paper bags lying around, why not try making gingerbread men puppets instead? The possibilities are endless! Try this winter indoor activity and get creative!
Color a Box
The article by Kylie at The How-to Mom highlights various ways to keep toddlers engaged and prevent chaos. A recent experience with my own twelve-year-old sparked a realization that cardboard boxes can be a treasure trove of creativity, keeping her occupied for hours. Just last month, she constructed an elaborate abode for our Elf on the Shelf, Zoey, showcasing the limitless potential of this humble material.
Cardboard proves to be an invaluable creative resource for children across all age groups, encouraging imagination and fostering learning experiences.
Word Building Charades
I recently came across a delightful winter indoor activity idea on Understood’s website. The author has cleverly created word building charades that are sure to bring joy and laughter to kids (and adults!) of all ages. Here’s how it works: for big letters, stand tall; for regular letters, stand straight; and for letters that go below the line, crouch down. For instance, the example given is ‘Bag’, where you would mimic holding a bag by standing tall, with your arms held out in front of you.
To see this activity in action, I encourage you to head over to Understood’s site and experience it for yourself.
Cut Out Snowflakes
While we’ve already had a blast having snowball fights, let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of snowflakes themselves. For those who need a little guidance, It’s Always Autumn offers a helpful tutorial and templates to ensure a stress-free crafting experience. As someone who appreciates making snowflakes, I must admit that my older child has surpassed me in terms of skill.
She even uses her creations to decorate our classroom during the winter months, adding a touch of whimsy to our learning space. This fun and creative activity is perfect for indoor enjoyment on a cold winter’s day.
Bake Some Bread
Indulging in the sensory experience of bread baking with kids can be a delightful and engaging activity for both you and your little ones. Set them up at the counter, ensuring their safety while still allowing them to participate in the process, as they add ingredients, mix, and knead the dough. Even cleaning up is an opportunity for them to learn and have fun! Furthermore, baking bread warms up your home, filling it with a cozy aroma that’s sure to bring people together.
According to Cynthia at Rolling Prairie Readers, incorporating kids into the baking process can also foster a sense of giving back to their community. Why not try this winter indoor activity?
Memory Game
While I adore activities that spark creativity from the onset, I find that crafting memory cards with my kids beforehand is a great way to set the stage for hours of engaging fun. The process is just as enjoyable as the game itself – even my tweens will be hooked! Beyond the sheer pleasure of spending quality time together, memorization games have numerous cognitive benefits. They can improve problem-solving skills, foster critical thinking, and provide a gentle workout for our brains.
And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to focus on the fun.
Garbage Bots
Indulge in a fun and creative indoor activity that’s perfect for the whole family, requiring minimal materials you likely already have at home. Start by giving your garbage a new lease on life by transforming it into exciting toys for the kids. Just remember to thoroughly wash everything and exercise caution with sharp edges on tins. As you cut and paste your way through this engaging activity, be prepared for some messiness, but rest assured it’ll be well worth the extra clean-up time spent.
A Minute to Win It Games
While I’m not typically drawn to board games, there’s something about Minute to Win It-style challenges that really piques my interest. One of my all-time favorites involves blowing air through a straw to propel ping pong balls towards a target – it’s an entertaining way to spend time with friends and family. For more inspiration on indoor activities perfect for the winter season, check out our collection of kid-friendly ideas.
Snow Globe
In my household, there’s no shortage of creativity – especially when it comes to my 12-year-old daughter, who has a passion for all things art. When I stumbled upon the idea of making snow globles as an indoor activity, I knew she’d be thrilled. And, as it turns out, it requires minimal effort from adults! All we need to do is let her unleash her creativity by coloring the paper globe and then add the finishing touches.
The full tutorial can be found over at Fireflies + Mud Pies, where you can try this fun winter indoor activity with your little ones.
Marble Maze
This double layer activity is a great way to engage kids and challenge their problem-solving skills. Begin by guiding them in creating the maze, and then let them use a marble to navigate it from one end to another. This activity is particularly well-suited for older kids, making it an excellent option for families with children of different ages. For a comprehensive guide on how to set up this fun winter indoor activity, I recommend checking out Little Bins for Little Hands.
Karaoke
I was initially considering organizing a karaoke competition, but then stumbled upon an inspiring idea on I Heart Arts n Crafts. For young children, this activity would be an absolute delight, fostering a sense of excitement and glamour as they belt out their favorite tunes.
Moon Sand
My fond memories of moon sand with my girls began a few years ago when they received bags of it. Even I couldn’t resist joining in, delighting in the tactile experience of squishing the fine grains between my fingers. Upon discovering how effortlessly we could make our own, I was motivated to recreate the fun at home.
The homemade version turned out remarkably similar to what we had initially purchased, with the added joy of watching my fingers still get a good workout as I squished and manipulated the sand. If you’re interested in trying this engaging winter indoor activity for yourself, be sure to check out Lesson Learnt Journal for the full tutorial.
Spinning Nerf Target
Imagine a thrilling game that brings together adults and kids alike in a fun-filled experience. The twist? Instead of using foam darts or Nerf guns, players wield ‘bullet-style’ weapons. This unique spin on the classic concept is what makes it so appealing to people of all ages.
The setup may differ from traditional versions, but the core idea remains the same – a game that evolves and adapts as players grow and develop their skills.
This fantastic indoor activity was created by our friend at Frugal Fun for Boys, with the aim of providing entertainment that can be enjoyed by family members and friends alike.
Fizzy Drinks
After exhausting their energy, kids will likely crave something sweet and refreshing. To stimulate their minds and satisfy their thirst, I recommend this fizzy lemonade recipe from Learn with Play at Home. With just a few simple steps, you can provide your little ones with a delightful treat that’s both fun and educational.
Sanity Saving Winter Indoor Activities
As the cold grip of winter begins to loosen its hold, many of us can’t help but eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring’s gentle warmth. Until that time comes, I hope these suggestions inspire you and your loved ones to stay active and shake off those winter blues – making the wait for spring a little more bearable.
