8 Festive Winter Activities for All Ages
If you're looking for ideas to entertain your little ones this winter break, we've got you covered! Read on for some fun and engaging activities that you can enjoy together.
10 Festive Winter Activities for All Ages
(Including FREE Winter Printables!)
Ice Rescue
What you’ll need: containers to freeze stuff in, animal figurines, small toys or craft items (e.g., gems, large buttons, novelty erasers, etc.), discovery tools (eye droppers, salt, tongs, play hammer/tools, etc.), rectangular sensory bin or container
What to do: Freeze various items in water-filled containers and remove them from the freezer once the water is completely frozen. Remove the ice blocks from the containers they were frozen in then invite your child(ren) to explore “rescuing” the items from the blocks of ice. Offer discovery tools like eye droppers, salt, spoons, play hammers or tools, and tongs for them to use and test different methods for melting/excavating the items from the ice. Tip: If this activity is a hit, let your kiddo(s) pick new items they want to freeze and rescue again the next day!!
2. Winter Scavenger Hunt
What you’ll need: a clipboard, our Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable (LINK HERE), a writing utensil, a bag or bucket to store your nature items in
What to do: Go on a winter-themed scavenger hunt to explore your neighborhood or local park. Use our Winter Scavenger Hunt Printable or make a list of items like pinecones, acorns, icicles, evergreen branches, or animal footprints, and challenge your little one(s) to find them.
3. Winter-Themed Arts and Crafts
Gather art supplies and let your little ones unleash their creativity with winter-themed crafts such as the ones listed below!
Winter Hats
What you’ll need: white paper, white school glue, markers, collage material of your choice (e.g., pompoms, tissue paper, gems/sequins, glitter, washi tape, etc), Winter Hat Template (LINK HERE)
What to do: Provide a winter hat template, paper scraps, glue, and other collage materials of your choice (e.g., pompoms, tissue paper, gems/sequins, etc.). Let the children design and decorate their winter hats.
Wax Resist Winter Scenes
What you’ll need: white paper, white crayons or pastels, watercolors palettes or liquid watercolor, paintbrushes
What to do: Offer a white crayon or oil pastel and watercolors and invite your child to make winter scenes by drawing white snowflakes and snowbanks on their page then adding watercolor overtop for a wax resist effect! Tip: For younger children, create Magic Winter Scenes by drawing snowflakes on the page beforehand then inviting them to paint overtop with watercolor to reveal the snowflake surprises underneath!
Snowflake Window Decorations
What you’ll need: white paper or coffee filters, scissors, markers, watercolors, and/or glitter glue
What to do: Cut out various shapes of snowflakes from white paper or coffee filters and let the kids decorate them with markers, watercolors, and/or glitter glue. Hang their snowflake creations on windows to bring a touch of winter magic to your home. Tip: For older kiddos, allow them to fold and cut the snowflakes out themselves!
4. Winter Accessory Clothesline
What you’ll need: clothespins, string or yarn, tape, winter accessories (hats, gloves, mittens, winter socks, etc.)
What to do: Hang up a “clothesline” by attaching each end of a piece of string or yarn to sturdy objects on different sides of a play space (e.g., attach one end to a railing or banister and the other end to a table leg or a door knob). Gather a variety of winter accessories like mittens, hats, gloves, cozy socks, etc. then let your child(ren) use clothespins to hang the winter items on the clothesline. Model how to squeeze the end of the clothespin to open its mouth then attach the objects to the line. Repeat as many times as desired by your child!
5. Storytime by the Fireplace
What you’ll need: your child’s favorite books (plus some seasonal books if on-hand!), a cozy blanket, a fireplace (real or projected on your TV from YouTube)
What to do: Gather around the “fireplace” with a stack of your child’s favorite books (plus some seasonal books for even more festive winter fun!). Then, for a cozy activity that is perfect for bonding and fostering a love of reading, read each story together!
6. Frozen Bubble Fun
What you’ll need: bubbles
What to do: On a chilly day, take advantage of the cold by blowing bubbles outside. Watch as the bubbles freeze and create delicate, glistening orbs. It's a mesmerizing experience for kids and adults alike!
7. Holiday Dance Party
What you’ll need: holiday music
What to do: Put on some holiday music and have a dance party in the living room. Encourage the kids to show off their best dance moves!
8. New Year's Eve Countdown Bags
What you’ll need: brown paper bags, activities or snacks (e.g., coloring sheets, stickers, new art supplies and paper, a small treat or snack, a small toy, etc.)
What to do: Create a countdown to the New Year with a series of bags, each filled with a small activity or treat. Open one bag each hour leading up to midnight. Each countdown bag can include things like sticker sheets, coloring books, games, or a small snack, building anticipation for the celebration!
8 Bonus Activities for if it snows:
1. Snowy Obstacle Course
Use the snow to create a mini obstacle course in your backyard. Build tunnels, hills, and mounds for your kids to navigate. This fun and exciting activity provides physical exercise and enhances motor skills!
2. Build a Snowman Together
Build a snowman in your backyard and watch the magic happen. Let the kids roll snowballs and stack them up, and then get creative with accessories like scarves, hats, and buttons. This classic activity is not only fun but also encourages teamwork and imagination.
3. Painting with Snow:
Gather snow from outside and put it in a large rectangular sensory bin or bucket. Offer watercolor palettes, water cups, and paint brushes then invite your child to paint the snow!
4. Snowy Animal Track Exploration
Take a stroll through a snowy area and look for animal tracks. Or, for an indoor alternative, gather different-sized animal figurines and make tracks in the snow in sensory bins!
5. Snowy Scavenger Hunt
Create a winter-themed scavenger hunt in the snow. Hide small toys or objects, and provide the children with a list of items to find.
6. Snow Fort Building
Encourage teamwork and creativity by building snow forts or igloos. Use buckets or containers to create bricks of snow and build walls. Once the structure is complete, enjoy your very own snowy hideaway!
7. Snow Angels and Snow Shapes
Encourage the children to lie down in the snow and make snow angels. Extend the fun by challenging them to create different shapes and patterns in the snow using their bodies.
8. Snowy Tic-Tac-Toe
Use sticks to draw a tic-tac-toe grid in the snow and find contrasting objects like pinecones and rocks to serve as Xs and Os. Play a few rounds of this classic game in a winter wonderland setting.
From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor crafts, let's make this winter break (and snowy season) one for the books!