I know many of us rely on the outdoors to entertain our little ones throughout the day and the cooler months limit the amount of time we can spend outside.

This realization can be a little daunting. However, this can be a great opportunity to embrace the season and get creative with cozy indoor activities.

And if you are feeling stuck, grab our free calendar printable!

From creating winter wonderlands to warming up with hot cocoa, here are 30 delightful ideas to keep your toddler engaged and happy all winter.

1. Indoor Snowball Fight

• Make snowballs using soft white socks or crumpled paper. Set up a fun and safe snowball fight right in your living room!

2. Winter-Themed Sensory Bin

• Fill a bin with fake snow (or shredded white paper), small winter animals, and scoops for endless sensory play.

3. DIY Snowflakes

• Cut paper into snowflake shapes together. Hang them around the house for a festive winter decoration!

4. Winter Storytime

• Snuggle up with cozy blankets and read winter-themed books like Snowmen at Christmas or The Snowy Day.

5. Hot Cocoa Station

• Create a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Let your toddler customize their own cup (with supervision, of course!).

6. Indoor Ice Skating

• Use paper plates for a fun skating experience on a smooth floor. Slide around while practicing balance and coordination!

7. Winter Art with Cotton Balls

• Use cotton balls to create fluffy winter scenes on paper. Add blue and white paint for a snowy masterpiece.

8. Frozen Treasure Hunt

• Freeze small toys in ice and let your toddler “rescue” them using warm water, salt, or even a toy hammer.

9. Build a Blanket Fort

• Cozy up inside a blanket fort and read winter books, or enjoy quiet time with soft toys and pillows.

10. Winter Nature Walk Inside

• Collect items from outside like pinecones or twigs and create a nature display or craft project inside.

11. DIY Snow Dough

• Make snow dough using flour and oil for a fluffy, moldable dough that feels like snow and can be shaped into fun winter scenes.

12. Homemade Winter Decorations

• Create winter-themed decorations together, like painted pinecones or glittery ornaments for the window.

13. Ice Sensory Play

• Fill bowls with ice and add winter-themed toys for your toddler to explore. Discuss the melting process as it happens!

14. Winter Themed Puzzles

• Find puzzles with winter or snow themes. This is a great way to combine fun and cognitive development.

15. Create a Winter Wonderland Scene

• Use cotton balls, white sheets, and little figurines to create a miniature winter wonderland on a table or the floor.

Want more Toddler activity ideas?

16. Winter-Themed Music and Dance Party

• Play winter songs or festive tunes and have a dance party! Use scarves for twirling fun.

17. Play with Snow Globes

• Make your own snow globes using jars, water, glitter, and small toys. Shake and watch the “snow” fall!

18. Build a Snowman with Craft Supplies

• Use white paper plates or cotton balls to construct a snowman. Add buttons, googly eyes, and other craft supplies for decoration.

19. Winter Dress-Up Play

• Pull out winter gear (hats, scarves, gloves) and let your toddler have fun dressing up, pretending to go outside in the snow.

20. DIY Winter Collages

• Provide magazines and let your toddler cut out and glue winter-themed pictures onto paper for a creative collage.

21. Explore Temperature with Ice and Warm Water

• Use ice cubes and warm water to teach your toddler about temperature changes and melting. Supervised fun!

22. Baking Holiday Treats

• Bake simple holiday cookies or muffins together, allowing your toddler to help mix and decorate.

23. Indoor Winter Obstacle Course

• Set up an obstacle course with cushions, pillows, and soft toys for your toddler to navigate. Add a “snow” theme for extra fun!

24. Create Holiday Cards

• Use craft supplies to create handmade winter cards. Your toddler can decorate them for family and friends.

25. Watercolor Winter Art

• Give your toddler blue and white watercolor paints to create winter scenes. The colors will blend beautifully to reflect snowy landscapes.

26. Shadow Puppet Show

• Use a flashlight and some cardboard cutouts to create a shadow puppet show. Winter-themed characters can add to the fun!

27. Indoor Gardening

• Start an indoor herb garden together. Your toddler can help plant and water, learning about nature in the winter.

28. Play with Winter-themed Blocks

• Use blocks to build winter structures like snowmen, houses, or igloos. Imagination and creativity will flourish!

29. Family Movie Night

• Snuggle up for a winter-themed movie night with popcorn and cozy blankets. Look for classic favorites or new releases!

30. Mindfulness with Winter Scents

• Use essential oils like peppermint or pine to create a calming winter atmosphere. Spend a few moments talking about how the scents make you feel.

These indoor winter activities are not only fun but also help nurture creativity, imagination, and learning. Enjoy this magical season with your little one, and make memories that will warm your hearts even on the coldest days! ❄️

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