Would you like to have winter fun with your child but don’t know where to start?
Here are some winter activities for toddlers that are simple and easy!
One of my favorite ways to keep little ones busy is by just including them in our daily routines such as cooking and chores.
This is an easy way for us to get stuff done while our little ones continue to learn.
Taking your toddler outside in the winter as long as they are properly dressed can also be a fun activity and a great way to burn some energy!
If you are not able to get outside for the day it is still very important to make sure to include movement into your little ones’ day so I will include some indoor activities that are perfect for those cold winter days!
I hope you and your little one enjoy these easy and fun winter activities for toddlers and preschoolers!
Winter Bingo Printable
One of my favorite winter activities for toddlers is playing social games like bingo!
Playing a simple game like bingo provides your little one with a way to practice turn-taking, listening, and learning new vocabulary words.
This winter holiday bingo printable game includes 10 unique cards using actual pictures of winter/holiday items such as mittens, fireplace, and cookies.
You can use this set in multiple ways which makes it great for both toddlers and preschoolers.
For very young children you can start off by doing a simple early literacy activity it by just looking at the pictures together and talking about what you see.
For little kids that don’t like to look at books, this can be a great option!
You can even cut out the calling cards and have your little one push them to throw the top of a kleenex box to work on fine motor skills.
This winter game can also be used as a matching game.
simply take one of the bingo cards and match the calling cards to it.
You can grab this winter bingo set HERE.
Christmas Tree Printable
Download this Christmas tree printable so that you can have your little one decorate their own tree.
This winter activity allows your child to learn about colors and shapes.
In this winter printable download pack, you will also receive a build your own snowman template, vocabulary cards, and a mitten matching game and more!
You can see what is included in the winter printable pack HERE.
Outdoor Activities Support Child Development
One of the best things you can do with your little one is getting them outside.
Yes….even in the cold…getting outside has so many benefits.
Aim for 15 minutes to start.
Chances are that once you are outside you will both want to stay outside for longer.
Outside time is a great way to incorporate sensory play into your day without having to set anything up.
Your child will seek out the play that they need.
Maybe it is running full speed or laying down to make snow angels.
Fun Outdoor Winter Activities: Use a Sled to Burn Energy
If you have a sled then you are in luck!
There are so many fun ideas that you can do during the winter season with a sled even if there is not any snow.
When you get outside with your busy toddler fill up an empty sled together with anything that you can find.
Think balls, rocks, sticks, snow, or anything that your child is interested.
Then let them pull the sled!
You can see a video example here.
This is a great heavy work activity that lets your toddler explore the concept of heavy vs. light and burn some energy.
You could also pull your child in the sled and demonstrate how to move fast and slow.
If it is a cold winter day and you would prefer to stay inside then you can modify this activity for indoors by taking a laundry basket and attaching a rope or belt around it and filling it with whatever you can find!
Winter Songs for Preschoolers
When we sing with our toddlers and preschoolers they learn new words and have fun.
You can work winter songs into any part of your day to make it a bit more interesting and embed some learning.
Winter Sensory Activities for Toddlers
If you are not able to get outside to play, you can always bring the winter fun inside by using a winter sensory bin or box.
One option is to just grab some snow and put it in a bin to explore or use for experiments.
One simple thing to do is just add a little food coloring to the snow to see what happens.
If you don’t want to use snow you could use some cotton balls as they give off that winter feeling.
You could hide toys inside the box for your little one to find and let them dig using a spoon or their hands.
Winter Crafts to Keep Kids Busy
Arts and crafts can make excellent winter activities for toddlers.
When doing winter crafts with your child choose ones that are easy and focus on the process instead of the product!
This can be a fun way to celebrate the winter months while sipping hot chocolate.
Here are some of my favorite toddler winter crafts that you can have fun creating together!
Free Printable Winter Coloring Pages for Toddlers and Adults
Ever want to color with your child but want a coloring page that is a bit more challenging?
I created this free winter coloring bundle for that exact purpose!
8 pages are included in this pack with 4 having simpler designs and 4 more complex versions for each of these fun winter-themed pictures:
- Penguin
- Snowflakes
- Birds
- Snowman
Download your free winter printable coloring pages here.
Create A Winter Collage
Go on a hunt with your toddler to find all of the items that remind them of winter.
Think soft cotton balls because they remind you of fluffy snow.
Maybe grab some sticks from outside.
Glitter that sparkles like snow does in the sun.
Whatever you or your toddler want to use or have on hand is perfect for this project.
Then glue the items onto a large piece of paper or cardboard.
Let your toddler take the lead and only help when they ask for it!
You can see an example of this project here.
Easy Snowball Painting for Little Kids
There are so many different ways that we can paint with little kids that do not involve a brush!
In this snow-inspired craft you use a cotton ball and clothespin as a paintbrush to make a winter scenery.
You can see all of the details on how to do this craft here.
Hope You Have Fun This Winter!
The winter months can be a challenge for parents who are looking to keep their young children busy.
We know that it is important to get kids outside, but the cold weather and snow might make this seem difficult at times.
From snow angles to sledding, I hope you enjoy the winter activities for toddlers and preschoolers shared in this post!
For more parenting advice and support make sure to check out my group for mindful parents or follow along on Tik Tok for daily posts!
Every season provides us with lots of opportunities to teach our little ones.
Winter activities could include playing games that introduce new concepts and vocabulary while still working on social and preacademic skills.
It could also include going outside to explore how it is different than the other seasons.
Reading books about winter can also be a way to explore the topic of winter.
One of my favorite ways to keep little ones busy is by just including them in our daily routines such as cooking and chores.
This is an easy way for us to get stuff done while our little ones continue to learn.
Taking your toddler outside in the winter as long as they are properly dressed can also be a fun activity.
Grab your FREE Milestone Guide HERE.
Related Posts You Will Enjoy
Non Toy Gifts for 2 Year Olds that Rock
Independent Play Activities for 2 Year Olds
How to Teach Your Toddler While They Take a Bath
Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.