25 Winter Toddler Activities, Crafts & Playtime Ideas

Winter can be a magical time for toddlers, but it also means that parents need to get creative with activities that entertain and engage little ones indoors and outdoors. Here’s a list of 25 winter toddler activities, from cozy crafts to fun outdoor games, that will help make winter a season to remember. Each activity has a brief description to get you started, along with links to full tutorials where available.

Indoor Winter Toddler Activities

When the temperature drops, these indoor activities are perfect for keeping toddlers entertained and active.

1. Snow Sensory Bin

Bring the snow indoors with a snow sensory bin! Fill a large plastic bin with real or fake snow, then add small toys and scoops for your toddler to explore. Great for sensory development and imagination.
Link to tutorial: Snow Sensory Bin for Toddlers

2. Winter-Themed Playdough

Make winter-themed playdough with scents like peppermint or vanilla and colors like blue and white. Add glitter for a “snowy” effect and let your toddler create snowmen, snowflakes, or whatever their imagination dreams up!
Link to tutorial: DIY Winter Playdough

3. DIY Snow Globes

Create a snow globe with a clear jar, water, glitter, and a few small figurines. Your toddler will love shaking the globe to see the “snow” fall.
Link to tutorial: Snow Globe Craft

4. Indoor Obstacle Course

Set up a winter-themed obstacle course in your living room with pillows, tunnels, and other household items. This is a great way to keep toddlers active indoors.

5. Ice Painting

Freeze colored water in ice cube trays and use the colorful ice cubes as paint on a large piece of paper. This easy winter activity is fun and mess-free!
Link to tutorial: Ice Painting

6. Winter Story Time Fort

Build a cozy fort with blankets and pillows, then settle in for some winter story time. You can read winter-themed books or tell your own tales. If you're hosting family or a group, see our tips on preparing for family events to keep the holiday season stress-free.

7. DIY Hot Chocolate Station

Set up a mini hot chocolate station where your toddler can “make” their own drink (with assistance, of course). Include marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles for a special treat.
Link to tutorial: Hot Chocolate Station

8. Homemade Bird Feeders

Make a simple bird feeder with pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Your toddler will enjoy watching birds come to snack on their creation.
Link to tutorial: Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Winter Toddler Crafts

Crafting is a wonderful way to pass time indoors while enhancing motor skills and creativity.

9. Paper Snowflakes

Teach your toddler to make paper snowflakes with child-safe scissors. This classic winter craft is perfect for toddlers learning to work with paper.
Link to tutorial: Paper Snowflakes for Toddlers

10. Puffy Paint Snowmen

Mix shaving cream and glue to create puffy paint, then help your toddler paint a snowman on construction paper.
Link to tutorial: Puffy Paint Snowman

11. Salt Dough Ornaments

Make salt dough with flour, salt, and water, then use cookie cutters to create winter-themed ornaments. Your toddler can help paint them once they’re dry.
Link to tutorial: Salt Dough Ornaments

12. Handprint Mittens

Create keepsake mittens with your toddler’s handprints. Paint their hands and press them onto paper, then add details to make mitten art.

13. Snowflake Stamps

Make snowflake stamps from sponges or foam, dip them in paint, and stamp away on construction paper.

14. Cotton Ball Penguins

Using cotton balls, construction paper, and googly eyes, create adorable penguins with your toddler. This craft is easy and encourages fine motor skills.
Link to tutorial: Cotton Ball Penguins

15. Winter Scene Collage

Help your toddler create a winter scene collage with construction paper, glue, and sparkly snowflake stickers. They’ll love arranging and gluing the pieces.

Outdoor Winter Toddler Activities

If it’s not too cold, bundle up and enjoy some fresh air with these outdoor winter activities. Consider using the Ergobaby Hip Seat Carrier to keep your little one close while they’re safely bundled up for outdoor winter fun. Or, take a stroll with the Metro+ stroller and wrap your baby in the convenient footmuff to keep them warm!

16. Snow Painting

Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring, then let your toddler spray the snow to create colorful designs. This activity combines art with the excitement of playing in the snow.
Link to tutorial: Snow Painting for Toddlers

17. Build a Snowman

A classic activity, building a snowman allows toddlers to work on balance and coordination while having fun outdoors. The 360 position carrier is a great option to keep them secure as you explore snowy landscapes.

18. Winter Scavenger Hunt

Create a simple winter-themed scavenger hunt by hiding items in the snow. This activity keeps toddlers engaged while exploring the winter landscape.
Link to tutorial: Winter Scavenger Hunt

19. Sledding

Take your toddler to a safe, gentle hill for some sledding fun. Always supervise closely and make sure they’re bundled up to stay warm.

20. Ice Cube Treasure Hunt

Freeze small toys in ice cubes and hide them in the snow. Encourage your toddler to dig and find the treasures, teaching patience and persistence.

21. Animal Track Exploration

Look for animal tracks in the snow and try to identify which animal made them. This activity is a simple introduction to nature and wildlife observation.

22. Snowball Target Practice

Set up a few targets (like a tree or cardboard box) and encourage your toddler to throw snowballs at them. This game is fun and great for developing hand-eye coordination.

Cozy Playtime Ideas for Winter Birthdays

If your toddler has a winter birthday, here are a few party-themed ideas to make the day special.

23. Indoor “Snowball” Toss

Use white balloons or soft balls as pretend snowballs, and let toddlers toss them into a target or at each other in a safe environment. This makes for an exciting indoor game.

24. DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

For a birthday treat, set up a DIY hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, sprinkles, and whipped cream. Toddlers can “decorate” their own cocoa cups with help.
Link to tutorial: Hot Cocoa Bar

25. Winter Wonderland Photo Booth

Create a winter-themed photo booth with props like hats, scarves, and paper snowflakes. This is a great way to capture birthday memories!

From snowy outdoor adventures to cozy indoor crafts, these winter toddler activities will keep your little one engaged and happy all season long. Try a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep things exciting, and remember to make adjustments to suit your toddler’s age and interests. With the help of products like the Ergobaby Hip Seat and 360 Carrier, you’ll have the flexibility to take on winter outings hands-free while keeping your toddler snug and close.

For more tips on reducing holiday stress with toddlers, check out our guide on easing holiday stress for new parents. Happy winter exploring!