14 Winter Activities to Keep Your Toddler Happy and Active – Indoors and Out

Winter can be a magical time for toddlers, filled with fun and engaging activities. Outdoor adventures like building a snowman, sledding, or a simple nature walk can keep them active. For indoor fun, try crafts, storytelling, or dancing to burn energy.

Warm up with hot cocoa after a playful day outside. Keeping toddlers busy with interactive games ensures they stay happy and active all season long.

1. Build a Snowman

Nothing excites toddlers more than creating their own snowman. Let them roll snowballs, stack them, and add fun details like a carrot nose and scarf. This activity keeps them active while improving their motor skills.

Encourage creativity by making different snow creatures. Use household items like buttons, twigs, and hats for decoration. Take pictures to capture their winter masterpiece!

• Gather accessories like scarves and buttons
• Use food coloring for a colorful snowman
• Build mini snowmen for extra fun
• Teach them to roll and shape the snow
• Let them name their snowman for added excitement

2. Go Sledding

Sledding is an exciting outdoor activity that toddlers love. Find a gentle hill and ensure they are bundled up properly. Push them slowly or let them ride with you for extra safety.

This activity improves their balance and gives them a thrilling experience. Always supervise and choose a soft snow-covered area to avoid bumps.

• Pick a safe, small hill
• Use a toddler-friendly sled with a backrest
• Dress them in waterproof winter gear
• Ride with them for extra safety
• Encourage them to hold on tightly

3. Indoor Obstacle Course

When it’s too cold outside, set up an indoor obstacle course. Use pillows, tunnels, and soft furniture to create a fun challenge. Guide your toddler through crawling, jumping, and balancing activities.

This game helps improve their gross motor skills while keeping them entertained. Change the layout often to keep it fresh and exciting.

• Use soft pillows and mats for safety
• Add a tunnel or crawling space
• Time them for a fun race challenge
• Include jumping and balancing sections
• Reward them with stickers or small treats

4. Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a dance party in the living room! Toddlers love moving to fun beats, and dancing helps burn energy while improving coordination.

Choose their favorite songs and join the fun. Make silly dance moves, clap hands, and even use props like scarves for added excitement.

• Play upbeat, toddler-friendly songs
• Encourage freestyle dancing and movement
• Use scarves or ribbons for extra fun
• Take turns choosing songs to dance to
• Make it a daily routine for exercise

5. Bake Winter Treats Together

Toddlers enjoy helping in the kitchen, so involve them in making winter treats. Simple recipes like cookies or hot chocolate can be fun and easy. Let them stir, pour, and decorate.

This hands-on activity teaches basic cooking skills and creates special bonding time. Plus, they’ll love tasting their delicious creations!

• Choose simple, mess-free recipes
• Let them mix and stir ingredients
• Use cookie cutters for fun shapes
• Allow them to decorate with sprinkles
• Enjoy warm treats together afterward

6. Storytime Adventure

Reading winter-themed books is a great way to keep toddlers entertained. Choose stories about snow, animals, or magical adventures to spark their imagination.

Use different voices and expressions to make the story engaging. Encourage them to act out parts of the story for added fun.

• Pick colorful, interactive books
• Ask questions to engage them in the story
• Let them turn the pages to participate
• Act out scenes with stuffed animals
• Create a cozy reading corner with blankets

7. Indoor Snowball Fight

If it’s too cold outside, bring the fun indoors with a snowball fight! Use soft cotton balls or rolled-up socks as pretend snowballs. Set up forts with pillows and have a friendly battle.

This game is a great way to burn energy while keeping things safe indoors. Make it a family event for extra fun!

• Use soft, lightweight materials
• Set up safe zones with pillows
• Create teams for a playful battle
• Encourage gentle throwing to avoid accidents
• Laugh and have fun together

8. Winter Nature Walk

A simple nature walk can be exciting for toddlers, even in winter. Bundle them up and explore the outdoors, pointing out trees, birds, and animal tracks in the snow.

Let them collect small twigs or pinecones as souvenirs. This helps them appreciate nature while staying active.

• Dress them in warm layers
• Look for animal tracks in the snow
• Let them collect leaves or pinecones
• Talk about what they see and hear
• Take breaks for snacks and warm drinks

9. Craft Snowflakes and Winter Art

Encourage creativity by making winter crafts like paper snowflakes and cotton ball snowmen. Use simple materials like glue, paper, and glitter.

This activity develops fine motor skills and lets toddlers express their creativity. Display their artwork proudly around the house.

• Use safety scissors for cutting snowflakes
• Provide non-toxic glue and glitter
• Let them decorate with stickers
• Make a winter-themed collage
• Display their crafts in a special spot

10. Build a Blanket Fort

A cozy fort made of blankets and pillows can be the perfect winter hideaway. Let your toddler help arrange the blankets and bring in stuffed animals or books.

Use fairy lights or a flashlight to make it extra magical. Read stories, have a snack, or simply relax inside the fort together.

• Use chairs and blankets to create the fort
• Add fairy lights for a magical touch
• Bring in books and stuffed animals
• Make it a cozy reading nook
• Play quiet games inside for extra fun

11. Play with Sensory Bins

Fill a large bin with winter-themed sensory items like cotton balls, fake snow, or small toys. Let toddlers explore different textures and practice scooping and pouring.

This hands-on activity stimulates their senses and keeps them entertained for hours. Change the materials regularly for variety.

• Use safe, non-toxic materials
• Include small cups and spoons for scooping
• Add small toys for extra fun
• Let them feel and describe different textures
• Supervise to avoid choking hazards

12. Watch a Family Movie

Choose a winter-themed movie and cuddle up for a cozy family night. Pick toddler-friendly films with bright colors and fun characters.

Make it extra special with blankets, popcorn, and warm cocoa. This is a great way to wind down after an active day.

• Pick a short, engaging movie
• Create a cozy movie-watching space
• Provide healthy snacks like fruit or popcorn
• Take breaks to talk about the story
• Let them wear cozy pajamas

13. Ice Skating for Beginners

If your toddler is ready, introduce them to ice skating at an indoor or outdoor rink. Hold their hands and help them practice small movements on the ice.

Use toddler-friendly skates with extra support. Keep the experience lighthearted and fun without pressure.

• Choose a safe, beginner-friendly rink
• Use skates with extra ankle support
• Hold their hands for balance
• Dress them in warm, padded clothing
• Keep sessions short to avoid exhaustion

14. Play with Winter-Themed Puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to keep toddlers engaged while improving their problem-solving skills. Choose puzzles with winter themes like snowflakes, animals, or holiday scenes.

Sit with them and help when needed. Celebrate when they complete a puzzle to boost their confidence.

• Pick large-piece puzzles for easy handling
• Choose colorful winter-themed images
• Encourage them to do it independently
• Offer hints when they get stuck
• Praise them for their efforts

Conclusion

Keeping your toddler active and happy during winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, you can ensure they stay engaged, learn new skills, and have fun all season long. From building a snowman to creating winter crafts, each activity helps in their development while making precious memories.

Choose activities based on their interests and energy levels, and don’t forget to capture the special moments. Whether it’s a dance party, sledding adventure, or cozy movie night, these simple yet exciting ideas will keep your little one entertained all winter.

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