Top 10 Winter Activities for Preschoolers and Kids

Winter is a magical season for kids, filled with snowflakes, warm cups of hot cocoa, and plenty of opportunities for fun and discovery. If you’re looking for ways to keep preschoolers or kids active and learning during the colder months, you’re in the right place. This list of winter activities blends creativity and education, making it easy for little ones to stay entertained while building important skills. From crafting snowmen to learning about Arctic animals, there’s something here for every child to enjoy this winter.

Key Takeaways

• Winter activities help preschoolers and kids learn through play.
• Snowman crafts can be both fun and educational.
• Incorporate math with winter-themed counting games.
• Use printables to teach about arctic animals.
• Messy play is a great way to explore winter themes.

1. Winter Snowman Activity

When the first snowflakes fall, building a snowman becomes a favorite winter tradition for kids. It’s a fun way to spark their creativity while enjoying the magic of the season. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, with or without snow, here are some snowman-themed activities to try!

Snowman Crafting

You don’t need real snow to create a snowman. Here’s how you can bring the magic of snowmen indoors:

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper
• Cotton balls
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons

Steps to Create:

1. Cut out snowman shapes using construction paper.
2. Decorate with cotton balls for the body, and add details like buttons, a scarf, and a hat using markers or craft supplies.
3. Let the kids personalize their snowman with their favorite colors and designs.

Snowman Math Fun

Make math exciting with snowman-themed activities that boost counting and basic arithmetic skills.

Snowman Roll and Cover:

• Use a snowman template with numbers and a pair of dice.
• Kids roll the dice and cover the corresponding number on the snowman with a cotton ball.
• Add a learning twist by practicing addition or subtraction up to 20!

This simple activity not only teaches math concepts but also builds fine motor skills.

Indoor Snowman Building

Too cold to go outside? Create an indoor snowman experience with a DIY snowman kit!

Materials Needed:

• Large white socks
• Rice or stuffing (for filling)
• Rubber bands
• Felt or fabric scraps (for accessories)

Steps to Build:

1. Fill the sock with rice or stuffing and tie off sections to form the body and head.
2. Use felt or fabric to craft a scarf, buttons, and facial features.
3. Let the kids assemble and decorate their snowman.

Why Snowman Activities Matter

Building a snowman isn’t just about fun—it’s an opportunity to encourage imagination, develop fine motor skills, and create lasting memories. Whether your snowman is made of snow or craft supplies, the joy of bringing it to life never gets old.

Gather your materials and enjoy a snowman-filled day that your preschoolers and kids will love!

2. Winter Math Activities

Winter is the perfect time to mix fun with learning, especially for preschoolers. With winter-themed math activities, children can build essential skills while enjoying the season. Here are some ideas to keep them engaged and learning during those chilly days:

Snowball Counting

Turn counting into a playful activity with “snowballs.”

• What You Need: Cotton balls, tongs, and bowls.
• How to Play: Kids use tongs to pick up the “snowballs” and count them into bowls.
• Skills Developed: Number recognition, counting, and fine motor coordination.

Winter Calendar Numbers

Use printable numbers during circle time or math centers.

• Practice sequencing activities by arranging numbers in the correct order.
• These activities help preschoolers understand order, progression, and early math concepts.

Snowman Roll and Cover

Incorporate a snowman-themed game into math practice.

• What You Need: Dice, a snowman mat with numbers, and small objects like cotton balls or counters.
• How to Play: Roll the dice and cover the matching number on the mat. For an extra challenge, practice addition or subtraction as part of the game.
• Explore seasonal activities for more winter-themed math fun.

Top Hat Math

Make math more interactive with a snowman’s top hat.

• What You Need: Paper top hats, markers, and a snowman drawing.
• How to Play: Write numbers or math problems on the hats. Kids solve the problem and add the correct number of buttons to the snowman.

Counting Snowflakes

Turn snowflakes into a fun math tool.

• What You Need: Paper snowflakes or printable versions.
• How to Play: Have kids count and group the snowflakes into sets. Use this activity to teach grouping and basic counting skills.

Make Winter Math Fun and Productive

By turning math lessons into interactive winter activities, preschoolers and kids stay entertained while mastering early math skills. Whether it’s counting snowballs or rolling dice on a snowman mat, these activities ensure that indoor days are just as educational as they are enjoyable.

For more detailed ideas and ready-to-use materials, explore the Winter Math and Literacy Centers. This resource offers over 100 pages of math and literacy activities, including number recognition, counting, and basic arithmetic tasks, all to make learning engaging during the winter season.

3. Snowman Shape Matching

Snowman Shape Matching

Snowman Shape Matching is a fun and educational activity, perfect for those cold days when outdoor play isn’t possible. This hands-on activity helps preschoolers learn to recognize and differentiate shapes while fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

Setting Up the Activity

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Materials: Construction paper in various colors, scissors, and glue.
• Preparation: Cut out shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles in different sizes.

How to Play

1. Create Snowmen: Use the shapes to assemble snowmen. For example, stack a large circle for the body, a smaller circle for the head, and add triangles for the nose and hat.
2. Matching Game: Mix up the shapes and challenge kids to match and complete their snowmen.

Add a 3D Twist

Take this activity to the next level by incorporating 3D shapes:

• Introduce cones, cubes, and spheres to make more complex snowmen.
• Encourage kids to build and balance their creations, adding an extra layer of fun and challenge.

Foster Creativity

Let children use their imagination by decorating their snowmen with colors, patterns, and accessories. This makes each snowman unique while enhancing their creative expression.

Snowman Shape Matching offers learning and play, making it a favorite for winter days. It’s a wonderful way to keep preschoolers entertained and engaged indoors while teaching essential skills.

4. Arctic Animals Printables

Making learning fun and educational during the winter months is easy with Arctic Animals Printables. These resources are perfect for introducing preschoolers to the fascinating world of Arctic wildlife while helping them develop essential skills.

Activities to Explore

Here are some creative ways to use Arctic Animals Printables in your classroom or at home:

• Color by Number: Use Color by Number Addition and Subtraction Within 20 – Arctic Animals worksheets in math lessons. These printables combine math practice with colorful illustrations of polar bears, seals, and Arctic foxes.
• Animal Fact Sheets: Introduce Arctic animals with fact sheets featuring fun facts about their habitat, diet, and unique characteristics.
• Matching Games: Create printable games where kids match each Arctic animal to its correct habitat or food source. This activity enhances memory and introduces basic ecological concepts.

Why Use Arctic Animals Printables?

These printables go beyond fun—they’re made to:

• Strengthen number sense and fine motor skills.
• Reinforce addition and subtraction concepts.
• Support independent learning or group activities in math centers.

Tips for Using Printables Effectively

• Laminate for Durability: Laminating printables makes them reusable. Use dry-erase markers so kids can complete activities again and again.
• Incorporate into Daily Routines: Include these printables in morning warm-ups or quiet time activities for an easy, structured way to start or end the day.
• Encourage Personalization: Let children color and decorate the printables, fostering creativity while keeping the activities engaging.

Arctic Animals Printables offer a way to bring the magic of the Arctic to your classroom or home that all kids will love.

5. Snowman Snack Ideas

Creating snowman-themed snacks is another way to bring some winter magic into your kitchen. These treats are not only fun to make but also enjoyable to eat. Gather the kids and get ready to build some tasty snowmen!

1. Marshmallow Snowmen: Stack large marshmallows on skewers to form a snowman shape. Use pretzel sticks for arms, chocolate chips for eyes, and a small piece of candy corn for the nose. Let the kids decorate their marshmallow snowmen with edible markers or icing.
2. Snowman Fruit Kabobs: For a healthier option, use banana slices, strawberries, and grapes. Arrange them on skewers in the shape of a snowman. Add a small piece of carrot for the nose and use mini chocolate chips for the eyes.
3. Snowman Cheese Balls: Create snowman shapes using cream cheese or any soft cheese. Roll them in shredded coconut to give a snowy appearance. Use olives for the eyes and a small piece of carrot for the nose. Serve with crackers.

Kids will love assembling these snowy treats, and it’s a great way to encourage creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re making marshmallow snowmen or fruit kabobs, these snacks are sure to be a hit at any winter gathering.

For a sweet twist, try making Chocolate Snowman Bark. It’s an easy, kid-friendly dessert that’s perfect for parties or just a cozy day indoors. Get creative with toppings like crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles to add a festive touch.

6. Winter Messy Play Ideas

Messy play is a great way for kids to explore and learn, especially during the winter months when outdoor activities might be limited. Here’s a mix of creative ideas that are sure to engage and entertain your little ones.

Snow Dough Creations

• Materials Needed: Flour, oil, glitter (optional), and a large mixing bowl.
• Instructions: Mix flour and oil in a ratio of 8:1 until it reaches a moldable consistency. Add glitter for a magical touch.
• Activity: Encourage kids to create snowmen, snowballs, or even tiny snow forts with their dough.

Arctic Animal Sensory Bin

• Materials Needed: Instant snow, plastic arctic animals, and a large bin.
• Instructions: Prepare instant snow according to package instructions and fill the bin. Add the animals.
• Activity: Let the children explore the textures and create stories with the animals.

Paint on Ice

• Materials Needed: Ice blocks, watercolor paints, and brushes.
• Instructions: Freeze water in small containers to create ice blocks. Provide watercolor paints and brushes.
• Activity: Kids can paint directly on the ice, watching as the colors blend and change.

Icy Water Beads

• Materials Needed: Water beads, a bowl of ice, and a container.
• Instructions: Soak the water beads in water overnight. Mix them with ice for a chilly sensory experience.
• Activity: Let kids explore the contrasting temperatures and textures.

Winter messy play is not just about having fun, it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to develop their sensory and fine motor skills. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them busy on those chilly days indoors.

For a fun twist, try burying letter-shaped objects in fake snow for a playful letter-matching game. This adds an educational spin to the sensory experience, making it both engaging and informative.

7. The Mitten Activities

When winter arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore “The Mitten,” the beloved story by Jan Brett. This classic tale is rich with themes and characters that can inspire fun and educational activities for kids.

Story Retelling

Retelling the story of “The Mitten” helps children develop sequencing skills and memory. Create a mitten-shaped storyboard where kids can place characters in the order they appear in the story. Use felt or paper cutouts of the animals to make it interactive and tactile.

Animal Exploration

Discuss the different animals featured in “The Mitten”. This can be a great opportunity to introduce kids to real-life facts about these creatures. You could create a “Who Lives in the Snow?” chart, listing each animal with a fun fact next to it.

Crafting and Creativity

Get crafty by making mitten crafts. Provide kids with paper mittens to decorate with cotton balls, glitter, or even yarn to mimic the textures of the animals’ fur. This activity not only enhances creativity but also fine motor skills.

Printable Activities

Use printable lesson plans that incorporate “The Mitten”. These can include coloring pages, matching games, or simple puzzles that reinforce story elements and animal recognition.

“The Mitten” activities combine literacy with hands-on learning, making winter days both educational and fun for kids.”

8. Snowball Activities

Who doesn’t love a good snowball activity? Kids are naturally drawn to the idea of snowballs, whether it’s about playing outside in the snow or creating indoor crafts. These activities captivate their interest and blend learning with play. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:

Snowball Counting Game

This game is perfect for teaching numbers and counting. Gather a bunch of cotton balls to act as snowballs and a set of numbered cups or bowls.

1. Label each cup with a number.
2. Ask the kids to place the correct number of cotton ball “snowballs” into each cup.
3. Use tongs or spoons to pick up the snowballs for added fine motor practice.

This simple game not only helps with number recognition but also enhances hand-eye coordination.

Snowball Name Activity

This craft is fantastic for kids to practice spelling their names while also working on their fine motor skills. You’ll need construction paper, white paint, and pompoms.

1. Write each child’s name on a sheet of paper.
2. Have the kids dip pom poms into white paint and dot each letter, creating a snowball effect.
3. Encourage them to say each letter as they paint it.

This activity is helpful for preschoolers learning to recognize and spell their names.

Snowball Toss

A great indoor activity for those chilly days when going outside isn’t an option. Use rolled-up socks or soft balls as snowballs.

1. Set up a target using a laundry basket or a hula hoop.
2. Mark a throwing line on the floor with tape.
3. Let the kids take turns tossing their snowballs into the target.

This game is excellent for improving aim and coordination, and it’s just plain fun!

Snowball activities are wonderful to combine learning with play. Whether indoors or out, these activities provide opportunities for children to develop new skills while having a blast. Remember, the goal is to make learning enjoyable and engaging for the little ones.

9. Snowflake Activities

Snowflakes are a magical part of winter, and kids absolutely love them! Whether it’s crafting, experimenting, or just playing, snowflake activities can keep little ones entertained for hours. Here are some fun snowflake crafts for preschoolers that are perfect for winter days:

Snowflake Art with Tape

Creating snowflake art with tape is a simple yet beautiful activity. Here’s what you need:

Materials:

• Blue and white construction paper
• Painter’s tape
• White paint
• Sponges or brushes

Steps:

1. Use painter’s tape to create snowflake patterns on construction paper.
2. Let kids sponge or brush white paint over the entire sheet.
3. Once the paint dries, carefully peel off the tape to reveal the snowflake design.

DIY Snowflake STEM

Engage kids in a snowflake STEM activity to explore symmetry and creativity:

Materials:

• Craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
• Glue or adhesive dots
• Paint or markers
• Sequins or glitter (optional)

Steps:

1. Arrange craft sticks into symmetrical snowflake shapes, using glue or adhesive dots to hold them together.
2. Paint or decorate the snowflakes with markers, sequins, or glitter.
3. Discuss the concept of symmetry and how each snowflake is unique yet balanced.

This activity combines science, art, and creativity, making it both educational and fun.

Snowflake Sensory Play

Incorporate sensory play with a snowflake theme using simple materials:

Materials:

• Instant snow or shredded paper
• Plastic snowflake shapes or cookie cutters
• A large bin or tray
• Winter-themed toys (optional)
• Tongs or small scoops for added fine motor practice

Steps:

1. Fill a sensory bin or tray with instant snow or shredded paper to mimic a snowy environment.
2. Add plastic snowflake shapes, cookie cutters, or winter-themed toys.
3. Provide tongs, scoops, or small containers for sorting, counting, and exploring textures.
4. Encourage kids to create snowflake patterns, “hide and seek” games with the toys, or imaginative snow-themed stories.

Snowflakes remind us of the beauty and uniqueness of nature. Through these activities, kids can explore their creativity and learn about the wonders of winter.

10. Evergreen Tree Activities

Evergreen trees are a perfect symbol of winter, and they offer a lot of fun and educational activities for kids. These activities can help kids learn about nature while having a good time. Here’s how you can incorporate evergreen trees into your winter-themed fun:

Pine Cone Exploration

• Collect pine cones and explore their textures and shapes. You can use them in pine cone activities for kids that go beyond decoration.
• Set up a nature table with different types of pine cones and evergreen branches.
• Encourage kids to sort and classify the cones by size, color, or type.

Evergreen Scent Bottles

• Create “scent bottles” by placing evergreen needles and branches in small bottles with water. Kids can shake them to release the fresh pine scent.
• Discuss how evergreen trees keep their needles all year round, unlike deciduous trees.
• Use this activity to introduce kids to the concept of evergreen vs. deciduous trees.

Winter Tree Art

• Gather some evergreen branches and use them as natural paintbrushes.
• Dip the branches in paint and create unique patterns on paper.
• This activity encourages creativity and helps kids appreciate the beauty of nature.

Winter is a magical time to connect with nature, and evergreen trees provide a wonderful opportunity for exploration and creativity. By engaging in these activities, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

Explore fun and engaging activities centered around evergreen trees! These activities are perfect for students to learn about nature while having a great time. Don’t miss out on more exciting resources—visit our website today!

Wrapping Up Winter Fun

Winter is a special time for kids, brimming with opportunities to learn, play, and explore. From building snowmen and crafting snowflakes to discovering Arctic animals, these activities are perfect for keeping little ones entertained throughout the season.

Make the most of the chilly days by creating meaningful memories with your children. Whether it’s a creative craft session or a playful snow-filled adventure, these moments will bring joy and learning to both kids and adults alike. So, bundle up, sip some hot cocoa, and enjoy these winter experiences together—you might find yourself having just as much fun as they do!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun winter activities for kids?

Kids can enjoy building snowmen, making snowflake crafts, or having a snowball fight. Indoors, they might love baking winter-themed treats or creating winter art projects.

How can I make a snowman indoors?

You can create a snowman indoors using play dough or craft supplies like cotton balls and buttons. It’s a fun way to enjoy winter activities without the cold.

What materials are needed for winter crafts?

Common materials include construction paper, glue, scissors, markers, and sometimes natural items like pinecones or twigs. You can also use craft supplies like glitter and pompoms.

How do you teach kids about winter?

Teach kids about winter by discussing the weather changes, reading winter-themed books, and exploring activities that involve winter animals or snow.

What are winter sensory activities?

Winter sensory activities engage the senses and might include playing with fake snow, creating sensory bottles, or making icy water bead bins.

How can I incorporate math into winter activities?

You can incorporate math by counting snowballs, measuring snowfall, or creating patterns with winter-themed items like snowflakes or mittens.