20 Snow Day Toddler Activities | Fun Indoor & Outdoor Winter Play
If you’re stuck indoors with a little one who’s getting restless, try this fun snow shape puzzle activity. It’s simple to set up and perfect for those fresh snow days when you just want to get creative.
Start by filling a baking sheet with packed snow so it stays firm. Grab a shape puzzle and press each piece into the snow to make clear outlines. Then, have your toddler match each piece back into the snowy imprints, naming the shapes and colors as they go.
It’s a great way to sneak in some early math learning while keeping those little hands busy. Plus, it’s just plain fun watching your toddler explore shapes in a whole new way.
Easy Colorful Paper Towel Snowflakes
These colorful paper towel snowflakes are bright, simple, and perfect for a cozy winter craft day. Kids love watching the colors blend and spread, and the final snowflakes look beautiful hanging in the window.
Start by coloring on paper towels with markers or dropping liquid watercolors over them. Add a little water using a turkey baster or dropper to help the colors mix and spread. Once the towels are covered in color, let them dry completely.
Then fold the paper towels like regular snowflakes and snip small shapes from the edges. Unfold them to reveal bright, unique patterns. Hang them up where the light can shine through and watch the colors glow. It’s an easy craft that turns science and art into a fun winter activity.
Snow Shape Puzzle Matching
If you’re stuck indoors with a little one who’s getting restless, try this fun snow shape puzzle activity. It’s simple to set up and perfect for those fresh snow days when you just want to get creative.
Start by filling a baking sheet with packed snow so it stays firm. Grab a shape puzzle and press each piece into the snow to make clear outlines. Then, have your toddler match each piece back into the snowy imprints, naming the shapes and colors as they go.
It’s a great way to sneak in some early math learning while keeping those little hands busy. Plus, it’s just plain fun watching your toddler explore shapes in a whole new way.
Laid-Back Sledding
Sledding doesn’t have to be wild or fast to be fun. For little ones, it can be as simple as pulling a small sled through the snow while they giggle and take in the winter scenery.
If your toddler isn’t ready for big hills yet, grab a toddler-sized sled and take a slow ride around the yard or down a gentle slope. Older siblings can join in too, with the youngest riding up front for a sweet shared adventure.
It’s an easy way to enjoy the snow together without the rush, just soft laughter and rosy cheeks.
Snow Kitchen Play
If your little one loves pretend play, this snowy kitchen activity is such a cute idea. It turns a regular play kitchen into a winter wonderland and works great for both toddlers and preschoolers.
You can bring the snow inside during a snow day or take the kitchen toys outdoors for a frosty twist. Just fill a large sensory bin with packed snow and lay a blanket underneath to catch any spills. Hand your child some kitchen tools, cups, and bowls, then let the fun begin.
They can “cook” snow dishes, add food coloring to make colorful creations, or toss in pom poms for pretend ingredients. The snow stays packed for a while, giving them plenty of time to scoop, mix, and imagine their own snowy recipes.
Snow Dinosaur Adventure
If your kids love dinosaurs, this snowy dino world will be a total hit. It’s a simple sensory activity that brings their favorite toys to life in a winter wonderland.
You can set it up inside by filling a large bin with packed snow or take it outdoors for extra fun. Add a few toy dinosaurs of different sizes and some small trees to create a prehistoric scene. Then let your little ones explore, stomp, and roar through their own mini Ice Age.
This activity is great for storytelling and imaginative play. Kids can pretend their dinosaurs are surviving in cold, snowy lands while learning fun facts about the Ice Age. It’s easy to set up, mess-free, and guaranteed to spark creative playtime.
Indoor & Edible Snowmen
When it’s too chilly to play outside, bring the snow fun indoors with these adorable mini snowmen. It’s a great way to keep little hands busy without all the winter gear.
If you’ve got real snow, scoop some into a bin and let the kids build tiny snowmen right at the table. For extra fun, use a blow dryer to see how fast they melt. You can even make it a little science experiment by watching the temperature change as the snow disappears.
And if you’d rather skip the cold stuff, try making edible snowmen instead. Dip Oreos in melted white chocolate, let them harden on wax paper, then decorate with candy corn and mini chocolate chips. They’re just as fun to create as they are to eat. It’s a sweet little winter treat for kids and parents alike.
Cars and Ramps in the Snow
Bring a little science and excitement to your snow day with this fun car ramp activity. It’s perfect for curious toddlers and preschoolers who love to experiment and play.
Fill a large bin with packed snow, then build a small snow castle or mound at one end. Set up a toy ramp and let the kids send their cars speeding down into the snow. They’ll love watching how the cars crash, flip, and leave dents in the snow.
Encourage your child to make predictions and test ideas — like what happens when you use a launcher versus just rolling the cars, or how heavier cars move compared to lighter ones. It’s a playful way to explore science concepts while keeping little ones happily engaged indoors.
Indoor Snow Play with Toy Cars
When it’s freezing outside or too early to bundle up, bring the snowy fun indoors. This indoor snow play setup is simple and keeps kids entertained for ages.
Scoop some snow into a baking tray or large bin, then add a few toy cars, trucks, or construction vehicles. Let your kids plow, scoop, and race through their own mini snow world. The texture of the snow makes it the perfect sensory activity, and cleanup is easy since it’s just water when it melts.
If you don’t have real snow, try using rice, shaving cream, or even flour for a similar feel. You can also swap out cars for animal toys or blocks. It’s a cozy way to enjoy a snowy day without ever stepping outside.
Building Snow Castles
If your kids love building sandcastles at the beach, they’ll adore making snow castles in the yard. Grab those same buckets, shovels, and digging toys and take them out for a snowy twist on a favorite summer activity.
Scoop up the snow, pack it tightly into molds, and flip to reveal your icy creations. Toddlers love stacking towers, knocking them down, and starting all over again. It’s simple, hands-on fun that keeps them busy and smiling in the fresh winter air.
Painting on Snow
If your kids love art, they’ll be amazed by how much fun it is to paint on snow. It’s a colorful, creative twist on winter play that’s easy to set up and full of discovery.
Simply fill a shallow baking dish with fresh snow and smooth it out. Mix up a few small cups of paint (you can use watered-down acrylics or washable tempera) and hand your little artist a brush. As the colors touch the snow, they’ll soak in and blend beautifully, creating soft watercolor effects.
Kids will love layering different shades, mixing new colors, and watching their snowy canvas transform. It’s simple, sensory, and a perfect way to bring a splash of creativity to cold winter days.
Make Your Own Snow Paint
Turn a snowy day into a burst of color with this super easy snow paint recipe. It only takes two ingredients and guarantees a whole lot of fun for the kids.
All you need are squeeze bottles, food coloring, and cold water. Add a few drops of color into each bottle, fill them slowly with water, and twist the lids back on tight. Give them a quick shake, and your snow paint is ready to go.
Kids can use the bottles to draw pictures in the snow, decorate snowmen, or paint bright designs across the yard. It’s simple, mess-free fun that brings out everyone’s creative side — and it’s the perfect way to make winter days a little more colorful.
Build a Giant Snowman Buddy
If your kids love snowmen, they’ll have so much fun making a giant snowman buddy. This project is great for a winter craft day and brings out lots of giggles and creativity.
Roll out a large sheet of paper and have your child lie down so you can trace around them. Cut out the outline and decorate it together to create a life-sized snow friend. Use lids for buttons and eyes, cardstock scraps for the nose, and yarn or ribbon for fun details like scarves or even hair.
When the snowmen are finished, hang them on a wall or window to show off your child’s masterpiece. Each snow buddy turns out a little different, making this craft as unique and cheerful as your kids.
Paint the Snow Indoors
When the weather’s too cold for outdoor play, bring the snow fun inside. Painting snow is such an easy way to keep little ones entertained on a chilly day.
Scoop some fresh snow into a storage bin and set it on the kitchen floor with a towel underneath. Fill a few small bowls with water and add drops of food coloring. Hand your kids some paintbrushes and let them create colorful snow art right at home.
This indoor snow painting activity gives toddlers a cozy way to explore textures and colors without the cold. It’s simple, creative, and guaranteed to keep them happily busy.
Ball Painted Snow Globe Craft
This snow globe craft is a fun way to mix art and movement. Kids will love watching paint roll and swirl as they create their own snowy masterpieces.
Start by cutting large circles from blue cardstock and placing them inside a cardboard box. Dip a few marbles or small balls in white paint, drop them into the box, and let the kids shake and roll them around to make snowy patterns across the paper.
Once the paint dries, glue on paper snowmen, add buttons, stickers, or sequins, and finish with a black paper base to look like a real snow globe. It’s messy in the best way, full of laughter, and makes a beautiful winter keepsake for little artists.
Sparkly Snowflake Craft
If your kids love glitter and glue, this sparkly snowflake craft will be a favorite. It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for decorating the tree or windows during winter.
Start by gluing four popsicle sticks together in a snowflake shape. Once the glue is dry, let your little one color the sticks with Dabber Dot markers or paint. Then, brush on white glue and sprinkle on sequins, glitter, or tiny jewels for some sparkle.
After everything dries, shake off the extra sparkles and add a small ribbon loop for hanging. Each snowflake turns out different, just like real ones, and kids will be so proud to see their creations shining around the house.
Button Snowman Craft
If your little ones love crafting, this button snowman activity is a sweet way to bring winter fun indoors. It’s simple, open-ended, and full of creativity.
Start with white cardstock for your snowman base, then add buttons, googly eyes, ribbon, and any sparkly embellishments you have on hand. Let the kids cut out their own snowmen and glue on their favorite pieces. Each snowman turns out completely unique, just like your little artists.
As you craft, talk about the different button sizes and colors, or sing a fun snowman song together. This project is great for building fine motor skills and making cozy winter memories with your kids.
Cookie Cutter Snow Play
Turn a snowy day into a cozy baking adventure with this adorable cookie cutter snow activity. It’s easy to set up and keeps little ones entertained while working on fine motor skills.
Start by gathering a few cookie cutters, small bowls, and some basic kitchen tools like a turkey baster or eye dropper. Mix up a few bowls of colored water using food coloring, then pack a baking sheet full of snow. Press the cookie cutters into the snow to make fun shapes and “snow cookies.”
Kids can use the colored water to decorate their snowy creations and pretend they’re baking sweet treats. When the snow starts to melt, just dump it out and refill for another round of fun. It’s a simple indoor winter activity that feels magical and playful every time.
Painting on Ice
Painting on ice is a fun, hands-on way for kids to explore color, texture, and a bit of science. It’s easy to set up and feels like magic as the ice slowly melts and mixes with the paint.
Start by freezing a tray of water mixed with a little baking soda. The baking soda turns the ice a bright white, making the paint colors pop. Once frozen, take the ice out and let your kids paint right on top using brushes and washable paints.
After each layer of color, rinse the ice quickly under cold water and start again. The process can go on until the ice melts completely, giving little ones plenty of time to explore color blending and the changes between solid and liquid. It’s a creative science experiment and art project all in one.
Go to a Light Show
One of the most magical parts of winter is seeing all the twinkling lights. If your local park or garden hosts a light show, bundle up the kids and head out for an evening stroll. If not, check nearby neighborhoods. There’s almost always a street or two that goes all out with dazzling displays and friendly competition.
Walking through the lights instead of driving makes it feel extra special for little ones. They can take their time, point out their favorite decorations, and feel the magic of the season all around them. It’s a simple outing that turns into a memory you’ll all treasure.
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Winter walks can be such an adventure, especially when you turn them into a scavenger hunt. With no bugs to worry about and the world covered in snow, it’s the perfect time to explore.
Bundle up and head outside to search for winter treasures like pinecones, icicles, and animal tracks. You can make it even more fun by giving your toddler a simple checklist or picture guide to follow. It’s a wonderful way to build vocabulary, encourage curiosity, and help them notice little details in nature.
Whether you’re exploring the woods or just your backyard, this snowy scavenger hunt makes cold-weather play feel exciting and new every time.
