As the winter months roll in, keeping young children entertained can become quite a challenge. Cold weather often forces us indoors, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fun! In fact, there are plenty of engaging indoor activities that can keep your little ones happy and occupied all winter long. Here are 10 fun ideas to beat the winter blues.
1. Indoor obstacle course
Create a mini obstacle course using cushions, chairs and other household items. This activity encourages physical activity and helps improve your child's coordination and motor skills.
2. Story time
Snuggle up with some blankets and books. Reading stories aloud is a wonderful way to bond with your child and enhance their language and cognitive development. Download our reading challenge checklist for creative ways to read together!
3. Arts and crafts
Set up a craft station with materials like colored paper, markers, glue and child-friendly scissors. Let your child's creativity run wild as they create masterpieces.
4. Baking fun
Baking with your little one is not only fun, but educational! As they measure, pour, stir and decorate, they’re working on math, reading, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Not to mention fine- and gross-motor skills, too.
5. Indoor scavenger hunt
Create a list of items for your children to find around the house. Make it even more challenging by turning off the lights and doing a flashlight scavenger hunt!
6. Puzzles and board games
Pull out some age-appropriate board games and jigsaw puzzles to keep young minds engaged and promote critical thinking. Check out this list of board games for toddlers to big kids in this blog post.
7. Dance party
Crank up the music and have a dance party in your living room. It's a fantastic way to burn off energy and have a blast.
8. Science experiments
There are plenty of simple and safe science experiments you can do at home. Explore topics like volcanoes, magnets or the water cycle.
9. Build a fort
Use blankets, pillows and cushions to construct an indoor fort. This cozy hideout is perfect for reading, playing or just relaxing.
10. Mini movie theater
Turn your living room into a movie theater with snacks, blankets and your child's favorite films or cartoons.
11. Time capsule
Spend the day with your child creating and filling a time capsule with items, notes, pictures and other things that are important to you and your child. Then, store it away. On a rainy or snowy day in the future, open it up and share your memories!
12. Sensory bins
Kids love sensory play! Here are some easy ideas:
- Water. Fill a plastic bin with some water. Have another empty bin nearby and provide different ways for your little one to scoop, pour and transfer water between the bins. Eye droppers are always fun! Lay towels down or do this in the bathtub for less mess.
- Snow. If you live somewhere with snow, bring it inside. Similar to water play, give your little one different tools to use to play in the snow. You could add food dye to the snow for a more colorful experience. If there’s no snow near you, make your own!
- Sand. Use a food processor to blend up Cheerios to create play sand that’s edible. Then let your little one scoop, taste and play!
