As winter approaches, the possibilities for our toddlers’ entertainment dwindle. However, with a bit of creativity, we can turn our homes into thrilling playgrounds for little ones to burn off energy during the cold months. From developing fine motor skills to exploring creative outlets, there’s no shortage of exciting indoor activities that cater to diverse interests and budgets.
With a little planning, you’ll find something on this list to delight both low-key crafters and adventurous souls alike.
DIY Salt Dough
Salt dough crafts are a hidden gem when it comes to keeping little ones engaged and creative, especially during a busy toddler’s day! With just a few simple ingredients – flour, salt, water, and a rolling pin – you can create a multitude of ornaments that can be personalized with acrylic paint or embellishments. The beauty of this activity lies in its versatility; hot glue a magnet to the finished product, and it becomes a quirky fridge decoration.
For an added touch, coat the ornaments with mod podge once dry for a glossy finish and to prevent chipping. This sensory-rich experience is perfect for kids of all ages on a rainy day, while also being a fun and budget-friendly way to spend quality time together.
Bubble Foam Sensory Play
To create a unique sensory experience, combine one part soap with two parts water, adding a touch of safe food dye to the mixture. Blend the ingredients together until you achieve a rich, foamy texture – don’t be hesitant to get creative and really go all in! Consider incorporating toys or fun, reflective objects into the bin for added excitement. This sensory play activity is particularly beneficial for child development across both younger and older toddler stages.
For more ideas on fostering growth through engaging activities like this one, explore our collection of developmentally-stimulating experiences.
DIY Moonsand
Moonsand, a beloved indoor activity among our little ones, can indeed be an expensive endeavor – especially when tiny hands get creative and messy. To make this experience more budget-friendly and fun for your toddler, consider whipping up a batch of homemade moonsand instead! Simply combine 8 cups of flour with 1 cup of baby oil, and if you’re feeling extra festive, add a splash of color food dye to the mix.
Once the mixture is well combined, store it in an easily accessible bin for future playdates and activities. When ready to share with your little ones, be sure to give the moonsand a good stir before letting them get creative and make some magic happen!
Fingerprint Glass Magnets
Get creative with fingerprint glass magnets! Start by having kids stamp their fingerprints onto a blank sheet of cardstock or construction paper. Once it’s dry, let them decorate their design. Next, use Mod Podge to attach flat-side-up clear gemstones to the center of an image. Repeat this process until complete, allowing each layer to dry before moving on to the next. Finally, once all layers are dry, add hot glue magnets to the back and let them set.
Your finished product will be ready to handle and enjoy.
DIY Blanket Forts
Soon, incorporate building activities into your regular routine! Gather pillows, blankets, cushions, or any living room items that can be used as construction materials. Cardboard boxes are also an excellent resource for young ones to engage in hours of creative play and develop gross motor skills. Establish clear boundaries beforehand about what’s acceptable and what’s off-limits, as it can be challenging to regain their attention once the building process begins.
However, do consider setting up a cozy movie session within the fort at the end of its lifespan, complete with snacks and quality time with your kids. Be warned: they might have too much fun and struggle to dismantle their masterpiece!
DIY Bookmarks
While bookmarks may not be the most exciting topic, they hold a special place in my heart. What makes one great can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and needs. For instance, a toddler’s bookmark is likely to differ significantly from one designed for an adult like myself. In fact, I’ve written a separate post about creating a bookmark specifically for little ones, which you can find here!
If you’re looking for something truly unique, why not try your hand at crafting a handmade bookmark? With a bit of creativity and some basic materials, you can create a one-of-a-kind design featuring anything from unicorns to dinosaurs or even turkeys. The possibilities are endless!
To give your creation a little extra oomph, consider adding a popsicle stick backing for stability and ease of use.
And if you’re looking for more fun and creative activities like this, I invite you to explore the many options available!
Marshmallow Snowflake Craft
A simple yet engaging way to develop your child’s fine motor skills is by using everyday objects like marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Try demonstrating the process of creating a single snowflake, then allow them to take the reins and attempt it on their own. As an added bonus, this activity also doubles as a tasty snack opportunity!
DIY Painted Rocks
Experience the thrill of creative freedom as you customize and embellish your masterpieces with paint and rocks! When you’re ready to unleash your artistic side, grab some rocks and get hunting – or simply have them on standby. The possibilities are endless when it comes to painting characters, backgrounds, or unique designs. For an added touch, consider going back in with permanent markers to add special details that make your work truly one-of-a-kind.
Once you’re satisfied with your creations, seal everything in place with a layer of Mod Podge for an extra layer of protection and a radiant shine.
Sensory Paint Squish Bag
I’m thrilled about a unique painting experience that’s both vibrant and mess-free! Simply add bead-like items of various colors to a sheet of paper, then slide it into a ziplock bag. This combination fits perfectly onto an 8×11 page. Encourage your child to unleash their creativity by painting the entire sheet or simply enjoying the tactile sensation. To make it even more enjoyable, suggest using seasonal colors, their personal favorites, or whatever hues you have on hand.
Indoor Race Car Track
Join forces with your child to embark on an exhilarating experience – building their very own train track! To get started, grab some non-damaging adhesive like painter’s tape and begin plotting the layout together. This collaborative effort will surely spark creativity and excitement in your little one.
Tissue Paper Apple
Fine-tune your toddler’s fine motor skills with a fun and creative activity! Gather materials like red and green tissue paper, glue, and an oversized drawing of an apple (or find one online). Let your little one get creative by ripping small pieces of tissue paper to cover the apple, then stick them in place using glue. This hands-on activity is perfect for developing their pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination.
Nerf Gun Games
Why not turn your home into a battlefield? Encourage creativity by having kids build their own targets using household items. Cardboard boxes, paper plates, and even an empty laundry basket can become makeshift dartboards. With a little imagination, you’ll be able to track down most of the stray Nerf darts that tend to go flying in all directions.
Printable Play Mats
If you’re looking for a fun and customizable idea that’s easy to set up, consider using self-laminating pages like these. If you don’t have access to a laminator, having some on hand will make the process much smoother. To get started, download black and white images from the internet and open them in a word document. Make sure to adjust the orientation of each image so that it’s comfortable for your child to use during meal times.
If needed, simply cut out the images and paste them onto a new page to achieve the desired layout. Once laminated, let your child enjoy using their personalized placemat during meals! To add an extra layer of fun, consider setting up some table time before or after eating, where they can use play-doh, dry-erase pens, or other creative tools with their new placemat.
Slime
In recent times, the concept of slime has become a staple in many households. However, making your own at home can be an even more budget-friendly option, despite any initial reservations you may have. To create this DIY delight, start by combining 5 ounces of white glue with 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution. Feel free to get creative by adding glitter, sequins or other fun additives to give your slime a unique twist.
Simply mix the ingredients together until you achieve a consistency that suits your preference, avoiding an overly wet or dry texture. The result is a homemade slime that’s sure to bring hours of entertainment and joy to both children and adults alike.
DIY Travel Craft Sticks
Elevate car rides with this engaging craft that’s sure to keep your little ones entertained. Start by decorating popsicle sticks with velcro adhesive rounds on each side and end, providing a solid foundation for creative exploration. To take it to the next level, add some personality with colored sticks, glitter, or googly eyes. Alternatively, assign numbers to create a fun and educational experience for early number recognition.
Giant Floor Maze
Transform your living room into an immersive play experience by creating a giant floor maze for your children’s toys. Use a gentle adhesive or tape to bring this interactive game to life. For an added layer of excitement, propose the idea to your kids and work together to design a challenging yet navigable path. This creative activity is sure to delight even the most enthusiastic toy car enthusiasts.
As the sun sets and the day winds down, gather the family for an evening of laughter and adventure within the confines of your very own indoor maze.
Indoor Campout
When planning an indoor campout with your kids, why not let them take the reins? From setting up cozy sleeping arrangements to designing engaging nighttime activities and even deciding on the menu, give them the freedom to choose their own adventure. Pinterest is a treasure trove of inspiration, featuring boards like campfire treats, tent forts, and countless other fun ideas. But don’t forget to poll your kids – they might just surprise you with some innovative suggestions!
This indoor camping experience is one of the most enjoyable weekend activities for children, allowing them to express their creativity and have a blast.
Drizzle Painting
Unleash your creativity with a blank canvas! Gather essential supplies like butcher paper, icing bags, and tempera paint to experiment with various techniques. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to thoroughly clean up as needed.
Jell-O Alphabet Play
For a fun and educational experience, consider setting up a Jell-O and letter sensory bin. To create this engaging activity, start by preparing two boxes of Jell-O according to the package instructions. Once it’s set, add the letters to the mixture. Let it sit overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together and the letters to become fully incorporated. The next day, simply give the mixture a gentle stir to redistribute the letters and any added accessories.
This could include items that enhance the sensory experience, such as beads or small toys, or materials that promote continued skill-building, like letter cards or number tiles. As your toddler explores this tactile treat, they’ll be developing their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and vocabulary, all while having a blast discovering hidden treasures in the Jell-O.
Unicorn Playdough
If the concept of unicorns sparks your child’s imagination, you’re in luck because this DIY recipe is a must-have. To create this magical mixture, combine equal parts white frosting and cornstarch, adding just 1 tablespoon of water for every 3 parts of the dry ingredients. Feel free to customize with sprinkles or other whimsical elements like edible sparkles, food coloring, or unique textures that will make it truly one-of-a-kind.
This recipe is easily scalable – simply double the ingredients if you need more. And who knows? You might just have the makings of an unforgettable unicorn party!
Soap Foam Sensory Bin
Why not try something new with your little one? Mixing things up can be a great way to keep sensory play exciting. One idea is to create an extra foamy sensory bin experience by combining water and dish soap with Kool-Aid or a sugar crystal drink mix. The key here is still to get that foam just right, so either blend the mixture in a blender or use an immersion blender to achieve the perfect texture.
Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting
Consider repurposing bubble wrap for its next creative use – an unconventional yet engaging art project for your kids! By wrapping their feet with bubble wrap, allowing them to dip their painted toes into tempera paint, and then walking on a large sheet of paper, you can create a unique sensory experience that will captivate their imagination. Just be sure to choose a spot where cleanup is easy, as this activity promises to be just as messy as it is enjoyable.
Edible Pudding Slime
Imagine the delight on your child’s face when they get to indulge in a tactile experience that’s both fun and safe. Our simple recipe allows kids to enjoy a slimy treat without any worries. By combining ¼ cup of instant pudding mix, one cup of cornstarch, and 1/3 cup of warm water, you’ll create a unique slime-like consistency that’s perfect for little ones.
While it’s not meant to be eaten, this activity is an excellent way to introduce young toddlers to the concept of tactile play in a safe and controlled environment.
Summer and Fall Leaves Craft
As the seasons transition, why not seize this opportunity to engage in a fun art project with your kids? The ‘Seasonal Leaves’ activity is an excellent way to develop hand-eye coordination while exploring the changing colors of autumn and beyond. To start, have your child create two tree bases without leaves. Next, prepare a variety of paint colors including green, red, orange, yellow, and brown.
Then, instruct them to polka dot the first tree with only green dots, representing the lush foliage of spring. For the second tree, encourage them to use the remaining colors to depict the gradual change in leaf colors throughout the seasons. This activity not only fosters creativity but also provides a valuable opportunity to discuss and learn about the cyclical nature of seasonal changes.
Playdough Mats Printable
To make Play-Doh time not only fun but also more organized and creative for your child, consider using a mat. These mats are easily accessible in various designs and shapes, allowing kids to explore their imagination while keeping the play area tidy. You can find plenty of free printables online or opt for a downloadable pack that offers a variety of shapes to spark creativity.
Farm Lacing Cards
Fine motor skills are crucial for toddlers’ development, and engaging in activities that promote dexterity can be as simple as using this innovative card set. Perfect for young children just beginning to hone their abilities, these versatile tools encourage continuous practice and improvement.
Paper Plate Dinosaur Craft
Unleash the inner paleontologist in your child with this fun and adaptable paper plate craft. The best part? You can transform the plate into any dinosaur shape you like, making it a great way to get creative and learn about different dinosaurs at the same time.
Start by sketching out a rough outline of your chosen dinosaur’s silhouette onto the paper plate. Then, cut out the shape, leaving enough room for your child to add their own artistic touches.
This activity is a great way to encourage imagination and self-expression, while also introducing kids to the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
Craft Stick Shape Mats
Practicing shape identification is a crucial skill for young children to develop. One effective way to do this is by creating silhouette pages that feature various shapes. You can create your own using sticks or find pre-made online templates like those found here. The goal is to have your child lay out small sticks or objects on top of the image, gradually increasing the complexity as they become more comfortable with the concept.
Flower Garden Sensory Bin
As the last wisps of winter’s chill dissipate, prepare to unveil this sensory bin at the perfect moment: when spring’s promise begins to unfurl. Transform it into a teaching tool that lets your little one intimately connect with the season’s nuances. Fill the bin with an assortment of textures and materials that evoke the sights, smells, and sensations of spring’s awakening.
Include everything from rich, crumbly soil to colorful toy produce, inviting your toddler to explore, discover, and revel in the joy of this new beginning.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Offering a versatile and adaptable activity is another way to engage your child in creative learning. By tailoring the experience to their individual skill level, you can effortlessly cater to their needs. This might involve searching for specific colors, objects, letters or numbers – a stimulating exercise that will captivate your little one’s imagination throughout the afternoon.
Dinosaur Dot Marker Pages
There’s something undeniably charming about printable pages that offer a perfect blend of entertainment and educational value. For instance, interactive bingo sheets are an excellent way to engage young minds while developing their fine motor skills. All it takes is downloading such a page and letting your child have fun with dotting the circles using a bingo dabber.
Animal Popsicle Puppet
Creating kid-friendly puppets is a simple and creative activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. To make these adorable characters, start by obtaining a printable image of the child’s favorite animal or character. Once you have the image, print it out on paper or cardstock, depending on your preference. Then, take a popsicle stick and attach the printed image using hot glue.
This DIY project requires minimal materials and effort, making it an ideal activity for family bonding or as a fun educational experience.
Snow Dough
When inclement weather is forecasted, get ahead of the game and prepare a delightful snow dough for your kids to enjoy while you’re cozying up indoors. The ingredients are simple: ½ cup of potato starch, ½ cup of flour, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. To achieve the perfect consistency, combine these dry ingredients with just the right amount of moisture – not too wet, nor too dry – so that it yields to gentle pressure when squeezed.
Additionally, consider gathering other winter toys or props that will complement the dough’s tactile fun, providing hours of creative play and imagination.
Make Your Own Puzzles
Transform creativity into fun family bonding time! Start by having your child draw their favorite animal or even a self-portrait of your whole family on a sheet of paper. Once they’re done, help them glue it to another sturdy piece of cardstock or cardboard and use a pencil to lightly sketch out large puzzle pieces that they can understand and connect. After the glue is dry, gather together as a family to cut out all the individual puzzle pieces.
Then, work on assembling the puzzle side-by-side, making memories and having a blast while doing it!
Walking Water
Incorporating early science exposure into your children’s lives can foster a love for critical thinking. A simple yet engaging experiment involves filling an ice tray with water, but instead of just plain H2O, add a splash of different food coloring to each cell. Next, place small strips of tissue paper so that one end is submerged in one colored pool and the other end is dipped into another.
Allow the mixture to sit for a while, then return to observe the changes with your kids and encourage them to predict what might happen next. By doing so, you’ll be laying the groundwork for future scientific inquiry and cultivating their natural curiosity.
Thunderstorm Sensory Bin
When introducing the concept of weather to a young child, consider creating a visual aid, such as a sensory bin. Fill the bin with materials that represent different types of weather, like beads for rain, foam clouds, and small flashlights or glow sticks to mimic lightning. This hands-on approach allows your child to engage their senses and form connections between the abstract concept of weather and real-world experiences.
A-Z Finger Painting Activity
Transforming the chaos of full-out finger painting into a fun and creative activity, assign each child a specific letter to paint. Start by writing out all the letters on a surface, leaving ample space for their masterpieces to unfold. This approach may seem unconventional, but rest assured there’s method to the madness – it’s all part of the artistic process!
DIY Silly Putty
Silly Putty, a precursor to the popular slime craze, offers a slightly more manageable play experience. To create this tactile treat, combine equal parts of cornstarch and water, along with a small amount of Dawn dish soap. If you desire a specific hue, add a few drops of food coloring. The mixture should yield a consistency that’s slightly firmer than slime but still pleasantly pliable.
Moon Dough
Moon dough, a variation of the beloved sensory play activity, is a unique concoction made from two cups of cornstarch, one cup of conditioner, and a dash of creativity with food coloring or other additives of your choice. The mixture can be molded and shaped to resemble craters on the moon’s surface, providing an immersive experience for kids as they search for hidden ‘moon rocks’ and extraterrestrial life forms.
Edible Playdough
For many parents, the idea of edible playdough is music to their ears, especially when considering that toddlers are notorious for putting everything in their mouths. This recipe offers a safer alternative to traditional playdough ingredients. To make it, simply combine equal parts of store-bought frosting and powdered sugar. The best part? You won’t have to worry about feeling guilty about sneaking a taste yourself – so go ahead and whip up an extra batch for your own enjoyment later!
Spring Colouring Pages
When all else seems impossible in your household, take heart – coloring is a guaranteed success! Not only can you find endless pages to color online, but if you have a printer, the options are virtually limitless. We enjoy selecting images that reflect the current season or time of year. For those seeking more specific themes or packs, we recommend exploring online marketplaces like Teachers Pay Teachers, educational blogs, and even your local library’s website for inspiration.
And when you’re ready to move on to more adventures with your kids, be sure to check out our collection of fun indoor activities that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
