Indoor winter activities for toddlers

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, it can be hard to come up with things to do inside with your toddler. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out our list of indoor winter activities for toddlers that are both fun and educational. From art projects to imaginative play, there's something for everyone on this list. So get your little one bundled up and have some fun!

1. Create a Scavenger Hunt

Children have curious minds. Put their creative energy to use with the help of an activity that will put their creative minds to work.

Little ones love scavenger hunts that are one of the top indoor activities for kids. Nothing is more thrilling than setting out on a quest to seek out special objects faster than the rest to earn an awesome prize! It’s simple to put together. Write out or print out a list of objects that you’ve hidden around the house and let the kids set out to find them. You can give them a brown paper bag or grocery bag to collect the items. Whoever finds them all first wins!

This activity is perfect for a day when you feel drained out. All you need to do is create clues and place them strategically at different areas of your home to lead to the next one.

The best part is you can also become an active part of it while calling it off with the help of a fun dance where adults mimic the dance steps of the children. It will make the evening a lot more exciting and your kids who generally learn from you will have a great sight watching you follow them during this top indoor activity.

2. Sing-a-long and dance parties

Don’t have a karaoke machine? No problem! You can cast Youtube to the TV to play some favorite music videos and let the kids perform for the adults. Get your cameras ready. Everyone is sure to enjoy! It is one of the top indoor activities for kids. The best part is, it will keep them entertained for long. It is suitable for groups but can also be a big hit among limited people.

3. Workout Videos

Did you know there are a ton of free workout videos online made just for kids? Just search “kids yoga videos” or “kids cardio workout videos” and you will have a ton of options. Children will enjoy following along with the kids on the screen. This is a fun way to sneak in some legit exercise in their indoor activities.

4. Make an Obstacle Course  

Use items around the house to set up an obstacle course and make it a fun competition to see which kid can get through it in the fastest time. This is a sure-fire way to get those heart rates up and is the best amongst the top indoor activities for your little ones. The best thing is, the kids will use their analytical and physical capabilities to solve the course, fueling their overall growth.

5. Have a Sack Race  

You can purchase sacks from most party supply websites or just use pillowcases. Make a finish line out of something easy like toilet paper. Then line the kids up and watch them hop, hop, hop over the finish line! They will want to re-match over and over again. This is one of the top outdoor+ indoor games among kids and will help you see an innocent sparkle in your child’s eyes.

6. Hula Hoops make fun winter activities  

Hula hoops are an inexpensive option that requires no prep or clean-up. You don’t have to keep looking for different pieces as in board games that is one of the most obvious indoor activity for kids that comes to mind. Who can keep hooping the longest? Practice makes perfect... let the kids battle it out for the best hula hooper award!

This activity helps your kid to learn a sense of balance. Besides, it also helps in enhancing their stamina and resistance, the pillars of a sound mind and body.

When you encourage your kids to play with hoops, you prepare them for competitions like the ones on their sports day in school. Hoop is a top indoor game for kids that they love!

7. Balloon Volleyball

This one always ends up happening at parties with balloon decorations. Kids love balloons. The game of balloon volleyball is to work together to bop the balloon around to one another and not let it land on the floor. It can get challenging. This is a great way to keep kids engaged and moving around.

You may even want to consider incorporating some of these into the family festivities this holiday season when all the friends and family gather together. When you incorporate these top indoor games for kids in your regime, they will help you bring out the child in everyone. Besides bringing out the fun side in the elder ones, you no longer will have to worry about putting extra effort into handling your kids. They will love when they see the older ones becoming a part of their game! The more the merrier. 

8. Play with bubbles

Blowing bubbles is every kid’s favorite outdoor activity. But what if you’re stuck inside and can’t bear the idea of those sticky orbs landing all over the furniture? Here’s a project that lets your little one blow some bubbles – and make a cool piece of art at the same time.

Using a simple mixture of dish soap, tempera paint and water, your child creates beautiful colored bubbles that they can then “save” by transferring to a piece of paper. This fun project will keep them from blowing those bubbles in the house – for the time being.

Check out the details at Curiodyssey.org: https://curiodyssey.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/science-experiment-bubble-art.pdf

9. Make a snowman out of cotton balls

Start by cutting a snowman shape from the white paper.

Generously apply glue to the snowman shape. Start placing cotton balls until you fill out the whole shape. You can let it dry for just a bit.

Add decorations.

10. Read books about winter activities with toddlers

11. Build an indoor fort using blankets and pillows from around the house

This activity never gets old! If your kids are like mine, you don't even need to help them and they'll take off with ideas! If you want to make a blanket fort, you'll need chairs for the frame, a few blankets or sheets, and some pillows. To get started, place the chairs in 2 rows with the backs facing inward. Then, drape the blankets or sheets over the chairs to create the walls and ceiling. Have your kids try different formations to make it as adventurous as possible!

12. Create a pretend ice rink that will keep the kids busy

Create a pretend ice rink by using plastic table cloths or tarps - use socks as skates! Pretend ice skating is a great way to strengthen kids legs, core, and balance skills. Incorporating gross motor elements into their play gets the kids moving and playing, which is what we all want! They have to strengthen their big muscles before their small muscles can become strong.

Pocket of Preschool has a great explanation of what you can do to create your own pretend indoor ice rink: https://pocketofpreschool.com/ice-skating-rink-in-dramatic-play-center/

The long winter days may be cold and dark, but they don't have to be boring. These indoor activities will help you enjoy the season with your little ones! What’s your favorite indoor activity for toddlers? Let us know in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you!