10 Fun and Easy Ways to Keep Your Toddler Busy This Winter

Winter can bring some challenges for parents of energetic toddlers, with fewer options to spend time outside and more chances of cabin fever setting in. But with a bit of creativity, you can turn winter days into a special season filled with fun indoor activities. Here are 10 ideas to keep your little one happy, engaged, and learning this winter!

1. Build an Indoor Obstacle Course

Set up a simple obstacle course using household items. Lay out pillows to jump over, a tunnel made from blankets, and a path of stuffed animals to weave through. This gets toddlers moving, helps develop their motor skills, and is guaranteed fun!

2. Make a Sensory Bin

Sensory bins are wonderful for entertaining toddlers and encouraging sensory exploration. Fill a bin with items like rice, pasta, or cotton balls, and add in some spoons, cups, and small toys. Your toddler will love the texture and freedom to explore. For winter, try adding “snow” elements like white pom-poms and mini “snowman” figures.

3. Bake Together

Letting your toddler help in the kitchen (even with easy recipes) is a great way to build their confidence and motor skills. Simple recipes like cookies, muffins, or even homemade pizzas are fun to make and decorate together. Plus, you get to enjoy the treats afterward!

4. Create a Story Time Corner

Pick a cozy spot in the house and make it into a special story time corner with pillows and blankets. Spend time reading seasonal books or classic fairy tales. Consider letting your toddler help choose the books to build their interest in storytime.

5. Make Playdough Together

Homemade playdough is easy to make and a fun winter project. You can add food coloring and even scents like peppermint or vanilla to make it extra special. Once the playdough is ready, toddlers can spend hours creating shapes and figures.

6. Have a Dance Party

Sometimes, the best way to keep your toddler happy is to get moving! Put on some music and let them dance around the living room. Dance parties are great for burning off extra energy and letting loose. You can even bring out some scarves or ribbons for added fun.

7. Set Up a Little Scientist’s Lab

Toddlers are naturally curious, so a “science experiment” can be a hit! Try mixing baking soda with colored vinegar and watch it fizz, or show them how food coloring spreads in water. Always supervise, of course, and keep the activities simple and safe.

8. Get Crafty with Winter-Themed Art

Arts and crafts can be a fantastic way to spend time indoors. Gather some basic supplies like cotton balls, glue, construction paper, and washable markers, and help your toddler create winter scenes, snowmen, or snowy mountains. Display their artwork around the house for a little extra winter cheer.

9. Play Dress-Up and Act Out Stories

Let your toddler’s imagination take the lead! Gather costumes, hats, or old clothes and let them play dress-up. This activity encourages creativity and role-playing. You could even act out their favorite stories or put on a simple “play” together.

10. Plan Indoor Scavenger Hunts

Hide little objects around the house and create a scavenger hunt. Make a simple list with pictures or colors for each item they need to find. Scavenger hunts are great for keeping them active and sharpening their observation skills, and it feels like a mini adventure indoors.

Bonus Tip: Get Creative with Screen Time

While it’s always great to limit screen time, using it wisely can be helpful on those really cold days. Look for high-quality, educational content that your toddler can interact with, such as story apps, music videos, or simple learning games.