You know that active play is an important part of baby and toddler sleep, but if you live somewhere cold, it can feel tricky to think of ways to burn that energy! I’ve talked with my team who live in colder climates and gathered their best ideas for active play in the winter with babies and toddlers.
Favorite activities to do with babies and toddlers during the winter:anchor
Set up an obstacle course.
This doesn’t have to be an elaborate set up. Pull down some couch cushions for your baby to crawl over, grab a tunnel to crawl through, practice going up and down the stairs, or just race around. Anything that gets your little one moving and active is great for developing gross motor skills.
Engage in sensory play.
I’m not trying to make your house a disaster. Sensory play comes in all forms. This could be filling a storage bin with taste-safe options like cereal or oatmeal, putting a small amount of water on a cookie sheet, or making homemade playdough.
Take a bath.
Keep it simple and take a daytime bath. If you want to add extra fun, you could try a popsicle bath (easy clean up!) or even add snow to the bathtub.
Cook together.
Even the youngest toddlers love to “help” you cook. Let your toddler help you pour and add ingredients while you prepare their food. It keeps them busy and teaches them important skills for future independence!
Try an art activity.
Hand your baby or toddler a paintbrush dipped in water and a piece of colored construction paper and let them “paint.” As your baby gets older, you can add in real paint, crayons, or washable markers. Do you get deliveries? Open up that box and place your toddler inside with crayons. Sit back and enjoy your coffee as you watch them create their masterpiece.
Play “basketball.”
Have you noticed that babies and toddlers LOVE putting things into a basket (and dumping them out)? Grab a laundry bin, bucket, bowl, or toddler basketball hoop and play some basketball.
Clean up game.
When it’s time to clean up, have your baby or toddler help. Give them a simple job as you clean together.
Have a dance party.
Turn on the music and dance together. Dance with baby in your arms or let them stomp around on the ground and enjoy the music. Turn off the lights and add some glow sticks, flashlights, or light-up toys for extra fun!
Bring the outside in!
Do you have a water table from the summer? Bring it in and add some snow. Add some food coloring to the snow for a fun twist!
Make a ball pit.
You don’t need anything fancy here. If you have a small baby pool from the summer, bring it inside and gather all the balls in your house. Throw them in, and let your baby crawl in and out.
Build a fort.
Grab those blankets and chairs, drape a blanket over the table, use soft blocks or mats, or whatever you have on hand. Forts are often a big hit to build and to knock down.
Have a snowball fight without the snow.
Grab some cotton balls or fake snowballs and have a little snowball fight inside. It’s gentle, low-mess, and can be a great way to get some activity for everyone.
Have a cozy, winter story time.
Read books about winter (snow, winter animals, cold-weather adventures) and then try to act them out together. Toddlers are full of imagination and playfulness, so prompt them and follow their lead!
Sled around the house.
Turn a blanket, cushion, laundry basket, or ride-on toy into a “sled” and move your little one across the floor. They can repeat the fun with a stuffed animal and take them for a sled ride too!
Get outside when you can.
I know this can feel impossible in some places, but outdoor time is truly so helpful. Stock up on winter gear to stay warm and get outside, even for just a few minutes. Bundle your baby in the stroller and take a quick walk, head to the park, do a photo shoot in the snow, drag them around in a sled, make snow angels, build a snowman, use sand toys in the snow, grab a toddler-sized shovel and let them help while you work.
Looking for supplies for winter activities? You can find my favorites here.
Looking for a way to keep these ideas close by? Download my winter activity ideas and see how many you can try! (It includes bonus templates for fun crafts!)
Keep in mind that the information and content on this blog is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. If you have questions about your child, please reach out to your doctor.
