Winter is such a wonderful time to slow down, get cozy, and spend a little extra time making memories with our kids.
But let’s be realistic for a second.
When it’s freezing outside, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’ve heard “Mom, I’m bored!” for what feels like the hundredth time, coming up with something fun to do can feel a little overwhelming.
Especially when you don’t want to spend a fortune on supplies or create a gigantic mess in your living room!
That’s exactly why I love having a collection of easy winter activities for kids ready to go.
Whether you’re looking for simple snowflake crafts, free winter printables, educational games, or fun activities for preschoolers, I’ve gathered some of our favorite ideas in one convenient place.
And the best part?
Most of these activities require very little preparation, use inexpensive supplies, and are perfect for those cold winter days when everyone is stuck inside.
So grab a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!), get cozy, and find something fun to do with your little ones!
Easy Winter Activities for Kids
One of my favorite things about winter activities is that you can make them as simple or elaborate as you’d like.
Some days, you might feel like setting up a craft station and letting the kids create beautiful winter artwork.
Other days?
You might just need something you can print out in thirty seconds so you can finish your coffee while it’s still warm.
And you know what? Both are perfectly okay!
I’ve divided these winter activities into several categories so you can easily find something that works for your family.
You’ll find:
- Free printable winter games and puzzles
- Winter math and learning activities
- Snowflake crafts and creative art projects
- Winter writing and drawing activities
- Fun indoor winter activities for the whole family
Let’s get started!
Free Winter Printable Activities for Kids
I absolutely love free printable activities.
They’re inexpensive, easy to prepare, and perfect for those moments when you need something fun without a lot of planning.
These winter printables are wonderful for home, homeschool lessons, preschool classrooms, or simply keeping children entertained on a snowy afternoon.
1. Free Winter Word Search Printable
If your kids enjoy puzzles, a winter word search is a great activity to keep on hand.
Children can search for winter-themed words while practicing spelling, vocabulary, and visual scanning skills.
Word searches are also great for encouraging concentration and patience.
Get the Free Winter Word Search Printable
2. Winter Word Scramble Printable
Word scrambles are another fun way to practice spelling and problem-solving.
This printable challenges children to unscramble winter-themed words like snow, penguin, scarf, and hot chocolate.
It’s a fun activity for elementary-aged kids and can even become a friendly family competition!
Download the Winter Word Scramble Printable
3. Free Winter Maze Printable
Mazes are some of my favorite simple activities for younger children.
Kids can practice hand-eye coordination, concentration, and problem-solving as they work their way through the maze.
And there’s something so satisfying about finally reaching the end!
Get the Free Winter Maze Printable
4. Winter Penguin Maze Printable
Penguins and winter just seem to go together, don’t they?
This winter penguin maze is a cute activity for children who enjoy puzzles and little challenges.
It’s also a wonderful addition to a winter activity binder or classroom learning center.
Download the Winter Penguin Maze
5. Winter Matching Printable
Matching activities are wonderful for helping younger children develop observation and visual discrimination skills.
This winter-themed matching printable is an easy activity to add to your preschool learning plans.
It’s also a great choice when you want something educational that still feels like playtime.
Get the Free Winter Matching Activity
Winter Math Activities for Preschoolers and Kids
Who says learning can’t be fun?
Winter-themed math activities are a great way to practice counting, number recognition, and other early math skills.
I especially love activities that make learning feel more like a game than a worksheet.
6. Winter Count the Objects Printable
Counting activities are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are working on early math skills.
This winter-themed counting activity gives children an opportunity to practice counting and number recognition.
It’s a great addition to your winter learning plans!
Download Winter Count the Objects
7. Count the Yetis Winter Printable
Looking for something a little different?
This adorable Count the Yetis printable is a fun winter math activity for younger children.
Kids can practice counting while enjoying a playful winter theme.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a cute yeti?
Get the Count the Yetis Printable
8. Winter Math Activity Pack
If you want to spend a little more time practicing math skills, a winter math activity pack is a wonderful option.
Seasonal worksheets can make early math practice feel fresh and engaging.
It’s a handy activity to keep available for homeschool lessons, extra practice, or indoor learning time.
Explore the Winter Math Activity Pack
Fun Winter Word Games for Kids and Families
One of my favorite ways to bring the family together is with simple games.
You don’t always need a fancy board game or expensive supplies.
Sometimes all you need is a pencil, a piece of paper, and a little imagination!
These winter word games are great for family game nights, classroom parties, or cozy afternoons indoors.
9. Winter Scattergories Printable
If your family enjoys word games, you’ll love this winter Scattergories-style activity!
Players think of words beginning with specific letters and try to come up with as many answers as possible.
It’s a fun way to encourage vocabulary, creative thinking, and a little friendly competition.
10. Winter Word List Game
How many words can your family create using the letters in HAPPY HOLIDAYS?
This winter word list game is such a fun little challenge!
You can play individually or turn it into a family competition by setting a timer and comparing answers.
Download the Winter Word List Game
11. Winter This or That Printable
Would you rather build a snowman or go sledding?
Drink hot chocolate or enjoy a warm cookie?
Winter This or That is a fun conversation game that encourages kids to share their opinions and learn more about one another.
It’s perfect for family dinners, classroom parties, or a cozy evening at home.
Get the Winter This or That Printable
Creative Winter Drawing and Writing Activities
Winter is the perfect time to encourage a little imagination.
And sometimes, the best creative activities are the simplest ones.
A blank page, a few crayons, and a little encouragement can go a long way!
These winter writing and drawing activities are perfect for children who enjoy making up stories, drawing pictures, and expressing themselves creatively.
12. Draw a Winter Picture Printable
Let your child’s imagination take over with this simple winter drawing activity.
They can draw a snow-covered house, a snowman, penguins, or their very own winter wonderland.
There are no wrong answers!
Get the Draw a Winter Picture Printable
13. Winter Draw and Write Your Own Story
Do you have a little storyteller at home?
This winter draw-and-write activity gives children an opportunity to create a picture and use their imagination to tell a story.
It’s a wonderful way to encourage creative writing and self-expression.
Try the Winter Draw and Write Activity
14. Winter Imagination Writing Prompt
Writing prompts are a fun way to help children put their thoughts into words.
This winter-themed writing activity encourages children to think creatively while practicing their writing skills.
Younger children can dictate their ideas to an adult, while older children can write independently.
Get the Winter Imagination Writing Prompt
15. Design Your Own Winter Beanie
This winter hat design activity is such a cute way to let kids express their creativity!
Give your child some crayons, markers, or colored pencils and let them decorate their very own winter beanie.
They can create stripes, polka dots, hearts, snowflakes, or anything else they imagine.
Download the Design Your Own Winter Beanie Printable
Easy Winter Snowflake Crafts for Kids
Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite parts of winter activities.
Crafting!
It’s so fun to sit around the table with construction paper, glue, and a few simple supplies that make an ordinary afternoon feel a little more special.
And snowflake crafts are especially fun because every child can create something completely different.
Here are a few easy winter crafts to try with your kids.
16. Easy Salt Snow Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for an inexpensive winter craft, this salt snowflake activity is a wonderful choice.
All you need is construction paper, school glue, and table salt.
Children create snowflake designs with glue and sprinkle salt over the top to make beautiful, textured winter artwork.
I especially love how the white snowflakes look against purple or blue construction paper!
17. Build a Snowflake Toddler Craft
Looking for an easy winter craft for your toddler?
This build-a-snowflake activity is a fun way to introduce little ones to snowflake shapes while practicing fine motor skills.
Children can arrange materials into snowflake designs and explore different ways to put their creations together.
It’s a wonderful simple craft for little hands!
Try the Build a Snowflake Toddler Craft
More Easy Indoor Winter Activities for Kids
Of course, you don’t need a printable or a special craft project every time your children need something to do.
Sometimes the simplest winter activities turn into the sweetest memories.
Here are a few more inexpensive ideas to try on those cold days when you’re spending extra time indoors.
18. Make Homemade Paper Snowflakes
Grab some white paper and child-safe scissors and let your children create beautiful paper snowflakes.
You can hang them in the windows or use them to decorate your home for winter.
Older children may enjoy experimenting with different folded-paper designs.
19. Build a Blanket Fort
Who doesn’t love a good blanket fort?
Gather blankets, pillows, and a few chairs and let your kids create a cozy indoor hideaway.
Add a flashlight and some favorite books for an extra-special winter afternoon.
20. Have a Hot Chocolate Afternoon
Sometimes all you need to make an ordinary day feel special is a warm mug of hot chocolate.
Let the kids choose their favorite toppings and enjoy a cozy afternoon together.
You could even turn it into a little hot chocolate party!
21. Create an Indoor Snowball Toss
Roll up clean white socks to create pretend snowballs.
Set out a laundry basket and let the kids practice tossing their snowballs into the basket.
You can make the game more challenging by moving the basket farther away.
This is a fun way to encourage movement when it’s too cold to play outside.
22. Make a Winter Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are wonderful for younger children.
Try creating a winter-themed sensory bin using age-appropriate materials, such as larger pieces of white fabric, winter animal figures, or other safe sensory items.
Children can scoop, sort, explore, and create imaginary winter scenes.
Always supervise younger children and avoid small items that could be choking hazards.
23. Have a Winter Reading Afternoon
Gather a stack of your favorite winter-themed children’s books and create a cozy reading area.
Add soft blankets, a few pillows, and maybe a warm drink.
This is one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy a quiet afternoon with the kids.
24. Make an Indoor Winter Obstacle Course
When your kids have a little too much energy, an indoor obstacle course can be a lifesaver!
Use pillows, painter’s tape, and other safe household items to create a simple course.
Children can hop between designated spots, crawl through a blanket tunnel, or balance along a taped line.
Just make sure the area is clear of sharp corners and other hazards.
25. Make a Winter Nature Observation Journal
Encourage your children to look outside and notice how the world changes during winter.
They can draw what they see, write about the weather, or record any birds and animals they notice.
It’s a simple way to practice observation skills while learning about the changing seasons.
How to Make Winter Activities Easier for Busy Moms
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to keep up with everything that comes with motherhood.
Between work, housework, appointments, meals, and all the other responsibilities we juggle, adding one more thing to the to-do list isn’t always appealing.
That’s why I believe children’s activities should be simple, enjoyable, and realistic.
Here are a few things that have helped me keep activities manageable.
Keep a Few Printables Ready
Print out several winter worksheets and keep them together in a folder.
That way, when the kids need something to do, you’re not scrambling to find an activity at the last minute.
Create a Simple Craft Basket
Keep a small basket filled with basic craft supplies such as:
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Glue sticks
- Child-safe scissors
- Cotton balls
- Colored pencils
You don’t need a fancy craft room or a closet filled with expensive materials.
A few basics can go a long way!
Don’t Feel Like You Have to Plan Something Every Day
This one is important.
Your children don’t need a perfectly planned activity every single afternoon.
There is nothing wrong with letting them play independently, use their imaginations, or even experience a little boredom.
Sometimes that’s when the most creative ideas happen!
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
One thing I’ve learned through motherhood is that our children aren’t going to remember whether their snowflake looked perfect or whether we planned the most elaborate winter activity.
They’re much more likely to remember how they felt spending time together.
So if the craft turns out a little wonky or the kids lose interest halfway through?
That’s okay!
You still showed up and made a little time for connection.
And that matters.
Are winter printables good for preschoolers?
Absolutely!
Age-appropriate winter printables can help preschoolers practice early learning skills such as counting, matching, tracing, drawing, and identifying shapes.
Just remember to choose activities that match your child’s developmental stage and interests.
How do I keep kids entertained on snow days?
One of the easiest ways to prepare for snow days is to keep a few activities ready ahead of time.
Try making a snow-day basket with coloring pages, printable games, craft supplies, puzzles, and favorite books.
You can also plan simple activities like making hot chocolate, building blanket forts, and playing indoor games.
Final Thoughts on Winter Activities for Kids
Winter doesn’t have to mean endless screen time, expensive outings, or constantly trying to figure out how to keep everyone entertained.
Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones that create the sweetest memories.
Whether you’re making salt snowflakes, printing out a winter word search, or spending the afternoon building a blanket fort, there are so many ways to make the colder months enjoyable for your family.
And please remember, momma, you don’t have to do it all.
You don’t have to plan the perfect winter, create Pinterest-worthy crafts every day, or keep your children entertained every second.
Pick a few activities that sound fun, enjoy the time you have together, and let the rest go.
Because at the end of the day, creating a peaceful home isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about finding joy and connection in the little moments.
I hope these easy winter activities for kids bring a little creativity, laughter, and peace to your winter days.
Love these activities? Save this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it all winter long!
