Being from the Midwest there are always those few months out of the year when outside activities are not the easiest, especially with a toddler! We always look for fun, easy, and colorful winter indoor activities. We love the snow but can’t always bundle up to head outside so we bring it to us!
Think about those moments you’re trying to do something, and your toddler is not having it. Whether that be working or cleaning, or maybe you’re just trying to cook a new gluten free recipe. There are a few things you can have your toddler do indoors before they are ready for the next thing.
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Painting Snow:
Bringing in some snow from outside will occupy my toddler for at least 30 mins. You’re probably thinking, wow that sounds like an absolute mess! My husband always says “no throwing snow!!!” I may have got him a time or two with a little snowball:) I don’t blame you, at first I wondered how messy is this going to really be, but it wasn’t all that messy. At the end of the day, it wipes up easily and is a easy winter indoor activity.
Item’s you will need:
- Bucket (Recommend a Sterilite dishpan 12-18qt)
- Large Cookie Sheet with Edges
- Watercolor Paint, Food Coloring, or Crayola Bath Dropz(these are the best!)
- Paint Brushes, Cups, Scoops
- Towel
Step by Step set up:
- Set your toddler up with a towel underneath their chair. I personally have my toddler stand up in her Simplay3 Stand Tower from Target by the counter. Next place a towel underneath the stand-up tower. This helps eliminate any mess on the floor if they drop any snow, paint, or water. After all, it is just water so it is easy to wipe up if needed.
- Fill a bucket with snow from outside and place it in front of your toddler.
- Place the cookie sheet with edges in front of your toddler.
- Watercolors – Place little cups with water in front of your toddler on the cookie sheet.
- Food coloring – Add a few drops to the little dishes of water to use as “paint”.
- Crayola Bath Dropz – This is my favorite and easiest option. Place the Crayola Bath Dropz in each cup of water creating different colors. It reminds me of dying easter eggs with the tablets the package comes with.
- Create mini snowmen and have fun with the snow! You can paint the snow in the bucket or on the cookie sheet. Use your imagination and create a beautiful colorful piece of art!
- Once complete, dump the snow down the sink or throw it back out in the snow outside! Wash everything or rinse and store in the bucket for next time!!
If you live in a sunshine state and don’t have any snow, or maybe you’re in the midwest and the snow is melted or hasn’t fallen yet, try ice! Ice is always a great option for your toddler!
Additional Easy Activities:
- Painting ice is always a favorite in our house. I’m going to share with you how easy this indoor activity easy. Fill a container (Butter, cottage cheese, yogurt) with water and put the lid on it. Then place it in the freezer and pull it out when you need a quick activity for your toddler. My daughter loves painting so much, we always pull out a block or two even while playing with snow. It is great to have frozen ice on hand. Pull one out and then, fill it back up right away for next time. Place the ice in the dishpan, tub, or on a cookie sheet (with edges) to paint with watercolors, food coloring, or Crayola Dropz. This does work best with watercolors.
- Fill a Sterilite dishpan with water and let your toddler play in the water with their toys. We place little plastic fish that you can fish for with little magnetic poles. Tip: Use a big cookie sheet underneath to catch some of the water that may spill or place the bucket on a towel.
Have fun and get creative!