Figuring out what to do with a toddler outside in the winter isn’t always easy. Depending on your climate, it may feel like there is very little for your child to explore. I’ve come up with a list of 13 fun outdoor winter activities for toddlers that you both will enjoy.
My goal for this year is to get my daughter outside more! But during the cold of winter, it can be really hard to find activities to keep her busy.
When I was putting together this list, I had the blog 1000 Hours Outside in mind. They believe that children should be spending 4-6 hours outside every single day. Yes.. that means rain or shine!
The BEST Outdoor Winter Activities for Toddlers
Keep in mind that it is more difficult to be outside every day for 4-6 hours. It’s important to encourage our toddlers to play outdoors, even when it’s cold. But, don’t put too much pressure on yourselves or your kiddo! The most important part is having fun.
With that being said, here are some ideas for activities to do with your toddler during the winter:
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1. Shoveling
Toddlers love to help. At this age, they want to be involved in the everyday practical things that you are doing! One way you can do this during the winter is to have them help you shovel.
If you don’t have a small shovel, that’s okay!! Just let them try with a larger one. But if you are planning ahead, grab a small shovel so they have more control over pushing the snow around.
2. Sleigh Ridding
We just took my daughter sleigh riding for the first time and she couldn’t get enough of it! Although, she didn’t enjoy going down by herself just yet.
If your toddler is a little more adventurous, you can try a small Boggan that is fairly safe for this age.
3. Building a Snowman
A toddler is definitely not too young to help build a snowman. They won’t be able to help assemble the body, but you can get a fun decorating kit that they will enjoy!
You could also go on a hunt for all the things you would need to build the snowman. Collect everything from sticks, carrots, a hat, and a scarf!
4. Painting The Snow
Most toddlers love arts and crafts, but if you don’t like the mess in the house you can try snow painting! Whether you get a kit from the store or make your own, this is such a fun activity for your toddler to try!
They will love to watch the colors change the snow!
5. Use Beach Toys for Snow
I believe that every toddler needs beach toys!! They can be used for so much more than just sand.
My daughter loved filling her wagon with snow and then transferring it with her shovel to different buckets. She would have spent hours outside doing this if it wasn’t so cold!
6. Snow Angels
I remember being all bundled up as a kid, running outside, and flopping in the snow! At first, your toddler may look at you like “What?!” But once you show them how to do it, they will never want to stop.
7. Frozen Bubbles
If I had known about this as a kid, I probably would have begged my parents for bubbles in the winter. I attached this video so you could see what they look like! Your toddler will love watching them freeze and being able to pick them up.
You have to check out this video of the bubbles freezing!!! How cool is this?!
The only downfall with this is that it needs to be pretty cold out!
8. Snowball Fun
My daughter loves to just hold snowballs. She watches them melt in her hand and then wants another. We have also used snowballs to
- Practicing Throwing Snowballs at a Target
- Stack them like Blocks
- Transfer them from one bucket to another
9. Trucks, Cars, and Dump Truck Fun
If you have some trucks, cars, or even dump trucks for outside play, take these out in the snow. Your toddler will love pushing them through the snow and making new tracks.
We have a dump truck that she loves to fill and then dump out over and over again!
10. Kitchen Utensils
Sometimes the least fancy things make for the best toys! We have taken our kitchenware out into the snow, which she has enjoyed for hours of fun. My daughter likes to practice things like pouring, digging, and transferring between the different items.
- Bowls
- Cups
- Spoons
11. Build with Ice Blocks
This is not an activity that your toddler can do on their own, but they will enjoy the fruits of your labor!! As a kid, my dad would build us walls and forts using these ice blocks. You can get really creative.
12. Snow Obstacle Course
Take some of your summer toys and make an obstacle course. I love this article from Brenda with the Paper Heart Family. She gives you a step by step guide on how to build one for your kids. (Check it Out Here)
Toddlers love exploring, climbing, and trying new things, so this snow obstacle course will give them ALL of that!
13. Mr. Potato Head Snowman
Last but not least, if you own an Mr potato head… bring him outside and turn him into a snowman! Your toddler will have a blast poking the pieces into the snow.
My Thoughts..
Although it may feel like a challenge to keep your kiddo busy in the cold, these outdoor winter activities for toddlers will keep them engaged and learning. I hope this list inspired you to spend more time outside with your kiddo this winter.
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