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While getting outdoors is one of the best ways for kids to delight their senses, that’s not always easy or possible. . . especially during the winter months.
But given the importance of sensory play in a young child’s development, you don’t want to wait until spring to provide your child with sensory experiences. And fortunately, you don’t have to!
Below are more than 20 wonderful ideas for winter sensory play. From sensory bins to no-mess sensory bags to fake snow recipes, I am sharing enough ideas below to keep your child busy all winter long.
Note: You’ll find more resources for winter learning and fun on my Winter Activities for Kids page.
Winter sensory bins and small world play
There are some creative and beautiful sensory bins you can create for a winter theme that are sure to capture your child’s attention. Plus, check out the small world play ideas that can be such a wonderful foundation for creative play!
Easy winter sensory bin from Natural Beach Living
Snowflake sensory bin from Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
Polar bear sensory bin from Living Life and Learning
Snow dough sensory bin from Gift of Curiosity
Slippery sledding sensory bin from How Wee Learn
Ice cave small world sensory play from Blue Bear Wood
Snow slope imaginary play from Picklebums
Penguin sensory bin from Mama Smiles
Homemade snow recipes
Not all of us are fortunate enough to live near snow. Some of us have to make do with fake snow. Below are several recipes using different types of ingredients to make your own fake snow.
Fake snow recipe from Little Bins for Little Hands
Fake snow from The Purposeful Nest
Taste safe snow dough from STEAM Powered Family
Popping snow from 3 Boys and a Dog
Fake snow recipe from Fun-A-Day
Winter sensory play recipes
Of course, snow isn’t the only winter sensory play recipe your children will enjoy. Check out these slimes, doughs, and ooblecks!
Winter wonderland slime recipe from Active Littles
Snow playdough from The Chaos and the Clutter
Melting snowman oobleck from STEAM Powered Family
No cook snow dough from Emma Owl
Snowflake slime from Little Bins for Little Hands
Snow gel from Kids’ Craft Room
Winter sensory play ideas
There are so many fun and creative ways to explore the senses during the winter. Check out these ideas below.
No mess winter sensory play from The Ladybirds’ Adventure
Bring the snow indoors from Mama Smiles
Winter sensory bag from Teach Me Mommy
Melting frozen pom poms from Oh Hey Let’s Play!
Winter in a bag no mess sensory play from A Little Pinch of Perfect
Snow kitchen from Happy Toddler Playtime
Winter sensory play from My Bored Toddler
Frozen objects winter sensory play from The Keeper of the Objects
Winter play dough invitation to play from Happy Toddler Playtime
Melted snowman sensory bottle from The Chaos and the Clutter
Arctic animal sensory writing tray from Fun-A-Day
More resources for winter fun
More winter posts from Gift of Curiosity:
- Winter printables bundle
- Crystallized snowflakes
- Indoor snowball fight
- Puffy paint snowman craft
- Winter-themed learning and fun in preschool
- Snowflake crafts for kids
- Plastic bottle snowman craft
- Snowman do-a-dot printables
