Winter sensory bins are much more than fake snow and snowflake slime! (Yes, they are both a thing.) I compiled a collection of sensory play activities your child will enjoy this winter. Grab the sensory bin because these winter sensory ideas for kids are an excellent time for toddlers, preschoolers, and (even your big kid) who likes to zone out and play.
Quick 411
You came here looking for the best winter sensory play ideas, so I can dive right in. You are likely a busy mom or caregiver who wants the ideas to hit the ground running. (Me, too!) If you’d like a little more explanation of sensory play, I have a post on why sensory play is important here. The winter months are cold, but these ideas will keep your days hot!
RELATED: Is this your first sensory bin? I laid everything you need to know about starting sensory play here. This post also has a list of sensory bin fillers.
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Get your sensory bin
This under-the-bed storage bin from Target will be your best friend. I am adding it here so you don’t have to go searching.
Winter sensory bin ideas
Have fun this winter with my favorite ways to play on cold days. These winter sensory activities are fun ways to spark joy during the long winter days. Many of the activities listed repeat the supplies so you only need to purchase them once!
Color the Snow
Gather snow from outside and use your droppers to improve your child’s fine motor skills through play! No snow? Use cotton balls! This snow theme bin can be played in many ways. Prep time: 5 minutes
Supplies:
- Droppers
- Food coloring
- Sensory bin
- Snow
Duplos in Snow
Give Duplos a new way to play by dropping them in a sensory bin with snow! Use gloves if the real snow is too cold. This is the perfect activity after freshly fallen snow. Prep time: 5 minutes
Supplies:
- Duplos
- Sensory bin
- Snow
Arctic Bear Rescue
Save these little polar bears from their ice pods by squirting warm water onto them. This is another fun activity for little hands to strengthen pencil grip. Prep time: Overnight
Supplies:
- Counting bears
- Food coloring
- Muffin tin for the ice pods
- Squeeze bottles
- Sensory bin
Arctic Sensory Play
Arctic animals are a winter way to create small-world play, which is a great fit for children who enjoy imaginary play. Prep time: 5-8 minutes
Supplies:
- Arctic animals
- Food coloring
- Sensory bin
- Styrofoam
Frozen Ice Bubbles
These frozen bubbles are the coolest! Head to the post for full instructions on how to make them. Prep time: 20 minutes
Supplies:
- Bubble solution
- Deep bowl
- Winter cookie cutters
Winter STEM
Get your child thinking about STEM with this styrofoam snowball challenge. Use the activity cards found in the post for STEM fun! Prep time: 5 minutes
Supplies:
Winter Soup Sensory Bin
Amp up imaginary play with this winter soup sensory play. Adding a few winter items into blue water makes it easy for little kids to get creative. Prep time: 5 minutes
Supplies:
- Sensory bin
- Kitchen utensils
- Winter pom poms
Snow Dough
This two-ingredient snow dough recipe is the best! Toss in a fun sensory bin with cookie cutters to play. Prep time: 10 minutes
Supplies:
- Cookie cutters
- Cornstarch
- Lotion
- Silver glitter (optional)
- Snowflake confetti (also optional)
Ice Skating Bears
This idea is similar to the one above; only the bears are upright, so they are skating. This prompt is a good example of open-ended play because it is up to the child what to do. Prep time: Overnight
Supplies:
Winter Ice Cubes
I was smitten when I saw this winter ice cube tray and knew there were many ways to play with it. You can freeze colored water or use it with kinetic sand. Prep time: Overnight
Supplies:
Winter Rice Bin
This winter white rice sensory bin is so much fun for young children to explore during cold winter days. Rice and scoopers are simple materials that make sensory experiences enjoyable. Prep time: 5 minutes
Supplies:
Winter Sensory Bottle
I love a great winter-themed sensory bottle inspired by Frozen. Sensory bottles are a great way to help children slow down and find a sense of calm. Prep time: 5-8 minutes
Supplies:
Hot Chocolate Playdough
After using this easy recipe, invite children to play with hot chocolate playdough this winter. If you prefer hot chocolate cloud dough over playdough, use this cloud dough recipe.
Head to the post for recipe info.
But, Beth! What about pretend snow? Last year, I was not impressed by the pack of fake snow from Lakeshore. It got one use, and I was unsure how to dispose of it. However, if you want to make fake snow at home this winter, try this fake snow recipe from Moms and Crafters.
Which activity will you share with your child first?
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