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What We’re Using This Winter (Amazon Favorites)⭐ Snowflake Art Kit – My kids LOVE this one (Amazon)📚 Snow-Themed Kids Book (Amazon)🎨 Winter Stampers Set (Amazon)❄️ Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin (Amazon)🎲 Winter Learning Game (Amazon)Winter has a way of slowing everything down. The days feel shorter, the weather keeps us indoors more often, and before you know it, the words “I’m bored” start echoing through the house.
If you’re a parent or homeschooler trying to limit screen time (especially during winter), I see you. It can feel exhausting trying to come up with ideas that keep kids engaged, learning, and happy—without turning on a tablet or TV.
That’s exactly why I put together this list of 50 easy indoor winter activities for kids (no screens required). These ideas are simple, low-prep, and use things you probably already have at home. Many of them also sneak in learning, creativity, and life skills—without feeling like “school.”
Whether you’re homeschooling, stuck inside due to cold weather, or just trying to survive winter afternoons, this list is here to help.
Let’s jump in.
Why Screen-Free Indoor Activities Matter in Winter
Winter often brings:
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Less outdoor time
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More boredom
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Increased screen use
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Shorter attention spans
While screens aren’t the enemy, too much can leave kids overstimulated and irritable. Screen-free activities help kids:
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Build creativity and imagination
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Strengthen fine and gross motor skills
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Practice problem-solving
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Develop independence
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Feel calmer and more focused
And the best part? Many of these activities require very little effort from you once they’re set up.
Creative & Artistic Indoor Winter Activities
1. Winter Drawing Prompts
Give your child a few winter-themed prompts like “draw your dream snow day” or “design a cozy cabin.”
2. Salt Painting Snowflakes
Draw snowflakes with glue, sprinkle salt, then drop watercolor paint for a magical effect.
3. Paper Snowman Collage
Use scraps of paper, old magazines, or construction paper to create snowmen.
4. Make Your Own Coloring Pages
Have kids draw pictures and then color them—or swap pages with siblings.
5. Winter-Themed Playdough Creations
Make snowmen, animals, or cozy winter scenes using homemade playdough.
6. Watercolor Winter Scenes
Paint snowy trees, mittens, or hot cocoa mugs.
7. Sticker Story Art
Use winter stickers to create scenes and stories on paper.
8. Craft Stick Snowflakes
Glue craft sticks into snowflake shapes and decorate.
9. DIY Paper Garlands
Cut out shapes like mittens or snowflakes and string them together.
10. Marble Painting
Roll marbles dipped in paint inside a box to create abstract winter art.
Pretend Play & Imaginative Activities
11. Indoor Camping Day
Set up blankets, make a “campfire,” and read stories together.
12. Build a Blanket Fort
A classic that never gets old—and keeps kids busy for a long time.
13. Pretend Ice Cream Shop (Winter Edition!)
Serve “hot cocoa” and “warm brownies” instead.
14. Dress-Up Winter Characters
Let kids dress up as snow explorers, animals, or winter fairies.
15. Create a Mini Town
Use blocks, boxes, or toys to design a winter village.
16. Puppet Show
Make simple paper bag puppets and put on a show.
17. Stuffed Animal School
Kids love being the teacher—it builds confidence and communication skills.
18. Cardboard Box Creations
Turn boxes into cars, houses, or robot costumes.
19. Story Basket Play
Place random objects in a basket and create a story using each one.
20. Pretend Bakery
Bake “cookies” with playdough or paper.
Learning Disguised as Fun (Homeschool-Friendly!)
21. Winter Word Search (DIY)
Create your own using winter vocabulary.
22. Counting Snowballs
Use cotton balls or paper balls to practice counting and math.
23. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Give clues that lead around the house.
24. Shape Hunt
Find objects around the house that match different shapes.
25. Alphabet Snowflake Match
Write letters on paper snowflakes and match uppercase to lowercase.
26. Measurement Activity
Measure toys or furniture using blocks or paper strips.
27. Winter Journaling
One sentence or drawing per day is enough.
28. Read-Aloud & Drawing
Read a winter book and draw a favorite part.
29. Sorting Activity
Sort buttons, coins, or beads by size or color.
30. Puzzle Time Challenge
Set a timer and see how much progress they can make.
Movement & Energy-Burning Indoor Activities
31. Indoor Snowball Toss
Use soft balls or rolled socks.
32. Freeze Dance
Play music and freeze when it stops.
33. Animal Walks
Walk like penguins, polar bears, or seals.
34. Yoga for Kids
Simple poses like tree, cat, or mountain.
35. Balloon Volleyball
A great way to move without breaking anything.
36. Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, and tape.
37. Simon Says (Winter Version)
“Simon says waddle like a penguin!”
38. Jumping Jack Countdown
Count backward while doing jumping jacks.
39. Indoor Hopscotch
Use painter’s tape on the floor.
40. Snowstorm Dance Party
Let kids move freely to music.
Calm, Cozy, & Independent Activities
41. Reading Nook Time
Create a cozy space with blankets and pillows.
42. Puzzle or Board Game Hour
Perfect for quiet afternoons.
43. Simple Hand Sewing
Felt shapes or large plastic needles work great.
44. Sticker Books
Surprisingly engaging and calming.
45. Coloring with Soft Music
Encourages focus and relaxation.
46. Sorting LEGO by Color
A satisfying and useful task.
47. Independent Drawing Time
Let kids choose the subject.
48. Quiet Building Time
Blocks, magnetic tiles, or cups.
49. Gratitude Drawing
Draw something they’re thankful for.
50. Free Play (Yes, Really!)
Sometimes kids just need space to explore on their own.
How to Make These Activities Work for Your Family
Here’s the secret: you don’t need to do all 50.
Pick a few favorites and rotate them. Save this list and come back whenever boredom strikes. You can even:
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Print a few ideas and put them in a jar
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Let kids choose one activity per day
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Use these as “quiet time” or morning basket ideas
These activities aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, creativity, and getting through winter with a little more joy.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to mean endless screens or constant boredom. With a little creativity and simple materials, kids can stay engaged, learning, and happy indoors.
If this post helped you, bookmark it, share it, or send it to another parent who needs it.
Your support helps me keep creating helpful content for your home and homeschool.
And I’d love to hear from you…
💬 What’s your child’s favorite indoor winter activity?
Leave a comment below and let’s help each other survive winter—screen-free.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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