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Winter break is a time to unwind, explore, and have fun! A simple list of low prep activities can keep kids moving and support important developmental skills. We are sharing 10 indoor activities that are easy to set up, beat boredom, and fun enough to keep kids moving and exploring, no matter the weather outside.
1. Puff Ball (Snowball) Fight
Puff balls or soft play snow balls are safe to throw and are great for a quick burst of activity. Encourage throwing and gross motor coordination. Make teams and see who can clear out their side of the room first.
2. Balloon Volleyball or Soccer
Balloon play strengthens coordination and keeps kids moving. Make a net with a pace of tape on the floor or a cushion and play indoor version of your favorite sport.
3. Snow Globe Art
Invite kids to create a snow globe using glitter, water, figurines, and repurposed jars with lids. This craft encourages fine motor skills and creativity. Have kids describe the magical world they’ve built inside their snow globe for language building.
4. Movement Games
- Floor is Lava: Jump between mats or pillow to practice balance and coordination.
- Freeze Dance: Build listening Skills and self-regulation.
- Follow the Leader: Encourage creativity, body awareness, and turn taking.
5. Building with Blocks
Construction play builds spatial reasoning and problem solving skills. Offer a challenge activity (build a city or garage for cars) or let kids free explore independently. Use magnetic tiles, building bricks, or wooden blocks, like ECR4Kids Hollow Block Set.
6. Flashlight Games
Dim the lights and use flashlights to play shadow tag, hide and seek, or read a book in a cozy corner.
7. Build a Fort or Camping Spot
Blankets, chairs, and pillows are all you need for indoor camping. Kids can read, play with stuffed animals, or pretend to cook over a campfire. These indoor adventures encourage sustained play.
8. Contact Paper Snowman
Stick contact paper on the wall (sticky side facing out). Provide cotton balls, fabric scraps, and construction paper bits to build a snowman. It’s sensory play and creative design, plus low mess because everything stays put on the contact paper.
9. Make Snow Dough
Make a quick batch of snow dough using a simple homemade recipe. Form snowballs, build snowmen, and add items to your winter scene.
10. Frozen Arctic Adventure
Fill a shallow metal pan with water and freeze. Add small toy penguins and other winter friends. Slide the figures to create an ice world, learn facts about glaciers, and concepts of melting. Go as deep as you like with science exploration.
These engaging, hands-on activities that support creativity, movement, and independent play during winter break. Enjoy the cozy indoor season!
Learn more about cozying up indoors with our SoftZone® Collection here.
