12 Old-fashioned Winter Activities for Toddlers

It is February in Minnesota, the month when all moms of toddlers start going CRAZY because the kids are STIR-CRAZY!! In the Fall, I thought to myself, "Hmm, it would be such a smart idea to make a winter activity list for those long winter days when the kids are bored." Well, it's no longer a smart idea, it's a survival necessity! :)

Here's what I've come up with. Most of these activities are nothing new, in fact, many are old-fashioned fun. No electronics and lots of imagination! I keep a drawer full of supplies so when those great moments happen when everyone is screaming and pushing each other's buttons (it's not just at my house, right?), I can quickly give them something better to do. Usually it works. :)  Most will cost around one dollar, some more and some nothing at all. Dollar stores, craft stores or kids' consignment shops are great places to get most of these things.

1. Glow sticks : Great for those early dark evenings. Hide-and-seek them; make bracelets, necklaces, headbands; decorate their bedroom. We actually taped them onto a ceiling fan last weekend with some friends...it was the dads' idea and they were just as excited as the kids!

2. Play-dough : I have always feared the mess this makes, but I was pleasantly surprised at how long it entertained my 2 and 3 year-olds and with minimal mess. They love making pretend food at the kitchen counter while I cook "real food".

3. Pretend Play : Set up a "store" and go "shopping". Or give them a bunch of plastic bowls, cups and utensils to play "restaurant" and have them take your order--my kids already know to bring me lots of "coffee".

4. Surprise Set-up : after they go to bed or during a nap, set up all the cars in a long line, all the legos/blocks into towers, all the dolls at the kids table, or all the trains on a fun shaped train track. Hopefully when they wake up, it will inspire playing and imagination for a good long while.

5. Painter's Tape Tracks : I first saw this on Pinterest--use painter's or masking tape to make train or car tracks anywhere: the floor, up the walls and sofas, under the table, etc.

6. Kitchen Helper : Homemade pizza is a great way to entertain the kids while making dinner - have them help choose, sort, and spread the toppings. Or bake cookies - they can hold the measuring spoons and cups for you, help stir, and of course, eat a few chocolate chips in the process.

My baking assistants

7. Forts : Whether you set it up in advance or have them help, forts are always fun. Put a few flashlights, a pile of books and a bowl of popcorn inside!

8. Library : Speaking of books, libraries are a free treasury of books and movies! Visit different ones in your area, if you're in a larger city; some often have better children's areas than others.

Library

9. Hair Stylist : I love when people play with my hair. People that I know well, preferably. It's been one of my silly joys of parenting to have my kids entertained with a comb, hairspray (which they can't actually spray, of course) and accessories, pretending to do my hair.

Hair Stylist

10. Felt shapes : Cut out felt shapes to make pizzas, sandwiches, cookies. Or train cars and wheels. If you're really ambitious, take the opportunity to practice "shapes" while you play with them.

11. Ball pit : I have not actually tried this yet because I haven't researched where to buy the balls, but I have no doubt my kids would love this...a kiddie pool full of balls (like the ones from a fast food play area). No water, obviously.

12. Used Toy : When all else fails, spend a few dollars at a consignment shop for a "new" toy that you think will entertain them for a while. Or better yet, swap a box of toys with another mom friend! Then your kids will have "new" toys to play with for free!

We live in a sad age, when both parents and children spend much of their time staring at a screen instead of interacting with each other and using their imagination. These activities have helped me to remember to leave my phone aside, and sometimes even my list of endless chores, and just have fun with my kids. I don't want their childhood memories to be about movies or iPads, but about fun, meaningful times spent together. Parenting and childhood are a one-time deal. No one needs to remind us parents about how fast time flies! Let's choose how we spend our time with our kids wisely!