Top 4 Toddler and Preschool Activities for Snow Days: Learning Through Play

Snow days are a perfect time to spark creativity, nurture curiosity, and engage young minds through play-based learning. At Open Minds Child Development Center, we believe in turning everyday moments into extraordinary learning opportunities. Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor fun or staying cozy indoors, here are five fun and educational snow day activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

1. Snowy Science: Ice Excavation Adventure

Transform your child into a little scientist with this sensory and problem-solving activity.

What You’ll Need:

  • Small toys or natural items (pinecones, pebbles, etc.)

  • A plastic container

  • Water

  • Spray bottles with warm water

  • Child-safe tools (plastic spoons, blunt utensils)

How to Play:

  1. Freeze toys or items in a container of water overnight.

  2. Let your child excavate the treasures using the tools and warm water spray.

What They Learn:

  • Science concepts like states of matter.

  • Fine motor skills through gripping and spraying.

  • Problem-solving as they work to free the toys.

2. Snow Dough: A Sensory Delight

This DIY snow dough is soft, sparkly, and perfect for imaginative play.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup of cornstarch

  • ½ cup of lotion (body, hand, or baby lotion)

  • Iridescent glitter (optional)

  • Snowflake cookie cutters or other molds

How to Play:

  1. Mix the cornstarch and lotion in a bowl until it forms a dough.

  2. Knead the dough until it’s soft and no longer sticky. Add glitter for extra sparkle!

  3. Use cookie cutters to create snowflakes or other shapes.

What They Learn:

  • Sensory exploration with texture and scent.

  • Creativity through molding and shaping.

  • Fine motor skills while kneading and cutting.

Pro Tip: Store the dough in an airtight container to keep it soft for future play.

3. Snow Art: Painting the Winter White

Let your child turn the snowy outdoors into a vibrant art canvas.

What You’ll Need:

  • Spray bottles filled with colored water (add food coloring or washable paint)

How to Play:

  1. Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring.

  2. Head outside and let your child "paint" the snow with colorful designs.

What They Learn:

  • Color recognition and mixing.

  • Creativity through freeform art.

  • Early literacy with shapes and letters.

4. Snowy Sensory Bin

Bring the magic of snow indoors with this mess-free sensory activity.

What You’ll Need:

  • A large plastic bin

  • Fresh snow

  • Kitchen utensils (spoons, measuring cups, funnels)

  • Small toys or figurines

How to Play:

  1. Fill the bin with snow and place it on a waterproof surface.

  2. Add utensils and toys for your child to explore.

  3. Encourage imaginative play, such as creating a snow-themed story.

What They Learn:

  • Sensory exploration through touch and temperature.

  • Imaginative play by creating stories.

  • Math concepts like measuring and pouring.

5. Snowball Toss: Gross Motor Fun

Burn off some energy with this active snowball game.

What You’ll Need:

  • Soft, kid-safe snowballs (real or rolled-up socks for indoor play)

  • Buckets, baskets, or hula hoops as targets

How to Play:

  1. Set up targets at different distances.

  2. Have your child toss the snowballs into the targets.

  3. Add a friendly competition by keeping score.

What They Learn:

  • Gross motor skills like throwing and aiming.

  • Counting and basic math skills.

  • Teamwork and sportsmanship.

Enroll Today at Open Minds CDC!

At Open Minds Child Development Center, we create a nurturing, play-based environment where children grow through discovery and creativity. If you’re looking for a high-quality program for your little one, we’d love to meet your family!

Now Enrolling Infants to Pre-K!
📍 Locations:

  • Olathe: 1778 E. Harold St.

  • The Nest: 1750 E. Harold St.

📞 Call: 913-490-3493
💻 Visit: Open Minds Child Development Center

Sheila Ellis-Glasper