3 Sensory Activities To Do With Your Kids This Winter
Winter is a challenging time to find engaging activities for young kids. While playing outside in the natural cold is certainly a sensory experience, it’s often uncomfortable. Instead, we have three sensory activities to do with your kids this winter that are fun and great for children’s brains. Check them out below!
1. Snow Sensory Bag for Infants
A snow sensory bag is a great way for infants to experience the wonders of winter from the warmth of your home. Fill a large plastic zipper bag with fake snow that you buy, or make your own using 1 cup of cornstarch and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Add a few small, colorful, winter-themed toys, such as red Santas or blue snowflakes, and seal the bag.
Secure the bag to a flat surface and let your baby explore the textures and colors through touch and sight. Sensory stimulation is important for infants, helping their brains and bodies develop, so let them play as much as they want.
2. Indoor Snow Play for Toddlers
Sensory stimulation is just as important for toddlers. Bring some winter magic into your home for your toddler with indoor snow play. Place a water-resistant tablecloth on the floor and create a snow-like substance using a combination of baking soda and water. This combination is fluffier than the fake snow we mentioned above, which is better since it’s free from a plastic bag.
Encourage your child to explore the texture by making snowballs, creating snow angels, or using cookie cutters to make snow shapes. Talk with them while they play and use words to describe the sensory experience, such as white and fluffy. This activity stimulates their sense of touch and sight and helps strengthen their fine motor skills.
3. Winter-Scented Playdough for Preschoolers
Create a multi-sensory winter experience for your preschooler with homemade winter-scented playdough. Prepare a batch of homemade playdough and add a few drops of winter-themed essential oils, such as pine, cinnamon, or peppermint. While you can buy playdough and mix in a scent, it may get lost in the smell of the plastic packaging. Homemade is best.
Allow your child to knead, roll, and shape the playdough. This provides a chance to explore different textures and smells while working on their fine motor skills.
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of boredom for your little ones. Try out these three sensory activities to do with your kids this winter, giving them the opportunity to explore and learn through play. Whichever age group your child falls into, these activities will help their brain and body develop while they have fun.
