50 no-tech, super-fun winter activities for kids

Winter is still happening. As we count down to spring, what we hard-working parents really need is a quick list of cheap, low-tech ways to entertain kids until the warmer days start happening.

Stay busy on snowy days with 30+ winter activities for kids.

1. Make popcorn balls

These easy popcorn balls with marshmallows or corn syrup may be a little messy, but they’re an activity and a snack all in one. Win!

2. Grab some tape

Make duct tape crafts, including duct tape wallets (hey, even Martha’s doing it).

3. Create flipbooks

Buy cheap notebooks or use some sticky notes to make flipbooks.

4. Play Arctic explorers

Get out the camping gear and set up a backyard winter explorers’ base.

5. Write your own adventure

Write some Star Wars or Harry Potter fanfiction—whatever heroes your kids are into.

6. Use your noodles

Experiment with making your own personal ultimate ramen recipe (find ramen tips on Pinterest).

7. Take a hike

Go for an epic walk.

8. Make chores cheerful

Throw a housecleaning party – complete with music and snacks. Get creative and invent a point system for certain tasks.

9. Get grateful

Throw a thank you card-writing party for all those Christmas gifts. (Hey, it’s worth a try.)

10. Improve on a classic

Make epic blanket forts.

11. Get creative

Try some new winter crafts.

12. Bake up something new

Have fun with simple baking recipes.

13. Go sledding

Make a homemade sled—or, take your normal sled and give it a rad new paint job.

14. Play games

Let the kids plan and put together a family game night. (Don’t worry – you can still bring your own beer.)

15. Rock out

Make an easy Rubber Band Guitar.

16. Hunt for treats

Create a scavenger hunt with your leftover Christmas candy.

17. Build your own game

Score some old board games at the thrift shop and let the kids mix and match the pieces to create their own games.

18. Play all day

Or invest in some all-day board games to keep the kids busy. With snacks, of course.

19. Make a machine

Use toys, string, and recycling materials to make a breakfast-cereal pouring Rube Goldberg machine.

20. Take to the skies

Make simple kite that really flies out of newspaper or a simple kite out of foam.

21. Geek out

Print your own fake Apple Watch. That way your kid can go back to school with some bling.

22. Keep it groovy

Make a homemade lava lamp with salt and oil.

23. Make your own funny papers

Write funny captions in old magazines or newspapers with a sharpie.

24. Cut and paste

Make some awesome magazine collages.

25. Play (harmless) pranks

Have a prank party with these harmless, funny pranks for kids. (Can’t get enough? More pranks this way.)

26. Throw a pizza party

Homemade pizza night! Or lunch.

27. Whip up some playdough

The old standby of making homemade play-doh is still fun: try this easy play-doh recipe, or this super-simple play-doh recipe.

28. Get colorful

Use silicone oven safe muffin trays to recycle all those broken crayons into new ones.

29. Repurpose your Amazon boxes

Look at all the things you can do with cardboard. Some of them might be fun. More here.

30. Freeze ice cube art

Use ice cube trays or clear containers to freeze toys and objects in ice, Han Solo-style—if you live someplace cold, freeze stuff outside, or use the freezer.

31. Don’t forget the library

Go to the library and borrow a mountain of books – for free.

32. Make snow un-white

If you live someplace with snow, grab some food color send your kids out to create snow graffiti (more snow art ideas here).

33. Fulfill your Jedi destiny

With a stick, some pipe insulation foam and duct tape, you can make a pretty legit sword or lightsaber that you can use to battle.

34. Snowflake crafts

Create unique snowflakes by cutting folded paper. Challenge the kids to see who can make the most intricate design.

35. DIY snow globes

Use mason jars, glitter, water, and small toys to create your own snow globes.

36. Make an indoor obstacle course

Set up an obstacle course using furniture, pillows, and household items to burn off some energy.

37. Invent a new dance

Host a mini dance competition where everyone comes up with their own moves.

38. Puppet show fun

Craft puppets out of socks or paper bags and let the kids put on a show.

39. Snowball toss

Make “snowballs” out of crumpled paper or soft materials and create a fun target game indoors.

40. DIY bird feeders

Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create simple feeders and hang them outside.

41. Ice painting

Freeze colored water in ice cube trays with popsicle sticks, then let kids “paint” on paper as the ice melts.

42. Create a winter storybook

Fold paper to make a mini book and have the kids illustrate and write their own winter adventure.

43. Yoga for kids

Follow a winter-themed kids’ yoga session to stay active indoors.

44. Winter window art

Use washable markers or window crayons to create festive art on windows.

45. Sock skating

Turn a hardwood or tile floor into a skating rink with socks.

46. Winter bingo

Create a bingo card with winter-themed items or activities and play as a family.

47. Bake bread or pretzels

Teach kids to knead dough and make their own bread or pretzels.

48. Hot chocolate bar

Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

49. Snowy science experiment

Bring some snow indoors and watch how it melts. Compare how fast it melts in warm vs. cool spots.

50. Shadow puppet theater

Use a flashlight and your hands to make shadow puppets on the wall for storytelling fun.

Plus, 5 bonus tech activities

1. Make a video game with Hopscotch
2. Download some podcasts and set up an audio theater
3. Explore the posts on Today Box
4. Take a virtual tour of art museums around the world
5. Experiment with learning piano with Pianu or drop beats with Patatap