What can you do outside with a toddler in the winter? Well, a lot! Here are fun outdoor winter activities for toddlers, both for snowy winters and without snow.
I love those sweet moments in the winter when you spend time inside snuggling and staying warm.
I also know how quickly toddlers can become restless and develop cabin fever, especially when they love being outside.
Instead of pulling your hair out and feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with not knowing what to do, I want to share with you some of my favorite outside winter activities for toddlers you can easily enjoy.
1. Go on a nature walk
If you find that your toddler needs to be outside to get out some wiggles, then going on a nature walk is the perfect opportunity to teach your toddler. This works well with or without snow.
You can take the time to point out the animals that are still awake and running around, talk about which animals are hibernating for the winter, and share with them why the trees lose their leaves and how nature changes in the winter.
Also, remember to listen and respond to any thoughts your toddler has rather than resort to teaching.
If you can go to a forest, this is also a perfect way for your toddler to practice their motor skills by climbing over or balancing on tree branches or stumps, for example.
Just don’t plan for a long walk, especially if there is snow, since your toddler may become exhausted quite quickly by walking in the snow, keeping their balance, climbing, and so on.
If you want a longer walk, consider bringing a toddler carrier backpack. (Link to a good one at Amazon)
2. Try some sledding
Toddlers don’t care how they’re being pulled or pushed through the snow—they’re all about the thrill of the ride and the magical crunch of snow beneath their feet. And here’s the best part: you don’t need an expensive sled to make those winter memories happen.
If you’re without a store-bought sled this year, a little creativity can turn everyday household items into snow-day magic. For instance, consider repurposing sturdy items like a piece of cardboard or even an old diaper box. One mom I talked to shared how she cut a hole in the front of a diaper box, threaded a strong rope through it, and transformed her backyard into a mini sleigh route. “I pulled my child around the yard, and they were delighted,” she said. “The best part? They didn’t care it wasn’t a real sled—they just loved the ride.”
For those with traditional sleds, choosing toddler-safe models with backrests and seat belts adds extra peace of mind, especially when sticking to gentle slopes. Opt for flat or slightly sloped areas where you can keep control while letting your little one experience the magic of being pulled along.
As your toddler gains confidence, give them a chance to lead the way! Tie the rope loosely and let them take a turn pulling the sled themselves. It’s a simple, fun way to build their motor skills, coordination, and independence. Don’t be surprised if they excitedly offer to pull you next!
The true joy of sledding lies in its simplicity. Whether your toddler is gliding through the snow in a store-bought sled or bouncing along in a makeshift cardboard creation, what matters most is the laughter, the movement, and the special memories you’re creating together in the winter wonderland.
3. Build a snowman or a snow fort
Does your toddler love to build things? Help them build a snowman or a snow fort. They can even build a landing pad for Santa if Christmas is coming closer.
The best thing about the snow is whatever you want to build with your toddler is limited by your imagination. You can also ask them what they’d like to build and then let them take the lead.
I know the snow is cold, and oftentimes times, I’d rather be inside where it’s warm, but you have the opportunity to make some incredible memories with your child. Don’t let them pass you by; take advantage of every moment and opportunity.
4. Build snow lights
Snow lights can be made quite small and, thereby, quick to make. Make snowballs together with your toddler and stack them up to make a little snow house where you can fit a larger candle or a few smaller ones. You can also use battery-driven LED lights.
After dark, you can go out together to light the candles. Make sure you put the snow lights so they can be seen from inside your house.
5. Listen to the ice crystals
Does your child love to listen to music? Are you in an area where there are ice crystals nearby?
Sometimes, after a heavy snowstorm and things freeze up a little, I love to take my children to the trees nearby and let them hear the music the tiny ice crystals make when the branches move in the trees.
We often make up stories of little ice fairies and the dances they’re going to be attending, along with the songs they’ll be dancing to with the handsome prince. If you’re willing to create a story for them and help fuel their imagination, you’ll enjoy some incredibly happy times outside with your toddler.
6. Do snow shoveling together
Just like kids love to shovel sand in the sandbox, snow shoveling is just as much fun. And if you can let your toddler help you shovel snow from the driveway, for example, he or she is likely to go all-in with helping you out.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, toddlers often love being allowed to do adult things, like making the table, taking out the garbage – or shoveling the driveway. (This is why it is sometimes quite easy to get toddlers to do chores. )
7. Create snow art
If your child enjoys painting, you can put colored water (use food coloring) in a spray can or water pistol and let your child create snow paintings outside.
Combine it with making a snowman or a snow fort and paint them!
Since food color often stains all materials, make sure not to dress up your toddler in their most expensive, white winter clothes for the occasion…
8. Make snow angels
This is a very quick activity, but it can be built on.
Find untouched snow and have your toddler (and yourself!) gently lay down on their back on the snow and wave their arms in the snow to create angel wings. Wave the legs, too, to create angels with skirts.
Help them up without destroying the snow angel. You can make many angels in a row or circle and then decorate them with a colored crown (using food-colored water) or whatever material from nature to add eyes, mouths, decorated skirts or wings, etc.
You can tell a story about these angels and name them.
9. Take the summer toys out and play
Most sandbox toys work just as well in snow. Let your toddler use their sand shovels, cookie cutters, trucks, buckets, or other sandbox toys in the snow. You can use kitchen tools, too.
Well, if your garden or the nearby playground or park is all muddy, take a deep breath and let your child play there, too! Kids love mud and water. A tip is to buy oversized rainwear trousers for your toddler (link to Amazon) and use them as an extra layer over the winter clothes (if it is too cold to just use rainwear trousers and thermal underwear).
10. Visit the playground
The playground will look and feel completely different in the snow and will be fun to visit. So, take your toddler to their regular playground. Just remember that everything will be a lot more slippery when covered with snow and ice, so be careful!
11. Go for scavenger hunts
Turn your yard or park into a treasure hunt with simple, toddler-friendly challenges. Hide brightly colored objects in the snow, or look for natural items like pinecones, smooth rocks, or sticks. Keep the list short and straightforward—toddlers love the thrill of discovery without getting overwhelmed.
12. Feed winter wildlife
Teach your toddler about kindness to animals by setting up a mini bird feeder together. Use pinecones smeared with peanut butter (if allergies permit) and rolled in birdseed, or hang small feeders in a nearby tree. Watch as birds or squirrels come to investigate, turning your outdoor time into an impromptu nature lesson.
A few days or a week later, you can go out together to check how much has been eaten, refill the feeder if needed, and talk about the fact that you’re helping the animals survive winter.
13. Try puddle jumping
No snow?
Not every winter (day) brings snow—sometimes, it’s just wet and muddy. These days can be just as fun if you embrace the mess and get creative. So, if your garden or the nearby playground or park is all muddy, take a deep breath and let your child play there, too! Kids love mud and water. It is more a matter of appropriate clothing! I used to dress my kids in waterproof boots and oversized rain pants layered over their warm winter clothes when heading out in wet, muddy winter weather. (Pro tip: getting oversized rainwear trousers for your toddler (link to Amazon) is a lifesaver for layering!) Then, I’d let them go wild jumping, splashing, and stomping around. We sometimes made it into a game, like finding the biggest puddle or seeing which one made the loudest splash. If your toddler is hesitant at first, jump in with them—it always gets giggles.
14. Go for frosty morning walks
If you wake up and there’s frost everywhere, get your toddler dressed and head out early. Frosty mornings are perfect for slowing down and letting your toddler experience the sparkling world. Everything is so beautiful when coated in frost—leaves, grass, even the sidewalk. My children loved finding frosted patterns and breaking thin sheets of ice on puddles with their boots. They’d pick up the icy pieces to feel their cold, smooth texture and then discover how quickly they melted in their hands.
If you’re lucky, an early morning walk will mean a long, cozy nap for your toddler later in the day.
15. Deliver cookies or treats to neighbors and friends
No matter if it is snowy or just cold outside, consider combining some indoor fun with an outdoor mission – to deliver toddler-made small gifts or treats to neighbors and friends.
You can invite your child to draw some beautiful artwork or some other craft or help you whip up a small batch of cookies or cook a few loaves of bread. From there, you can attach your child’s craft and take a walk as you deliver your homemade goodies.
I loved asking my children who we should visit and who they wanted to share their treats with. Children, especially toddlers, have a beautiful gift for being thoughtful and thinking of those in their circle of influence.
While you deliver these treats, you can enjoy holding hands, walking, sharing silly stories, and singing together.
16. Eat outside
Last but not least, unless the rain is pouring down, consider eating outside! Lit your garden grill or make a small (safe) bonfire and grill hot dogs for lunch or an evening meal. Let your toddler help grill their own hot dogs on a stick.
Bring blankets, sheep skins, or something else to sit on and make hot chocolate or tea to drink. Some kids also really like vegetable or chicken broth in a mug.
Kids often love eating outside.
Takeaway
Snow can be a lot of fun, but just because it’s a winter wonderland outside doesn’t mean you have to be inside all day long. There are so many fun activities you can do with your toddler as you spend some time outside in the fresh air.
What do you and your toddler love to do outside in the winter? I would love to hear all about your sweet memories and outdoor winter activities for toddlers. Be sure to let me know!
Paula
Read Next
- 7 Great Toddler Craft Ideas: Screen-Free, Fun, and Creative!
- 8 Things to Do Instead of Losing Temper with Your Toddler
- Toddler Refuses to Eat: Great Alternatives to Forcefeeding!
- Children’s Play: How to Encourage Free Play and Why It’s So Important
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
