❄️ Winter Sensory Play: Simple Ways to Support Your Child Through the Season
- Tara Konradi
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Winter brings a shift in routines, light, temperatures, and energy — and for little ones, those changes can feel exciting, confusing, or overwhelming all at once. But the beautiful thing about this season is that it naturally offers the perfect mix of sensory input, bonding opportunities, and playful learning… all wrapped into moments you’re probably already having as a family.
Whether you’re playing in fresh snow, bundling up for a walk, or spending cozy days indoors, here are simple, therapist-approved ways to support your child’s regulation and development during the colder months.
1. Snow Play Is a Sensory Goldmine
If you have snow where you live (or travel): use it! Snow naturally gives kids:
Tactile input: cold, soft, crunchy textures
Proprioceptive input: lifting, packing, pushing
Vestibular input: sliding, climbing, rolling
Social & emotional connection: shared play with you
Even 10–15 minutes outside can help your child reset their nervous system, improve attention, and release some of the built-up winter wiggles.
Try this:
✔ Packing small snowballs
✔ Making “snow cakes” with kitchen molds
✔ Stomping paths through fresh snow
✔ Snow angels or rolling down tiny hills
Helpful Amazon Tools (click the links to be taken directly there!):
Kids waterproof gloves: great for kiddos who dislike tight things on their hands
Snow molds/snowball maker: great for fine motor imaginary, sensory and coordination play
Winter boots with good stability: perfectly warm, affordable, and nonslip!
2. Bring the Sensory Play Indoors
Even with limited outdoor time, you can recreate the benefits of winter play inside.
Indoor ideas:
“Indoor snow” using baking soda + conditioner
A winter-themed sensory bin (cotton balls, scoops, mini animals)
Ice cube painting
Snowflake stamping
Warm vs. cold water play
These activities help kids manage transitions, calm their body, and build fine motor skills.
Amazon Tools That Help:
Sensory bin starter kit: Incredible style options from dinos to ice cream shop!
Silicone spoon and tweezer set: work on all the skills! From matching counting sorting to sensory and fine motor/visual motor skills with this fun simple set.
Winter figurines : mini artic animals for imaginary play, hiding in sensory bins or creating stories around them.
3. Cozy Movement Activities for Cold Days
When it’s too cold or too dark to get outside, movement is essential for regulation.
Try these at home:
✔ Pillow path (jumping + crashing safely)
✔ Winter animal walks (seal slide, penguin shuffle, polar bear walk)
✔ Blanket burrito for deep pressure
✔ Indoor “ice skating” on paper plates
✔ Heavy work: pushing laundry baskets, shoveling pretend snow, carrying soft items
These help with energy release, emotional regulation, and strengthening the sensory system.
Amazon Tools to Support Movement:
Balance board: Pretend ski scoot and work on balance skills
Colored masking tape: Fun to make paths, hopsctoch and many more crafts
4. Focus on Connection Over Perfection
Winter can be overstimulating for kids — holiday noise, lights, travel, visitors, and schedule changes can all pile up. The best buffer is always connection.
Take a few minutes each day to:
Slow down
Share a warm drink together
Read a story
Sit close under a blanket
Play a simple, silly game
These moments help your child feel grounded, safe, and regulated — even on the busiest days.
5. Build a Simple Winter Rhythm
Children thrive on predictable patterns, especially when environments change.
Try a gentle winter rhythm like:
Movement → Play → Calm → Connection
Example:
5 minutes of animal walks
10 minutes of sensory play
3 minutes of deep breathing or cuddles
A book or shared snack
This small structure helps kids manage big emotions and makes your days feel smoother.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s full of opportunities for sensory exploration, emotional bonding, and truly memorable moments with our kids. Every snowball packed, every warm cuddle, every tiny adventure becomes part of their sensory development and part of your family story.
If you’d like more simple ideas like these, you can follow me on Instagram @TaraPedOT, or explore my curated toys and tools in my Amazon Shop:
And if you ever want customized guidance for your own child, I’m here to help. 🤍
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