When it's cold outside, indoor snow activities are a fun way to enjoy winter with the kids without getting frozen toes. One morning the kids woke up to a snowy winter wonderland, eager to pop on their boots and get outside. The problem? It was 5 am. The solution? Indoor snow play!
We've had several sessions of playing with snow indoors over the years, and by far the favorite is a sensory snow tray traffic jam! Because any time you can add toy vehicles to an activity, it's sure to be a hit!Â
I scooped up some snow from the fire escape, brought it inside and spread it out on baking sheets. The boys created a snowy world for their transportation.
The trucks with plows or scoopers saw a lot of action! Be sure to set towels down, but don't worry, it's just water so clean up is easy.
(In order to make you feel good about your own laundry skills I used the grungiest towels I could find for this photo.)
If you don't have snow where you live, you can still recreated this activity. Try a rice sensory tray with cars, a shaving cream traffic jam, or an exploding car wash.
If for some reason, toy vehicles aren't your child's thing, you can use toy animals or blocks. However, sometimes you only need a few items for your kitchen. My son had a great time making snow muffins!
They look yummy, right? Best of all, they are no-bake muffins.
MORE: 18 Snow Day Activities for Kids
Benefits of indoor snow play
This indoor snow play is beneficial for kids!
Free: no fee for the white stuff!
Sensory Exploration: snow is cold and wet!
Observation of Nature: snow melts into water when you bring it inside.
Parent-free Entertainment: I love to enjoy my morning tea in peace with just a little background noise, don't you?
Teaches Responsibility: kids can clean it up themselves.
Of course every indoor snow activity needs a little reading time, wouldn't you agree? Take a peek at our favorite snow books for kids.
teachingyoungchildren says
Indoor snow at 5 am? You are a hero Mom, My response would be, "Go back to sleep!"
Erica MomandKiddo says
Ah, if only that would work….
writersideup says
I love resourceful, people, Erica. You are most DEfinitely a resourceful thinker 🙂 Bringing snow IN is something I never considered, but I LOVE it! 😀 You're the epitome of an "outside the box" thinker 😀
Erica MomandKiddo says
Whatever keeps me sane at 5am….
PramgaticMom says
What fun! I pinned it to my Children's Book Activity board with a suggestion to pair with Katy and the Big Snow!
Dayna says
Great activity! We just brought snow inside and have been playing with it all week. I am excited about writing it up. Found you through Little Bins for Little Hands link up.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Dayna. It's a nice change when you can't get out. (Or when it's 5 am)
Meredith @ Homegrown Friends says
I never thought to use our trains with snow! I love this idea! And I just so happen to be looking at a yard full of snow 🙂 Looks like we have the perfect afternoon activity! Pinned!