5 Things To Do With A Toddler In the Winter

Aahh, winter. Every year it shows up, and yet somehow every year I’m taken by surprise by its arrival.

Most winters, life becomes a humdrum of going to work, coming home, going to work, coming home. Because let’s face it, it’s too cold out to do much else.

But this year has been a little different. This year I’m at home with an almost two-year-old most days. Needless to say, just staying bunkered up in the house every week is not going to cut it. We need winter activities.

By no means am I an expert at this whole work at home/stay at home mom situation yet, but in the last 3 months, I have had a little practice in how to keep things interesting. So if you or someone you know happens to be home with a toddler this winter, here are some fun activities you can try.

5 Fun Winter Activities For Toddlers

1. Head to your local library.

I don’t know where you live, but in most towns and cities, the library can be a really great place for kind of noisy little people who never stop moving. Visit the children’s section at your local library and find out about any scheduled story times or events. Many libraries also have puzzles, activity centers and games, reading corners and little computers that little kids love. Then, check out some books to refresh your collection at home. Perfect.

2. Take the mall by storm

Okay so, you definitely wouldn’t be hitting the mall for an enjoyable leisurely shopping trip, but take heart! Most shopping malls are sort of a mecca in the early mornings. Our local mall opens at 10 am, but in the hours leading up to opening, it’s full of moms with strollers and power walkers doing laps past Claire’s and JCPenney. Once the mall opens, I’m known to grab a Starbucks and take Jayden to the indoor playground. He is also absolutely obsessed with all the assorted ride on cars, trains, etc. throughout the mall. You might even get to do a little window shopping with this one.

3. Movie Fridays! Or Thursdays, or Wednesdays…

When it’s freezing cold out, all most of want to do is cozy up on the couch under a huge blanket and drink hot cocoa. So, let’s do it already! I love doing movie Fridays with Jayden where after his nap we’ll find a fun movie and prepare some snacks he doesn’t usually get to enjoy. (Popcorn, some cookies, etc.) While this doesn’t last super long before he gets restless, the snacks help him stay in one place for a bit while I catch my breath, and maybe even drink a whole cup of coffee!

4. Take craft time up a notch.

Y’all, the dollar store is a MECCA of (off brand) art supplies for tots. Grab a few huge pieces of poster board or some blank drawing pads. Then stock up on crayons, markers, paints, stickers… go wild with it. Spend like $8. And then have the ultimate craft time creating masterpieces with your toddler. I like to put some fun music on to make everything seem even more exciting. Then, hang the masterpiece up in their room for a little while. Super easy, super fun.

5. Snag a YMCA membership.

This one DOES cost money, but for me, it has been so incredibly worth it this winter. YMCA memberships are typically considerably less than other club fitness centers, and many of them offer discounted pricing for lower-income families as well. Beyond that, almost all YMCA locations offer something really great – childcare. Take your toddler to hang with other kids their age for a bit while you get a workout in. You can also hit the indoor pool together, or run around the gym to burn off a little cabin fever energy. Some Y’s have regular events for kids as well that are open to members only. Definitely worth looking into.

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Any other mom’s out there? What are some of your favorite winter activities when the weather gets unbearable? I love hearing other great ideas!