Winter in early years settings can be magical – crisp outdoor adventures, cosy indoor corners and endless opportunities for sensory exploration. But it can also be a time when the weather limits what you can do. That’s why high impact activities are essential for keeping children engaged, curious and learning throughout the colder months.
We’ve gathered some of our favourite winter‑themed ideas that nurseries can use straight away. They’re simple, affordable and packed with developmental benefits linked to the EYFS.
Indoor Sensory Play
Frozen Treasure Hunt: Fill ice cube trays with water and small objects (buttons, beads, mini animals). Once frozen, pop them into a tray and let children explore using warm water, spoons or pipettes.
Winter Sensory Trays: Create a winter wonderland using cotton wool, pinecones, silver glitter, foil and natural materials. Add scoops, tweezers and small world figures for imaginative play.
Creative Arts
Snowflake Printing: Use toilet‑roll tubes shaped into snowflake patterns. Dip them into white paint and print onto blue or black paper for a striking winter effect.
Recycled Winter Collage: Gather scrap paper, cardboard, fabric and natural finds. Encourage children to create winter scenes using glue, textures and layers.
Outdoor Exploration
Winter Nature Walks: Wrap up warm and head outside to spot seasonal changes – bare branches, frosty leaves, animal tracks or winter birds.
Ice Painting: Freeze blocks of ice and let children paint them using food colouring mixed with warm water. Watch the colours swirl and melt.
STEM‑Linked Ideas
Melting Experiments: Provide ice cubes and different tools – salt, warm water, spoons, pipettes. Let children test what melts ice fastest.
Shadow Play: Use torches in a dim room to explore shadows, shapes and movement. Add winter‑themed cut‑outs for storytelling.
Calming Activities
Winter Story Baskets: Fill a basket with winter books, soft fabrics, puppets, and themed props. Perfect for small‑group storytelling or one‑to‑one time.
Cosy Corners: Create a soft‑light nook with fairy lights, cushions, blankets and winter‑themed sensory bottles. A calming space for children who need a moment to reset.
Why These Activities Matter
Winter can be a stimulating time for young children and these activities support:
- Fine motor development through scooping, pouring, painting, and manipulating materials.
- Communication and language as children describe textures, colours, and discoveries.
- Emotional regulation through calm, cosy spaces and sensory‑rich experiences.
- Curiosity and problem‑solving with simple STEM experiments.
- Imaginative play inspired by seasonal theme.
They’re also easy to set up, winter friendly and adaptable for all ages and abilities.
Share Your Winter Creations
We love seeing the creativity happening in nurseries across the region. If you try any of these activities, feel free to share your photos or tag us on social media – it’s always a joy to see your ideas come to life.
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Author: Jodi Walden
