Snow days are a luxury to some, and a burden to others.
It is not as appealing to get outside and release energy when six inches of snow have just fallen on the ground. Or, if you do get outdoors, it lasts about 10 minutes before everyone’s fingers are too cold to continue.
Having kids at home on these days can be hectic and stressful for parents trying to manage their time and entertain their children all at once.
Below is a list of 5 indoor snow day activities that are perfect for sensory stimulation, and require minimal materials that should already be in the home.
Living Room Fort
Who doesn’t love a good fort? They are inviting, relaxing, and allow for sensory regulation in all children (and adults!).
This is number one on the list because it can keep your kiddos entertained in one space for hours, giving you some time to attend to necessary chores around the house.
All you need are blankets to hang on the furniture, pillows for maximum comfort inside the fort, and independent play activities such as blocks, books, or puzzles.
Your child will love having an enclosed space that is quiet and calming, but beware; you may not see them for the whole day!
Snow Sensory Bin
Kids love playing in the snow, but having to sit outside and freeze isn’t ideal for anyone. Instead, bring the snow indoors for some fun sensory play!
Use a tray or bucket to collect the snow. Make sure to get some towels, and set up on a hard surface that will be easy to clean, as this could get messy quickly!
To your sensory bin, add measuring cups, cookie cutters, or even animal figurines to get your child playing. If you want to really spice things up, add food coloring to your snow, or essential oils for an inviting scent!
Shaving Cream
This is another messy one that will require a space that is ideal for clean up. To make it easier, use a tray or bin to help contain the shaving cream to one area as best as possible.
For a play activity, use toy cars or trucks. The cars can drive around the shaving cream leaving tire tracks, or your child can make their own track through the shaving cream and have the cars follow a certain path.
For an educational activity, have your child write their numbers and letters in the shaving cream. They will be having so much fun, they won’t even look at it as learning!
If your child is sensitive to sensory stimulation on their hands, have them use a paintbrush instead.
Box Cars
This one should be especially easy to collect the materials for, since we all probably have large boxes from the holidays still lying around our basements and garages.
All you need are markers and tape. If you want to get extra messy, use paint in place of markers! Help tape up the box if it isn’t already, and then allow your child the freedom to create.
If you have multiple children, have them compete in a race with their box cars, or make one yourself to race your child and get any remaining energy out.
Bubble Baths
There are SO many things that kids can do in the bath, and it is the easiest place to play for clean up.
Put your child in their bathing suit for this activity and fill the bath up with bubbles.
Provide cups, balls, and other bath toys for engaging items during the bath.
To get really creative, combine water with food coloring in a spray bottle, and your child can “paint” the bubbles! You can also add food coloring to shaving cream and allow them to finger-paint on the walls of the tub.
Days at home can be exhausting when trying to find some new ways to keep your children entertained indoors.
Although these activities can be played independently, make sure to always monitor your child when engaging in sensory play to ensure that small items don’t end up in their mouths.
Hopefully, providing these engaging activities to your child can allow you a quick moment to load the dishwasher or fold some towels while you are stuck inside. If your child requires you to engage with them the entire time, then at least you will get some fun sensory play, too!