Winter Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers (2024)

The winter season offers a magical playground for preschoolers, with glistening snowflakes, crisp air, and the promise of snowy adventures. As educators, embracing the outdoors during winter not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a deeper connection with the season. Let's explore a flurry of frosty fun with these winter outdoor activities designed to spark joy and laughter in our little learners.

While winter brings colder temperatures it doesn't mean we have to stay indoors! The winter is a great opportunity to teach your preschoolers how to bundle up and enjoy the wintery season with hands-on and fun activities that can only be done in the winter. We're sharing some outdoor activities that you can try this winter season with your preschool students at home or at school.

Snow Painting

Bundle up the preschoolers in warm layers, arm them with spray bottles filled with water and a few drops of food coloring, and let the snow become their canvas. Encourage them to create vibrant and temporary masterpieces on the snow. You can also bring this activity indoors by adding snow to your sensory tables.

Build Snowflake Designs

Provide each preschooler with shape stamps and a tray of snow. Encourage them to create snowflake patterns in the snow using their stamps. This is also a great activity to use with plastic shape blocks, or plastic pattern blocks.

Snowflake Water Colors

Bring water colors outside and let your preschoolers watch as they magically change the color of the snow. This is another great activity to try in your sensory tables!

Winter Art Gallery

Set up an outdoor easel and provide watercolor paints that won't freeze. Let children create winter masterpieces inspired by the outdoor scenery. Encourage students to discuss their artwork and encourage express their feelings about winter through art.

Frozen Bubbles

Blow bubbles and watch them freeze in the cold air. Discuss the science behind why bubbles freeze and the unique patterns that form. This activity combines science and outdoor fun, captivating the curiosity of young minds.

Ice Excavation

Freeze small toys or objects in containers of water. Once frozen, release the ice blocks and let the children use tools like plastic spoons or salt to excavate the treasures. This activity not only encourages fine motor skills but also introduces the concept of changing states of matter. Try filling up a spray bottle with warm water to help melt the ice, too!

Nature Ice Sculptures

Fill various containers with water, add natural elements like leaves, berries, or pinecones, and let them freeze. Once the ice blocks are ready, encourage preschoolers to explore the shapes and textures frozen within. This hands-on activity combines science and art in a winter wonderland.

Ice Cube Painting

Freeze water in an ice cube tray and allow your preschoolers the opportunity to explore the ice and paint with watercolors. Take a look at our figure skating ice painting tutorial for another fun twist on ice.

Frozen Colorful Ice Balls

Fill a balloon with water, add plenty of food coloring and then freeze. When frozen remove the balloon to reveal a beautiful colorful ball of ice.

Bird Feeders

Engage preschoolers in creating simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang the feeders in outdoor spaces and encourage the children to observe and identify visiting winter birds. This activity notonly connects them with nature but also introduces concepts of animal care and observation.

Animal Tracks Hunt

After a fresh snowfall, take preschoolers on a nature walk to look for animal tracks.
Discuss which animals might have made the tracks and how they survive in the winter.
If there's no snow, create animal track impressions using playdough or by drawing them on paper. Preschoolers will love going on adventure to look for the prints!

Winter Scavenger Hunt

Create a winter-themed scavenger hunt list with items like evergreen trees, animal tracks, and icicles.Encourage children to use their senses to experience the winter environment. Simply laminate your printables for durability with you are using them outside. No snow? No problem, create your own winter inspired scene outside and hide the object cards from our winter set around your space.

Buy our winter lists in our store!

Frozen Shadow Play

On a sunny day, take preschoolers outside and observe the long shadows created by the low winter sun. Encourage them to experiment with their shadows, making different shapes and movements. On a clear day, play a game of shadow tag. Children can chase each other's shadows, promoting physical activity and adding an element of excitement to outdoor play.

Outdoor Story Circle

Transform a cozy corner of your outdoor space into a winter-themed story circle. Bring out blankets, cushions, and favorite winter-themed books. Encourage the children to snuggle up as you read stories together, immersing them in the magic of winter tales.

Hot Cocoa Picnic

Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, along with some winter snacks. Lay out blankets in a sheltered area and enjoy a cozy winter picnic. Use this opportunity to discuss winter traditions and the importance of staying warm.

Winter Obstacle Course

Create a simple outdoor obstacle course using the snow. Include activities like hopping over snow mounds, crawling through snow tunnels, and balancing on snow-covered logs. This active play not only promotes gross motor skills but also allows preschoolers to burn off some winter energy.

Snowball Toss Game

Create "snowballs" using soft, lightweight materials (or real snowballs if you have snow). Set up targets, such as hula hoops or buckets, and let children practice their tossing skills, enhancing both coordination and aim.

Pinecone Bowling

Set up bowling pins using empty plastic bottles, and use pinecones as bowling balls. Children can take turns rolling the pinecones and knocking down the "pins."

Snow Shoveling

Shoveling snow can be a big workout! Provide plenty of small shovels for children to scoop and move snow.

Small World Snow Play

Bring the magic of small world play outdoors with a variety of trucks children can use to haul around snow.

Winter's embrace offers a world of possibilities for outdoor exploration and play. By incorporating these frosty fun activities into our preschool curriculum, we not only provide joyful experiences but also foster a love for the wonders of the winter season. Additionally, for those bone-chilling days when the temperature seems unbearable, we've got some fantastic indoor activities here that bring the essence of winter inside.