Snow Day at Home? Try These 5 Fun Indoor Snow Day Activities

Aw, snow days. Kids (and let’s be honest, maybe some adults too) love the surprise cancellation. But once the excitement of a school closure wears off, and a few hours of being stuck at home pass, it’s hard not to start wondering how you’re going to keep your kids entertained and engaged without leaning too heavily on screens.

Not to worry. At CBS, we’ve pulled together a list of snow day activities that can be enjoyed right at home with no special supplies needed, just some of the everyday items most households already have on hand. And because we know every child has different interests and energy levels, we’ve organized these activities into simple categories. So, if your child loves hands-on, creative play, we’ve got you. And if your child needs movement and activities that match their energy, we’ve got that too.

Sensory Play (Snowy Without the Cold)

Sensory play helps children explore textures, build focus, and regulate their bodies (and it doesn’t need to be complicated).

Try this:

• Build a “snowman” using cotton balls, marshmallows, or paper circles

• Create pretend snow using rice, oats, or flour in a small bin. Or, mix equal parts of baking soda with hair conditioner to get a more realistic (but not as cold) feel of snow.

• Explore ice cubes in a bowl using spoons, cups, or toy animals

Let your child touch, scoop, pour, and describe what they feel.

Tara Long, our speech therapist, loves the winter event with two happy kids as they have fun with snow sensory bins made from cornstarch and hair conditioner at the Snow Station.

Creative Time

Creative activities encourage self-expression, fine motor skills, and imagination — all while being calm and enjoyable.

Ideas to try:

• Draw or paint a winter scene

• Cut and decorate paper snowflakes

• Color using only “winter colors” like blue, white, and silver

There’s no right or wrong here — the process matters more than the final product.

View this and other winter scene options for kids here: https://www.artisbasic.com/2021/12/winter-landscape-art-project-for-kids.html

Indoor Movement (Get the Wiggles Out)

Being stuck inside doesn’t mean kids can’t move. Short bursts of movement help with regulation, coordination, and attention.

Fun movement ideas:

• Animal walks (penguin waddles, polar bear crawls, bunny hops)

• Indoor “snowball” toss using rolled socks

• Freeze dance with winter-themed music

Even a few minutes of movement can make a big difference.

Language & Learning Moments

Snow days are a great time to slow down and connect through language.

Simple ways to build skills:

• Read a winter-themed book and talk about the pictures

• Practice “first / then” routines (first snack, then play)

• Name winter clothing items and act them out together

These small conversations build comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence.

Caitlyn McDaniel, an RBT, supports a young reader as he enjoys a winter-themed book.

Life Skills in Cozy Moments for Indoor Snow Day Activities

Everyday routines are full of learning opportunities — especially on relaxed days at home.

Try involving your child in:

• Putting on coats, hats, or gloves

• Helping make a warm snack or hot cocoa

• Cleaning up toys and earning cozy time afterward

These moments support independence and real-world skills in a low-pressure way.

Snow days come and go, but questions about your child’s growth don’t have to wait. Sensory play is an important part of development for children of all abilities, helping support regulation, learning, and connection through everyday play. If you’re wondering how therapy could support your child, or you’d like to talk with someone about next steps, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact Children’s Behavioral Services anytime to learn more at cbshelps.com.