Skip to main content

5 winter crafts for kids to make when they’re bored and stuck indoors

Too cold for sledding? Then do these winter crafts for kids

There is definitely a “sweet spot” when it comes to winter weather. It’s either time to embrace your inner Queen Elsa and truly enjoy all the cold weather and the snow have to offer, or it’s so frigid that everyone would be happier indoors. But no matter the weather, you can still have fun and enjoy the winter season.

Coming up with new, fun, and easy winter crafts for the kids is one way to keep them from being bored if you’re stuck indoors. If you’ve been looking for some new inspiration to step up your craft game during the winter season, try these winter crafts for kids on your next snow day.

Mom and toddler doing holiday crafts

Crafts using the elements

Ice wreath bird feeder

This craft, made by Hand On As We Grow shows how to use staples from your pantry and a Bundt pan to create a super cool bird feeder that your kids will not only love to make, but will also love to watch the birds feed on it.

The recipe is so simple, the kids should be able to do it themselves. Mix a variety of nuts, grains, and cereals and any seeds you may have on hand and pour it into a Bundt pan. Just add some water and let it freeze. Once the “wreath” is frozen, hang it from a branch with a ribbon, or simply set it outside and watch as your wreath brings all the birds to the yard!

Snow painting

Creating a snow painting is a great way to get the kids outside for a bit and let them get crafty. What makes this craft even better is that it’s ideal for kids of all ages so everyone can participate. This recipe from Mommy Poppins shows just how easy — and inexpensive — it is to get creative in the snow.

All you need is snow, water, food coloring, and a few spray bottles to create endless masterpieces. You could also fill plastic bags with colored water to help create different designs in the snow. If you want to avoid heading outside completely, just use regular paper, water, food coloring, and squirt bottles to let your kids get creative inside.

Kids having fun making holiday crafts.

Crafts for the builders

Homemade play dough

It’s a bit frustrating to constantly buy play dough only to have your kids mix the colors or leave the lids off, allowing it to dry out! This homemade play dough recipe from Domestic Superhero allows you to make your own play dough and customize the colors. This is a great way to get your kids involved and allow them to create their own rainbow of play dough.

Let the kids get crafty making their homemade play dough. All you need is flour, cream of tartar, salt, and food coloring. In addition to customizing their colors, add items such as glitter (if you dare) or essential oils (no more of that play dough smell) to elevate that dough.

Build a gingerbread house

The holidays go hand-in-hand with building a gingerbread house! After Christmas is a great time to pick up some of those prepared gingerbread house kits on sale at your local retailer and keep them handy for when your kids are bored. Have them work alone or in teams, depending on their ages, and get as creative as possible. Help them whip up some extra icing of their own if they need it, and use any leftover decorating supplies from your holiday baking you may have in your pantry.

Homemade snow globes

Creating homemade snow globes, like these from PBS, is a great way to use up all those jars you’ve been saving to recycle. You will need glass jars, plastic figurines, LEGO, or any other small item your child may wish to use, crafting supplies like glitter and sequins, water, glue, a spoon, and glycerin (if you have it).

Your kids will choose which figurines and decorations they want to put in their jars. Once they’ve finished creating their snow globe, they just screw the lid of the jar on and watch as their creation comes to life. Make as many snow globes as they have jars, with different options for each one.

It’s frustrating for kids to be stuck home on a snow day. It’s even more so for parents and kids when it’s too cold to spend time outside and enjoy the snow. But with a little creativity, you’ll keep them occupied and inspired for hours when they won’t whine about being indoors. Stock up on the supplies you’ll need to make your favorite crafts so the next time you need something fun to do inside, you’ll be prepared for anything.

Editors' Recommendations

6 easy muffin recipes for kids to make with or without your help
Healthy muffin recipes that are so easy to make, your kid can be the chef
Two kids having fun baking in the kitchen.

While kids would prefer to eat dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets partnered with mac and cheese for every meal, sometimes parents want to see their children eat something a bit healthier. That’s where we'll help. If you thought all muffins have to be either loaded with sugar or taste like dry cardboard, you're going to love us.

We found six healthy muffin recipes for you to make with your younger kids, but they are also simple enough that your older kids could make them for you. Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice when it comes to flavor. Make one (or all) of these delicious easy muffin recipes that your kids will enjoy as much as you will.

Read more
An expert party planner reveals the top kids’ party trends for 2023
Need birthday party inspiration for 2023? Meet Viginia Edelson Frischkorn
Happy kids at a birthday party

Kids' parties may have been put on the back burner during the pandemic, but they've never gone out of style. Busy parents are always on the lookout for birthday party ideas for kids and Virginia Edelson Frischkorn has made it easier than ever with her newest endeavor Partytrick.

Frischkorn is one of the top event planners around. Even Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, and Brides have recognized her work. The single mom of two hails from Colorado and is also the founder of Bluebird Productions and Aspen Picnic Companies. With over 10 years of party planning under her belt, Frischkorn is the one to talk to when it comes to the top kids' party trends for 2023.

Read more
10 super simple Christmas crockpot meals that are ideal for busy families
Grandma won't be able to tell these Christmas crockpot meals weren't made on the stove or in the oven
Tasty meatballs made in a crockpot

The holiday season seems to fly by in a rush with shopping, decorating, activities and crafts, and of course, entertaining. With entertaining comes more shopping, preparation, and lots of hours spent in the kitchen. Time is difficult to find during the holidays, which is what makes crockpot meals such a deliciously simple option.

OK, so Grandma might not approve of making some of those traditional holiday dishes in a crockpot, but Christmas crockpot meals are just as scrumptious as ones prepared on the stove or in the oven. Really! If you haven't discovered crockpot cooking yet, the busy holiday rush is the perfect time to give it a try. Crockpot cooking will actually help with that holiday time crunch.

Read more