winter experiments eyfs

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Winter Science Experiments and STEM Challenges for Kids

January 2, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 11 Comments

Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to embrace winter and all the exciting science activity opportunities the cold weather opens up. I’ve assembled an exciting collection of winter science experiments and STEM challenges perfect for cheering up a dreary January.

Don’t forget I’ve also got 100s more easy science experiments to do at home and not just for winter!

Easy Winter STEM Challenges for Kids

Ice experiments.

All my children love playing with ice. There’s something about it being cold and slippy that really appeals to them. There are endless different ways to explore ice and melting, and all make a great winter science experiment.

Firstly, try a super simple melting activity to learn about changes of state .

Ice fishing

Discover whether ice melts faster in hot or cold water with my ice fishing activity. This is one of my favourite winter science experiments, but it is also great for summertime too. All you need to do is freeze a plastic fish or small object in a cube of ice along with a piece of string. Tie the other end of the string to a stick, and you have your very own ice fishing rod!

Painting on ice

Try some painting on ice . This is another very simple science activity. Just freeze a sheet of ice and paint over the top. Children can paint, wipe the ice clean and paint again!

Ice decorations

We love these pretty ice decorations , when it’s very cold outside I leave a water-filled ice cube tray outside, and we check to see whether the water freezes overnight.

Little Bins for Little Hands has some lovely frozen hands . These are very appealing to young children and great fun to melt!

Make some seasonal ice. Try adding pinecones and leaves in autumn, colourful petals and flowers in summer and perhaps some wildflower petals in spring.

How about this sparkly ice version ? One simple activity is to find ways to make it melt faster. Try using warm water or salt to speed up the melting process.

Baking soda and vinegar ice

We had lots of fun with our baking soda ice cubes  and love this frozen vinegar idea from Inspiration Laboratories.

Wire through ice

Move wire through ice . A grown-up might have to help with this, and you don’t have to use a large piece as we did.

Make frost on a can

Try to  make frost with ice and salt . This activity is always very popular in our house. Frost appears on the side of the can as you watch! For some extra fun, try decorating the can to look like a snowman or Santa!

More ice experiments and investigations

Do you know you can make hot ice ?

The Artful Parent has a gorgeous melting ice, salt and  watercolour experiment .

Finally, and this is my favourite. Investigate how to help a toy car move across a sheet of ice . Try to find ways to stop the car slipping on the surface.

Snow STEM Challenges for Kids

If you’re lucky enough to have snow, a snow volcano is a brilliant outdoor activity. You’ll need snow, red food colouring, a small bottle or container, baking soda and vinegar.

Snowman Science Experiments

Find out how simple circuits work with this easy playdough light up snowman .

If you don’t have snow, try to make your own snow with one of my three easy snow recipes.

Winter STEM Challenges for Kids

Learn about forces with a simple snowman catapult ! Children can experiment with ping pong balls, pom poms and other small items.

We love this snowman stretch challenge from Feel Good Teaching.

Make a raft for a reindeer , or try one of my other festive STEM Challenges .

Winter STEM Challenge Printable

Finally, download my FREE winter STEM Challenges printable .

Ice Cube Shelter

The idea behind this activity is to build a structure that will slow down the speed at which an ice cube melts. This is a good activity for thinking about insulating materials.

Melting Marshmallows

Warm up with a hot chocolate STEM challenge . Make one drink warm and one hot to find out where the marshmallows melt the fastest.

Freeze a small toy figure or object in ice and rescue it using warm and cold water and salt!

Do you have any other winter or icy science ideas for us?

Which is your favourite winter science experiment ?

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

December 31, 2012 at 3:42 am

These are some fantastic and original ideas for playing with ice. I especially like the ice in a balloon and seasonal ice activities. I look forward to trying some of these out with my kids!

January 08, 2013 at 10:30 pm

Let us know how you get on. x

December 31, 2012 at 3:21 pm

Great ideas to keep kids busy during winter months. Thank you

January 08, 2013 at 10:31 pm

Glad you like them.

January 04, 2013 at 10:28 pm

Brilliant, thank you!

January 07, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Thank you. xxx

January 08, 2013 at 4:43 pm

Wow I just found your post through Coombemill! We had great fun with dino ice this week!

ooooh dino ice sounds good. x

January 17, 2013 at 6:55 pm

Love this! We just played with ice for a sensory activity the other day!! We’ll have to try these ideas sometime! http://teachingmama.org/winter-sensory-play-day-3/

January 18, 2013 at 3:02 pm

Great fun! we’ll be giving some of these a try for sure. We msde ice paints last week which were great fun!

January 21, 2013 at 11:47 am

We make ice boats! 1. Grab a not-too-deep, plastic container of any shape 2. Grab a mast – we like to use large wooden popsicle sticks as they are not so harmful to the environment, but some people use a drinking straw 3. Make a sail to fit your mast – as simple or elaborate as you like. We use paper or cardboard and tape it to the mast 4. Pop a small ball of modelling clay or blutac into the base and secure the mast upright 5. Fill the container two thirds with water – we often add some food dye, this looks amazing as the boats melt, especially if you can convince your small people to let the water alone so it stays very still and flat (in this case, you get another science lesson as you observe currents and eddies) 6. Freeze then sail in a bathtub or splashpool or even a baby bath

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10 Winter EYFS Activities

Written by Dan

Winter brings unique opportunities for engaging Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children in fun and educational activities. As the weather turns colder, educators and parents can explore a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences to support young learners’ development.

Winter activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and reception-aged children can help support learning and development across various areas of the EYFS framework. These activities can range from creative arts and crafts to sensory play and outdoor exploration, providing diverse learning experiences for young children during the winter months.

Table of Contents

1) Snowflake Craft

Snowflake crafts are an excellent winter activity for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children. These crafts help develop fine motor skills and creativity while exploring the wonder of snowflakes.

One simple snowflake craft involves cutting paper snowflakes . Children can fold white paper and snip small shapes along the edges. When unfolded, they reveal unique snowflake designs.

For younger children, a tape-resist snowflake painting is ideal. Teachers can create snowflake patterns with tape on paper, and children paint over them. Removing the tape reveals a beautiful snowflake shape.

Craft stick snowflakes offer another engaging option. Children can arrange and glue popsicle sticks in a snowflake pattern, then decorate with paint or glitter.

A sensory-rich activity involves making salt and glue snowflakes . Children draw snowflake shapes with glue and sprinkle salt over them, creating a textured, sparkly effect.

These snowflake crafts not only entertain but also teach children about symmetry, patterns, and the uniqueness of snowflakes. They provide opportunities for sensory exploration and artistic expression in the EYFS classroom.

2) Ice Sensory Play

Ice sensory play offers a chilly and exciting way for young children to explore their senses. This activity engages multiple senses simultaneously, promoting cognitive development and fine motor skills.

To set up an ice sensory play station, freeze water in various containers to create different shapes and sizes of ice. Add food coloring or small toys to the water before freezing for added visual interest.

Place the ice in a large tub or tray with some water. Provide tools like spoons, tongs, and cups for children to manipulate the ice. This encourages problem-solving and enhances dexterity.

Sensory play with ice can be adapted for different seasons and themes. In winter, it fits perfectly with the cold weather outside, while in summer, it offers a refreshing activity.

For added complexity, educators can introduce salt to the ice play. Children can observe how salt affects the ice, creating an opportunity to discuss basic scientific concepts.

Safety is important during ice play. Ensure adult supervision and remind children not to put ice in their mouths. Provide warm towels nearby for cold hands.

3) Winter Storytime Sessions

Winter storytime sessions provide engaging literacy experiences for young children. These sessions incorporate winter-themed books, fingerplays, and activities to captivate preschoolers’ attention.

Educators can select books that explore winter themes such as snowmen, holidays, and seasonal changes. Popular choices include stories about snowflakes, arctic animals, and winter celebrations.

Incorporating interactive elements enhances the storytelling experience. Fingerplays and songs like “Snowflake, Snowflake” (sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”) encourage active participation and help reinforce winter vocabulary.

Winter story times celebrate holidays, lights, snowmen, and sledding . They create a cozy atmosphere while introducing children to the wonders of the season.

After the story, children can engage in related activities such as creating paper snowflakes or drawing their favorite part of the book. These hands-on experiences help reinforce the concepts presented in the stories.

4) Pinecone Bird Feeder

Creating pinecone bird feeders is an engaging winter activity for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children. This project combines creativity with nature education, allowing young learners to interact with the environment.

To make a pinecone bird feeder, children need pinecones, peanut butter, bird seeds, and string. The process begins by tying a string around the top of the pinecone . This allows for easy hanging once the feeder is complete.

Next, children spread peanut butter generously over the pinecone. This step can be messy but fun, offering a tactile experience for toddlers and preschoolers . After covering the pinecone, they roll it in bird seeds, which stick to the peanut butter.

The finished feeders can be hung outside for birds to enjoy. This activity provides an opportunity to discuss wildlife, seasons, and the importance of helping animals during winter. It also develops fine motor skills and encourages children to observe nature.

Educators can extend this activity by asking children to count the birds that visit their feeders or identify different bird species. This outdoor learning experience enhances understanding of the natural world and fosters a sense of environmental stewardship in young learners.

5) Snowy Outdoor Walks

Snowy outdoor walks provide an excellent opportunity for EYFS children to explore their winter environment. These walks allow young learners to observe changes in nature and develop their sensory skills.

Teachers can encourage children to look for animal tracks in the snow. This activity helps develop observation skills and introduces basic concepts of wildlife behavior.

Collecting natural objects during the walk can be both fun and educational. Children might gather pinecones, twigs, or interesting leaves to use in later craft activities.

Winter scavenger hunts add an element of excitement to snowy walks. Teachers can prepare a list of winter-themed items for children to find, such as icicles or frost-covered plants.

Snow walks also present opportunities for simple science experiments. Children can observe how their footprints change the snow’s texture or watch how snow melts in their hands.

Educators can incorporate language development by encouraging children to describe what they see, feel, and hear during the walk. This helps expand vocabulary related to winter and nature.

6) Holiday Songs and Rhymes

Holiday songs and rhymes are excellent winter activities for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children. They help develop language skills, rhythm, and memory while engaging children in festive fun.

Many Christmas action songs for kids incorporate movements, making them perfect for active learning. These songs encourage physical coordination and allow children to express themselves through music and motion.

Popular choices include “Jingle Bells” with hand motions mimicking bell ringing, and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with actions for each character. These songs are easy for young children to learn and enjoy.

Finger plays like “Five Little Snowmen” or “Five Little Christmas Trees” help develop fine motor skills and counting abilities. Children use their fingers to represent characters, enhancing their understanding of numbers.

Winter-themed songs such as “Snowflakes, Snowflakes” or “Winter’s Coming” teach about seasonal changes. These songs introduce vocabulary related to winter weather and clothing, expanding children’s knowledge of the world around them.

Educators can use props like bells, scarves, or toy snowmen to enhance the musical experience. This multisensory approach helps reinforce learning and keeps children engaged in the activity.

7) Winter-Themed Role Play

Winter-themed role play offers an engaging way for young children to explore seasonal concepts. It encourages creativity, social skills, and language development in a fun, immersive environment.

One popular option is setting up a hot cocoa stand . Children can practice counting, turn-taking, and communication as they serve pretend customers.

Creating a hibernating bear den allows children to learn about animal behavior during winter. They can act out different hibernating animals and discuss why some creatures sleep through the cold months.

An igloo tent provides a cozy space for imaginative play. Children can pretend to be Arctic explorers or animals seeking shelter from the snow.

Setting up a winter clothing shop encourages children to practice dressing skills while learning about appropriate cold-weather attire. They can sort items by type, size, or color.

A winter wonderland scene with artificial snow and ice allows for sensory exploration. Children can build snowmen, create snow angels, or have pretend snowball fights in a safe, indoor environment.

8) Indoor Snowball Fight

An indoor snowball fight offers a fun and safe way for young children to enjoy a winter activity without braving the cold. This game can be easily set up in a classroom or at home using soft, indoor-friendly “snowballs.”

Indoor snowballs can be made from various materials. Rolled-up socks, fluffy white yarn balls, or pom-poms are popular choices. These soft alternatives ensure children can play safely without risk of injury.

To set up the activity, divide the play area into two sections. Children can be split into teams or play individually. Scatter the “snowballs” around the room and set a timer for the game duration.

The objective is to throw the snowballs to the opposite side while collecting any that land in their area. This encourages physical activity, improves coordination, and promotes teamwork among the children.

Indoor snowball fights can also incorporate learning elements. Teachers might label snowballs with letters, numbers, or sight words, asking children to identify them before throwing.

After the game, children can practice counting by tallying up the snowballs on each side. This activity combines physical play with cognitive development, making it an excellent choice for EYFS winter activities.

9) Ice Painting Art

Ice painting is a fascinating winter activity for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children. This creative process combines art with scientific exploration, engaging young learners in a multi-sensory experience.

To begin, fill small pots with water and add food coloring . Insert craft sticks into each pot and freeze them for a couple of hours. Once frozen, these colorful ice blocks become natural paintbrushes.

Children can use the ice paints to create unique artwork on paper. As they paint, they’ll observe how the ice melts, changing the texture and colors of their creations. This process encourages discussions about color mixing and the properties of ice .

For added excitement, try freezing baking soda with water in a shallow pan . Children can then paint on this icy canvas, watching as the colors spread and mix in unexpected ways.

Ice painting not only develops fine motor skills but also promotes sensory exploration and scientific thinking. It’s an excellent way to introduce concepts of temperature, state changes, and color theory to young children in a fun, hands-on manner.

10) Nature Scavenger Hunt

A winter nature scavenger hunt is an engaging outdoor activity for early years children. It encourages exploration and observation of the natural world during the colder months.

Educators can create a simple winter scavenger hunt spotter sheet featuring items commonly found in winter. This might include pine cones, evergreen trees, and winter birds like robins.

Children can search for signs of winter such as frost on the ground, icicles hanging from rooftops, or a blanket of snow. They may also look for animal tracks in the snow or mud.

The activity can be adapted to suit different environments and age groups. For younger children, the hunt can focus on basic winter elements like bare trees or cold wind. Older children might search for more specific items or changes in nature.

This outdoor winter activity combines physical exercise with learning about seasonal changes. It helps develop children’s observational skills and connects them with their environment.

Benefits of Winter EYFS Activities

Winter activities offer unique opportunities for early years children to develop crucial skills. These experiences contribute to physical growth and stimulate creativity in ways that indoor activities alone cannot match.

Promoting Physical Development

Winter outdoor play helps children stay active during colder months. This activity supports the development of gross motor skills through activities like building snowmen or throwing snowballs.

Cold weather play enhances balance and coordination as children navigate slippery surfaces. It also improves fine motor skills through tasks such as zipping up coats or manipulating snow with gloved hands.

Outdoor winter activities increase cardiovascular health and strengthen muscles. Children expend more energy to stay warm, boosting their metabolism and overall fitness.

Encouraging Creativity and Imagination

Winter provides a unique canvas for creative expression. Shivery snow paint activities allow children to experiment with textures and colors in novel ways.

The stark winter landscape sparks imaginative play. Children might pretend to be arctic explorers or create imaginary snow creatures, fostering language development and social skills.

Winter-themed crafts, such as making paper snowflakes or decorating pinecones, enhance fine motor skills and artistic abilities. These activities also promote problem-solving as children figure out how to create their designs.

Nature-based winter activities, like ice sculpture making , encourage scientific thinking and observation skills. Children learn about concepts like freezing and melting through hands-on experiences.

Safety Considerations

Winter activities for EYFS require careful planning to ensure children’s wellbeing. Proper supervision and safe materials are essential for creating a secure environment that allows for fun and learning.

Ensuring Proper Supervision

Adult-to-child ratios should be maintained at all times during winter activities. Staff must remain vigilant and positioned strategically to observe all areas where children are playing.

Regular headcounts are crucial, especially when transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces. Designate specific staff members to monitor high-risk areas such as icy patches or slopes.

Establish clear boundaries for outdoor play areas and communicate them to children. Use visual markers like cones or flags to define safe zones.

Train staff on emergency procedures specific to winter conditions, including first aid for cold-related injuries.

Choosing Safe Materials

Select age-appropriate materials that pose minimal choking or injury risks. Avoid small objects that could be swallowed or sharp items that may cause cuts.

Ensure all outdoor equipment is properly maintained and free from ice or snow accumulation. Regularly inspect play structures for stability on frozen ground.

Choose non-toxic, washable art supplies for winter-themed crafts. Opt for water-based paints and glues to minimize potential allergic reactions.

When using natural materials like pine cones or leaves, check for sharp edges or insects before introducing them to activities.

Consider using soft, padded surfaces for areas where children might slip or fall during winter play.

Related Posts

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Winter Science Experiments For Kids

Maybe you have snow and freezing temperatures, or maybe you don’t! Whether you are shoveling snow or lounging by a palm tree, there’s still winter! When the weather turns chilly or not so chilly, try these easy to set up winter science experiments and winter STEM activities for preschoolers, kindergarten and elementary kids. Avoid cabin fever this season with great, budget-friendly science experiments and STEM projects !

Explore Winter Theme Science & STEM

The changing seasons are perfect for incorporating different types of STEM activities into your learning at home or in the classroom. Kids love themes, and a winter theme makes science so much more engaging! Think snow science experiments, snowflake STEM activities, snowmen, ice, frost and more!

These hands-on winter science experiments and STEM activities invite kids to explore, test, think, observe, and discover! Experimenting leads to discoveries, and discoveries spark curiosity!

Kids constantly learn about the world’s workings, and winter science experiments are an easy choice. These winter activities for preschool to elementary grades are simple to set up and use only a few materials.

Our list below includes physics and chemistry experiments that even young children can easily explore with hands-on, playful activities!

Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!

Watch the Video!

Free printable winter stem activities guide.

Activities To Celebrate Winter Solstice

If you are planning ahead of time, make sure to include fun winter solstice activities ! The winter and summer solstices are two very important times during the year.

Ideas: Winter Nature Activities

Take care of your feathered friends as you explore winter science and learn about the birds in your backyard. Make these kid friendly birdseed ornaments that kids of all ages can help with too! Set up a bird watching area complete with binoculars and books on local birds!

Fun Winter Science Experiments & Winter STEM Challenges

Very few of these winter science activities below actually include real snow. This list is perfect for no matter where you live, including areas that never see snow or areas that do get snow, but it’s unpredictable! Many of these winter science experiments and winter STEM activities can be done regardless of the weather conditions where you live!

Click on all the links in blue below to check out some (brrrr) cool science. You will find winter theme science experiments including slime, fizzy reactions, ice melting, real snow, oobleck, crystal growing, and more .

1. Snow Candy

Learn how to make maple syrup snow candy. Discover the interesting science behind how this simple maple snow candy is made and how snow helps that process along.

2. Snow Ice Cream

This super easy, 3-ingredient snow ice cream recipe is perfect this season for a yummy treat. It’s a bit different to our ice cream in a bag science experiment but still lots of fun!

3. Snow Volcano

If you have snow, you will want to get outside for this winter science experiment! Cool winter STEM that the kids will LOVE to get their hands on. If you don’t have snow, don’t worry! You can also make this one in the sandbox or at the beach.

4. Snowflake Salt Painting

Have you ever tried salt painting for a quick winter STEAM (science +art) activity? We think snowflake salt painting is tons of fun.

5. Melting Snow Science

This snow science activity with a melting snowman theme is perfect for exploring in and out of the classroom.

6. Frosty’s Magic Milk

A classic science experiment with a wintery theme the kids will love! Frosty’s magic milk is sure to be a favorite.

7. Snow Slime Recipes

We have the BEST slime recipes around. You can make our melting snowman slime, snowflake confetti slime, fluffy snow slime, snow floam, and more!

8. Ice Fishing

Kids will love this fishing for ice cubes science project that can be done no matter the temperature outside.

9. Snow Storm In A Jar

Set up an invitation to make a winter snow storm in a jar science experiment. Kids will love creating their own snowstorm with common household supplies, and they can even learn a bit about simple science in the process too.

10. How To Make Frost On A Can

This is another easy-to-set-up winter science experiment that pulls from what you have around the house. We love science that can be set up in minutes and is hands-on for the kids.

11. Blubber Science Experiment

How can polar bears and other Arctic animals stay warm with those freezing temperatures, icy water, and relentless wind? This super simple polar bear blubber science experiment will help kids feel and see what keeps those big animals warm!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Whale Blubber Experiment

12. Design a Snowball Launcher

Need to stay warm and cozy inside but enough with the screens? Get the kids designing, engineering, testing, and exploring physics with easy to make snowball launcher winter STEM activity! Hands-on winter STEM with a little bit of gross motor fun!

13. Make Fake Snow (not really science but lots of fun!)

Too much snow or not enough snow? It doesn’t matter when you know how to make fake snow! Treat the kids to an indoor snowman building session or fun winter sensory play with this super easy to make snow recipe!

14. Melting Snowmen

The best part of this snowy winter science experiment is that you don’t need real snow to enjoy it! That means everyone can try it. Plus you have everything you need in the kitchen to get started.

15. Snowflake Oobleck   or Evergreen Oobleck

Oobleck is an ooey gooey slime substance that’s also a terrific classic science project. Learn about non-Newtonian fluids while digging your hands into a neat tactile sensory experience too.

16. Crystal Snowflakes

You can enjoy your crystal snowflake ornaments all winter long with our simple borax crystal growing recipe!

17. Salt Crystal Snowflakes

With a little patience, this super simple kitchen science is easy to pull off! Grow salt crystal snowflakes for an easy winter science experiment for kids of all ages.

18. Snowflake Science with YouTube

If you don’t have the opportunity to observe your own snowflakes, you can totally learn all about them through these short videos perfect for kids! Snowflakes are truly one of nature’s wonders, and they are fleeting.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Snowflake Activities For Preschoolers

19. DIY Thermometer

Make your own homemade thermometer and compare the temperature indoors with the cold outdoors. Learn how a simple thermometer works.

20. Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Coffee filters are a MUST have addition to any science or STEAM kit! Simple science is combined with unique process art to make these colorful snowflakes.

21. Frozen Bubble Experiment

Who doesn’t love blowing bubbles? You can blow bubbles year-round indoors or outdoors too. Freezing bubbles is definitely on our list of winter science experiments to try.

22. Ice Melting Experiment

What makes Ice melt anyway? Set up this fun STEM challenge and science experiment! You’ll find several ideas to try and an awesome printable pack to go along with them. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to practice using the scientific method .

23. Fizzing Snowflakes

This simple experiment with baking soda, vinegar, and cookie cutters is a classic! This chemistry activity is a hit all year round!

24. Frosty the Snowman Winter Bubbles

Learn about the science of bubbles with this simple winter bubble activity. Fun winter science for preschoolers and kindergarten!

25. Experiment with Insulation

Keep warm with Science! This insulation science experiment is an easyway for kids to learn how different materials retain heat. Get ready to test various materials and determine which makes the best thermal insulator!

Bonus Winter Crafts for Kids

• Build a marshmallow igloo .
• Make a DIY snow globe.
• Make a cute snowy pinecone owl .
• Create your own polar bear puppets .
• Paint with homemade shivery snow paint .
• Create this easy polar bear paper plate craft .
• Try tape resist snowflake art .

Printable Winter STEM Pack

Even if you don’t live in a snowy winter climate, there are many ways to explore the season!

WHAT’S INSIDE?  You’ll find 250+ Pages of Winter theme projects for science, STEM, and art!

• 25+ Winter science activities  and STEM projects for kids that are easy to set up and fit into the time you have available even if it’s limited!  NEW:  Observation sheets for activities.
• Printable winter theme STEM activities  that are simple but engaging for home or classroom. Perfect for K-2 and beyond and adaptable to many skill levels.
• Find  simple background science explanations  to share with kids while they explore hands-on and playful experiments, projects, and activities! Fun with physics, chemistry, design, engineering, and more!
• Easy to gather supplies  makes these STEM activities ideal when you have limited resources available. Perfect for trying with groups of kids.
• Engaging winter STEM activities  packed with winter theme activities, journal pages, and design process steps! Includes structure-building cards, STEM challenge cards, and screen-free coding activities.
• Fun snowflake theme STEM,  including snowflake cutting templates, snowflake tinker cards, and snowflake science activities, including a snowflake formation cycle!
• Even more, winter printable sheets  include hibernating animals sort, snow weather cycle, five senses for winter journal pages, thaumatrope patterns, and fun extras with a winter theme!

14 Comments

I love this roundup! So many fun things to do with ice and snow this winter 🙂 Thank you for including our Fishing for Ice experiment!

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7 Winter Activity Ideas for Early Years

by EYR Team | Nov 27, 2023 | Early Years Ideas , Early Years Resources , Winter Crafts

The changing seasons bring many new and exciting opportunities for children to learn more about the world around them by spending time outdoors in nature. Winter is also a wonderful time to try simple arts and crafts to develop key skills in early years development. Read on for our list of early years winter activities!

In this blog we share 7 simple winter activity ideas to try in early years through the 7 areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, giving you a quick and easy guide to explore the wonders of wintertime in your setting.

Weave A Christmas Wreath | Arts and Design

Get creative with our wooden weaving frames and make your own homemade Christmas wreath.

Children can explore colours and patterns by threading coloured ribbons through the frame to create different designs while also building their fine motor skills and improving their concentration.

Try using pom poms or acorns to finish creating unique handmade decorations to hang up in the classroom this winter.

From tracing to sorting, there are plenty of other ways to use these frames to keep children stimulated while encouraging mindfulness.

Build a Den | Physical Development

As the colder days draw near, creating cosy shelters provides a great opportunity to talk about how many animals look for warmth and safe places to shelter over winter. Den building  and den play can be set up throughout the year and allows children to work as a team to transform their space by setting up their own hideaway while also practising communication and problem-solving skills.

Complete your indoor or outdoor den space with a campfire and soft seating for children to nestle down and relax on.

Create Clay Faces | Personal Social and Emotional Development

This outdoor nature craft uses natural materials to create expressive self-portraits in a few easy steps.

First, gather small seeds, flowers and rocks for the clay face features.

Next, press a small handful of clay onto the tree bark and flatten the clay into the shape of a face, then use the natural materials you’ve found to create the eyes, ears, nose and smile.

Once finished, peel them away to take home or leave them on the tree to dry outdoors.

Tip: Leaves and moss make fun hairstyles!

Tuff Tray Phonics Practice | Literacy

Whether standard or mini, Tuff Trays are a staple resource in classrooms due to their amazing versatility and provide a useful base for our next activity which can be great for individuals or groups of learners.

Set up a fun winter words station using fake snow and letter pebbles for children to practice phonics and letter recognition as they write in the snow. Children can choose words based on their level, starting with smaller CVC words and then working towards more complex words.

For younger children, pre-writing stones are a fantastic way to improve fine motor skills and learn about the shapes and patterns of letters. Reinforce learning by asking children to draw pictures in the snow that begin with the letters on the stones and asking them to sound out the words.

STEAM Snowflake Symmetry | Maths

Snowflakes are a great example of symmetry in nature. Create your own snowflakes, each with its own geometric pattern in this budget-friendly activity for preschoolers, combining both maths and art.

Use Jumbo Natural Lolly Sticks to set up half a snowflake in just minutes for children to complete. You could also try using coloured sticks or adding glitter for some extra sparkle.

This lolly stick craft explores both symmetry and shapes by prompting children to investigate how to complete patterns and mirror lines of symmetry. Build on this activity further by learning more about the science behind snowflakes.

Go On A Winter Walk | Communication and Language

While some animals may be hibernating, there is plenty of wildlife still to discover this winter. Scurrying squirrels can be found climbing up trees all year round and some smaller birds such as robins visit different places looking for fresh food.

A winter walk provides lots of opportunities for children of all ages to build a connection to nature in a hands-on way. Taking time to go on a winter walk can also be a great way to support communication and language skills while spending time together outdoors. Children will find joy in the smallest things as they discover nature in a hands-on way, from following animal tracks to spotting colourful berries.

Winter Scavenger Hunt | Understanding the World

From icicles to squirrels there are lots of items to spot during the winter months.

See how many seasonal items you can find in your local area and tick them off using our free Winter Scavenger Hunt download. Simply print out and share with the whole class.

Can you find all the items?

Craft Idea: There are plenty of pinecones to find throughout autumn and winter which can be used in a variety of kid’s craft activities. Try painting your pinecones and decorating with playdough balls to create mini Christmas trees for an easy and inexpensive early years winter activities to try this year.

Early Years Winter Activities | Share It!

Don’t forget to let us know how you get on with these fun early years winter activities by tagging us in your play!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Facebook and Instagram for more children’s arts and crafts ideas.

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