Winter is officially here! Today, Wednesday, December 21, 2022 is the first day of winter (also called the Winter Solstice) across the Northern Hemisphere. As the temperatures drop and snowflakes start to fall, little ones can get excited about the seasonal changes with some fun winter-themed activities! Whether they want to learn how to cut up classic paper snowflakes or try new crafts, like egg carton penguins, kids will enjoy celebrating the first day of winter with these creative activities!
1. Simple paper snowflakes
Kids can turn their home or classroom into a winter wonderland by cutting up traditional paper snowflakes. What makes this craft easy is that all you need are paper and scissors. Since every snowflake is one-of-a-kind, young ones will have endless fun trying out unique patterns and designs. For inspiration, start them out with our simple paper snowflake tutorial!
2. Papier-mâché snowman
Now that winter has arrived, much of the country is blanketed in snow! Some of us, however, may not be so lucky since we live in regions without snowfall. Fret not! You can still make a “snowman” without the snow with this unique papier-mâché snowman craft.
All your children will need are three balloons, some strips of paper, and a papier-mâché paste of flour and water. Once Frosty is built, they can bring him to life using buttons, colorful paper, and any other decorations they find around the house.
3. Snow paint
Paint with snow! After you take your child outside to observe the wintertime magic (or watch a winter movie, for those of you in sunny states!), have them recreate the snowfall on paper by creating their own “snow” paint. With just two simple ingredients, young artists can mix up a three-dimensional white paint with a snow-like effect that will spark their imagination!
4. Healthy snowman breakfast
Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring! On one of these cozy winter-break mornings, why not take the opportunity to get creative by assembling a snowman breakfast with your family? Featuring ingredients like greek yogurt and berries, this recipe is both healthy and delicious!
5. Wax paper skating
Turn your living room into your own indoor ice rink by crafting some wax paper skates! With this unique idea, children can have fun skating anytime. What’s more, you can get them started skating at home and help them build their confidence until they can eventually “graduate” to a real ice skating rink. Hold your skater’s hand if they seem unsure or unstable, and turn on some music! Gradually, they’ll get more comfortable, and eventually, they’ll be an ice skating pro.
6. Winter tree branch watercolor
After your child observes the bare winter branches of the trees outside, have them use masking tape to paint their own winter tree! This activity will teach them about the changing seasons and make them more aware of the characteristics of nature, which they can incorporate into their own art!
7. Egg carton penguin
Recycle an old egg carton to fashion a cute little penguin, complete with a belly, a beak, and two orange feet! Children will enjoy creating a mini friend who loves the cold and lives in icy Antarctica. What better way to celebrate the first day of winter?
For more winter-themed activities, worksheets, and games, visit the Education.com Learning Library!
Thanks for sharing such amazing ideas.
What a great way to welcome the winter season! My kids had so much fun making the egg carton penguin craft. It was a great activity to get them excited about the change in season. Thanks for sharing these fun ideas!
Celebrate the first day of winter with these fun activities for kids! Build a snowman, go ice skating, have a winter-themed scavenger hunt, make hot cocoa, read winter stories, and have a cozy movie night. Enjoy the season!