It’s so easy for me to keep my toddler girls indoors during the winter because we’re usually dealing with sickness or it’s just too darn cold out there! I’m sure if they were older, they’d be begging me to go play in the snow.
© Sunny studio / Dollar Photo Club
Of course if I yelled, “Let’s go outside!” there would be no hesitation from either one. They’d yell right back, “YAY!!” and start heading toward the door without even thinking about getting shoes and a coat on. They are so ready and willing to go outside, no matter the weather.
I remember many recesses in elementary when I would stay close to the school doors huddled up in my coat. The teachers would prod me to go play, but I just wanted to go back inside. Cold weather, snow, running around in the ice cold wind, it just wasn’t my forte.
But here I am now, a mom to two very curious and adventurous toddlers who want to go outside to play! I know it’s in their best interest to get outside at least once a day, but instead of pressuring myself to have outside time every day in the winter, I think I’ll aim for at least once a week for now. And, you know me, if it’s going to happen, it had better be written down on the calendar!
A Winter Bucket List Perfect for Babies and Toddlers
We could go outside and just romp around on the dry ground or snow (whichever happens to be there at the moment), but I thought it would be fun to put together a winter bucket list for toddlers and babies so that we can have a little variety and they can experience some great stuff while they are little.
Here are the things I want to do with my girls this winter (mostly related to snow). If the weather is too bad to go outside, you might like the last two ideas on this list.
- Catch snowflakes on your tongue
- Make a snowman – the same height as the child
- Go sledding
- Make snow angels
- Throw snowballs
- Watch snow melt in your hand
- Drink hot cocoa
- Paint the snow
- Shovel a neighbor’s driveway
- Make paper snowflakes
- Indoor picnic
I didn’t include anything Christmas related on this list because those things only happen in December. The ideas on this list can happen from December until March (and sometimes November, April, May, and June!)
And don’t forget to snag a free printable winter bucket list for your baby or toddler! Click here to download now.
Don’t stay cooped up indoors this winter with your baby or toddler! Get out there and enjoy the freshly fallen snow!
What’s your favorite activity with young kids in the winter?
We love painting the snow! I’d completely forgotten about my big guys doing that when they were younger. I’ll have to bring out the spray bottles again for the younger set. Poor younger kids, I always forget to do the fun things with them 🙂 Oh well, no mommy guilt, they get the fun memories that come with having older siblings, I suppose.
You’re right, I’m sure those youngsters are having tons of fun with their older siblings! I wish we weren’t all sick right now, because it would be the perfect time to go out and paint some snow since we had a nice snowfall last week. I still don’t know how you all brave those negative temperatures! I lived in Minnesota for a couple years in high school, and we had quite a few weeks with negative temperatures. There was no way I was going to spend any amount of time outside, especially with the wind blowing!
As much as I love cold weather, I know what you mean about not wanting to go outside at all. We have pretty mild winters here in LA so I’m sure I sound like a baby complaining about 60-degree weather. But yeah it’s much more pleasant to be out even if it’s cold if the sun is out. Can’t stand shivering outside. But if we had snow, I’m pretty sure my kids would want to be out there all the time 🙂
I would love 60 degree weather in the winter! But that would mean no snow, and my girls love it!
What a fun list! I would add: Go on a hike (winter can be a fun time to get out in the woods!), Try to find animal tracks, and Pretend to be an Arctic explorer. Thanks for the printable!
Thank you, Sarah! I think those are really great ideas. You can even pretend to be an Arctic explorer indoors if it’s a really bad, snowy day. Glad you liked the printable!