When winter brings frosty windows and chilly weather, there’s nothing quite like the joy of hands-on, imaginative activities to create moments of fun family togetherness.
Whether you’re a grandmother longing to spend meaningful time with your grandchildren or a busy momma looking for screen-free fun on a snow day, schleich® toys offer endless possibilities for indoor winter play. Here are some delightful, winter-themed activities you can try together!
Create a Winter Wonderland Diorama
Transform a corner of your home into a magical winter wonderland! Using everyday items like cotton balls for snow, paper snowflakes, and your toy figurines, you can craft a snowy scene that sparks your grandkids’ imaginations.
- Setup Tip: Lay a white sheet or cotton batting for the “snowy” ground. Add small mirrors as icy ponds and place figurines like reindeer, penguins, or polar bears in the scene. (Hint: This arctic animal bundle is perfect!)
- Play Idea: Ask your grandkids to create stories about the animals in the snow. What are they searching for? Where are they traveling to? Watch as their creativity takes off!
Crafts and DIY Projects
Crafting with figurines is a fantastic way to keep little hands busy while creating keepsakes to treasure.
- DIY Snow Globes: Fill mason jars with water, glitter, and small toy figurines for homemade snow globes. Kids will love seeing their favorite animals in a swirl of glittery “snow.” (Watch our DIY snow globe video)
- Build an Igloo: Use blocks, cardboard, or even sugar cubes to construct tiny “ice” homes for your figurines.
- Winter-Themed Dress-Up: Let the kids pretend to be the animals or characters they’re playing with. Simple accessories like scarves or hats can turn dress-up into a whole new adventure.
Toy Figurine Hide-and-Seek
Who says hide-and-seek is just for people? In this wintery twist on the classic game, hide toy figurines around the house or in a single room.
- Theme Idea: Pretend the figurines are animals hiding in snowy caves or forests. Use pillows, blankets, or cardboard to create hiding spots.
- Interactive Fun: Give simple clues like, “Look near the icy mountain (the couch)” or “Check behind the snowy tree (a houseplant).” Kids will love hunting for their favorite characters!
Winter Storytelling Circle
Gather your kids or grandchildren in a cozy circle and let the toy figurines become the stars of an imaginative story.
- How It Works: Pass a figurine around the circle, and each person adds a part to the story. For example, start with, “Once upon a time, a little polar bear wandered into a snowy forest...” and let the kids take it from there.
- Pro Tip: Use prompts to keep the tale flowing, like “What happens when the bear meets a penguin?” or “Who helps the fox find its way home?” (Check out our bedtime story starters for inspiration)
Tips to Encourage Imagination
Let Kids Lead: While it’s fun to guide the activities, allow your grandkids to bring their ideas to life. Ask open-ended questions to spark their creativity.
Add a Touch of Nostalgia: Share a story from your own childhood about how you played during the winter. This not only entertains but also inspires them to imagine simpler times.
Wrap Up:
The next time you’re snowed in or simply looking for a cozy afternoon activity, try one of these winter-themed play ideas. Whether you’re crafting snow globes, building dioramas, or telling imaginative stories, you’ll be creating moments of joy and connection with your grandchildren.
For more ideas and inspiration, check out our "Feeling Festive" Pinterest board, where you’ll find step-by-step guides and beautiful images to spark your creativity.
And don’t forget to share your own playtime memories or favorite activities with us on social media—we’d love to hear from you! Let’s make this winter one filled with laughter, imagination, and the warmth of family.
