INSPIRATIONS - winter

A collection of winter activities using snow and ice, including snow painting, ice decorations and outdoor play ideas for seasonal learning.

Introduction

Embrace the magic of winter with this inspiring collection of snow and ice activities. Using these unique, short-lived natural materials, children can explore painting with snow, making ice decorations and creating classic snow play like angels and sculptures.

Children can investigate changing states, textures and weather while developing resilience and confidence in colder conditions.

Perfect for child-led outdoor sessions, this resource helps practitioners and families turn frosty days into rich opportunities for discovery, play and connection with the natural world.

Some of these activities are on this FREE download:

Download Activity

What you'll need

a nice cold day!
snow
cold weather gear

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

landowners permissions
see individual activities

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

dress for the weather
managing tall structures
see individual activities

Light-up snowballs

A great children's winter activity to do when it is snowing. An easy-to-make but effective light-up winter feature for the snowiest of days.

Simple snowy pleasures...

More ideas...

Snow sculptures

As long as it isn't too slushy, snow is a great medium for creating sculptures. How about a change from the regular snowman?

Can you create an upside-down snowman?
Can you make a snow person?
Have a go at creating a snow animal
How many different mini snow creatures can you make?

Make a snow angel

Sledging

Tracks in the snow

Be a detective and see what tracks you can see. Has a bird been hopping around? Where did it land? Do you think it flew off? What animals do you think have been walking around?

Compare and match footprints

Is your footprint different to your friends? How is it different? Can you follow in your friends footsteps or play footprint hide and seek?

Snow bricks

Fill buckets up with snow and get building.

Snow up close

If the snow is falling, put out a black sheet of paper and look at the snow flakes using a magnifying glass.

Mark making in the snow

Get a stick or a brush and draw or write in the snow. How big can you write your name?

Winter songs from Forest School Lou

Winter Songs for Forest School - 3 Songs Celebrating Nature. December 2023. (4 mins 46)

Take it further

Enhance your provision with some lovely seasonal books.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.