Winter days are perfect for unplugging and letting your child’s imagination take the lead—no screens required! Don’t think of kids as being “stuck inside” because of winter’s colder temperatures; instead, think of it as the perfect season to encourage learning and developmental fun with hands-on discovery and play that sparks imaginations.
Bring cozy fun to cold winter days with toys and indoor play tips from Melissa & Doug! Scroll on for our specially curated list of helpful “how-to play” tips for kids who can’t enjoy the outdoors because of Jack Frost’s icy mischief.
20 Cozy Ways to for Kids to Play this Winter
1. Decorate a cozy, wooden pretend gingerbread house
2. Sip hot pretend beverages with friends: Choose from our Wooden Cafe Barista Coffee Shop (pictured), our Wooden Brew & Serve Coffee Set, and our Stainless Steel Tea Set & Storage Stand
3. Learn a new skill: juggling, magic, handstand, cartwheel, tie your shoes!
4. Pretend kitchen play also helps kids keep cozy and contented, like when our Wooden Chef’s Kitchen-Cloud comes alive with the aroma of imaginary soups and freshly baked goods
5. Have a dance party!
6. Wear funny winter hats, big funny oversized extra warm socks, wrap up in scarves & put on extra snuggly comfy clothes
7. Get moving & run around inside with an indoor obstacle course
8. Encourage some quiet, introspective time with arts & crafts and activity books
9. Puzzle sesh with friends, such as our Dinosaur Adventure Tracks Floor Puzzle
10. Jam band session: grab some kid instruments and perform songs
12. Make your own cozy quilt and snuggle up in it!
13. Cuddle up on a comfy couch with a cozy blanket and a pile of books!
14. Dress-up fashion show: clothes, costumes, role-play
15. Make a fort with blankets & cushions, or even our Jumbo Cardboard Blocks
16. Game night: board games, cards, jacks, charades, whatever!
17. Bake pretend cookies with friends
18. Put on a play…do improv comedy together…stage a show…become the entertainment instead of watching it!
19. Open a pretend play shop or restaurant: pick a theme, name it, create a menu board or items offered sign, and enjoy co-op play date fun
20. Cook up some delicious pretend comfort food! Here’s just a sample of what’s on our pretend play food menu:
✅ Deluxe Grill & Pizza Oven Play Set
✅ Star Diner Restaurant Play Set
✅ Let’s Explore Campfire S’Mores Play Set
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