10 Fun Indoor Winter Activities to Keep the Family Cozy and Creative

Not every winter day is made for snowball fights or sledding. When the wind is howling and the thermometer dips too low, staying inside is the coziest—and safest—option. But that doesn’t mean the day has to be a screen-time marathon. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained or simply avoid cabin fever, these 10 indoor winter activities will bring warmth, creativity, and laughter to your home.

1. Make Marshmallow Slime

A sweet and stretchy treat that’s as fun to play with as it is to eat. Marshmallow slime is safe, simple, and irresistibly squishy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups marshmallows

• 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tbsp freeze-dried strawberries (or your fruit of choice)

Directions:

1. Crush the freeze-dried fruit into a powder.

2. Microwave marshmallows in a heat-safe bowl until melted.

3. Carefully stir in powdered sugar and fruit powder.

4. Once cool, knead into slime with your hands.

2. Draw Holiday Greeting Cards

Get crafty and make heartfelt holiday cards with just paper and markers. Go festive with red, green, and glitter—or personalize them with snowmen and stars. No fancy supplies needed—just creativity and love.

3. Have an Indoor Picnic

Who says picnics are only for summer? Set up a cozy indoor picnic with snacks like freeze-dried fruits and veggies, sandwiches, and hot cocoa. Lay out a blanket in the living room and enjoy your own private feast—no bugs, no weather worries.

4. Decorate Your Space with Homemade Ornaments

Turn craft time into decor time by making your own ornaments. Use cotton balls, beads, glitter, and paint to make snowflakes, mini trees, or even funny faces. Hang them from the tree or windows for a homemade holiday touch.

5. Build an Indoor Snowman

Can’t play outside? Scoop up some snow and bring it inside! Let kids build mini snowmen in the bathtub. This sensory activity is perfect for younger kids—and makes for a great memory.

Photo by Harm Jakob Tolsma from Pexels

6. Host a Holiday Movie Night

Snuggle into pajamas, grab the popcorn, and enjoy a festive film night. Bonus points for building a fort with blankets and pillows. Great family-friendly picks include:

• Home Alone

• The Polar Express

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• Jack Frost

• It’s a Wonderful Life

7. Make Indoor Snow Paint

Mix white tempera paint with glitter and let the creativity flow! Kids can paint on paper, fabric, or even splatter-style on drop cloths. It’s snow painting—without the cold fingers.

8. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Sometimes all you need is a warm blanket, a comfy corner, and a good book. Create a reading nook with plush pillows and fairy lights, and curl up with your favorite stories. Great for quiet time or winding down before bed.

9. Set Up an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Turn your home into a treasure map! Hide clues and lead your kids on an epic adventure through the house. Use themes like Winter Wonderland or Space Explorer to make each hunt unique and fun.

10. Throw a Family Dance Party

Turn up the Christmas music and dance like nobody’s watching! Whether it’s a toddler bop or a family dance-off, moving your body is the perfect way to burn energy and lift spirits.

What are your go-to indoor winter activities? Let us know in the comments below!

References:

1. Mom Junction – Fun Winter Activities for Kids

2. Washington Post – 10 Indoor Activities to Get You Through Winter

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