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Winter’s tough when the kids are bouncing off the walls and there’s nowhere to go. I get it—sometimes you just need something simple that’ll keep them busy and let them use their imagination, without a trip to the craft store or a huge mess.
Crafts are my go-to for those days. They’re not just fun, but kids pick up little skills along the way. These 18 easy winter crafts are just right for indoor days. You probably have most of the supplies, and kids can do most of them on their own.
When it’s freezing outside, these are perfect for keeping small hands busy and spirits up.
1. Paper Snowflake Cutting
I love making paper snowflakes with kids. It’s one of those old-school crafts that never gets old. Grab some paper and scissors, start folding, and let them snip away. Every snowflake comes out different, and you can tape them up as winter decorations.
2. Cotton Ball Snowman
Cotton ball snowmen are a hit around here. Just cotton balls, glue, and paper. Kids love making them soft and fluffy, and you get a cute snowman for the fridge or window.
3. Pinecone Bird Feeder
Making a pinecone bird feeder is super easy. Grab a pinecone, spread peanut butter on, roll it in birdseed, and hang it outside. It’s fun to watch the birds come by, and it feels good to help them out when it’s cold.
4. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic. Just mix flour, salt, and water. Shape, bake, and decorate. They make sweet gifts or you can hang them up for a homey touch.
5. Handprint Winter Animals
Handprint winter animals always get laughs. Paint or trace their hands, then turn them into owls, penguins, or polar bears. It’s a bit messy, but that’s half the fun. Kids get to play with colors and add their own details. Honestly, I think these look adorable taped up on the wall.
6. Paper Plate Snowman
Paper plate snowmen are quick to throw together. Glue on buttons, paint a face, maybe sprinkle some glitter if you’re feeling brave. It’s a simple project, but the results are always cute.
7. Glittery Snowflake Garland
Glittery snowflake garlands make any room feel a little more festive. Cut paper snowflakes, add some glitter glue, string them up, and hang them across a window. Kids of all ages can get in on this one.
8. Yarn Wrapped Trees
Yarn wrapped trees are easy and look surprisingly nice. Use yarn and some cardboard or sticks, wrap away, and you’ve got a cozy little forest for your table or shelf. Kids seem to like picking their own colors.
9. Button Snowflakes
Button snowflakes are fun and a good way to use up random buttons. Glue them onto popsicle sticks in snowflake shapes. It’s a little lesson in shapes and patterns, and honestly, arranging the buttons is kind of relaxing.
10. Pom Pom Snowballs
Pom pom snowballs are soft and safe for tossing around indoors. Just yarn and scissors—wrap the yarn around your hand about 75 times, tie it off, and snip. Instant snowball fight, minus the wet socks.
11. Painted Winter Rocks
Painting winter designs on rocks is more fun than you’d think. You just need some rocks, paint, and brushes. Kids can work alone or together, and it’s a quiet way to spend a cold afternoon.
12. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman
Toilet paper roll snowmen are a perfect way to recycle. Paint the rolls white, add some buttons and a hat, and you’ve got a snowman that won’t melt on your table.
13. Tissue Paper Icicles
Tissue paper icicles are bright and cheerful. Cut and layer tissue paper, glue it together, and hang your creations in the window. The light comes through and makes them look extra pretty.
14. Paper Cup Penguin
Paper cup penguins are adorable and super simple. Grab a cup, some paper, scissors, and glue. Kids get to practice their cutting skills, and you get a flock of penguins for the mantel.
15. Foam Sheet Snowflakes
Foam sheets work great for snowflakes. They’re easy to cut, soft, and safe for little hands. Plus, the texture makes them a bit different from regular paper snowflakes.
16. Shoe Box Winter Diorama
Turning a shoebox into a winter scene is one of those projects that can take all afternoon—in a good way. Paint the inside with a snowy background, add some clay or paper trees and animals, and let the kids arrange it how they want. You don’t need fancy supplies; just use what you have.
17. Q-tip Snowflake Art
Q-tips make surprisingly cute snowflakes. Glue them onto paper in snowflake shapes. It’s quick, easy, and helps with fine motor skills—plus, you probably have everything you need already.
18. Paper Straw Snowflakes
I like using paper straws for snowflake crafts since you can find them in all sorts of colors and patterns. When kids cut them up, they’re getting some scissor practice in, too. Arranging the shapes feels straightforward, and the results usually make for a cheerful winter decoration.
