I love “crippling” and “historic” snow events as much as the next person, so I have high hopes for the season. No, scratch that, I love crippling snow events MORE than the next person because I get to experience them with my toddler!
Sharing this winter wonderland with my child guarantees 24 hours of unbridled wonder and pure, awesome joy.
Also, migraines.
It is a little known fact that toddlers are the most dynamic company one can have when escape from your home is not an option. Stockholm syndrome may or may not have something to do with this. Still, forced confinement with a person too young to control their own bowels requires a special brand of finesse.
With that in mind I’ve prepared a handy list of things to do with your toddler while you’re snowbound. My hope is that this list of wholesome winter indoor activities for toddlers will inspire you to make this the best day EVER!
Winter Indoor Activities for Toddlers:
1. Unroll all the toilet paper in your house. Now enjoy an interpretive dance party with your toddler using the toilet paper for streamers. Don’t phone it in, your toddler knows what good dancing looks like. Make like the color guard and smile!
2. Use the toilet paper you just dumped all over your floor to make a snowflake craft for toddlers. Don’t worry about it looking much like a real snowflake, your toddler won’t know the difference.
3. Prepare a healthy breakfast. Sit back and watch in awe and affection as your toddler throws it on the floor and wipes it through his hair.
4. Watch Daniel Tiger closely to analyze when and why various characters are or are not wearing pants.
5. Open and then slam closed every drawer in your house repeatedly. Toddlers effortlessly see the magic in this. Why can’t you?
6. Eat yogurt with your baby using your hands as spoons. This is messy and gross but also promotes bonding and nutrition. Remember: winter activities for toddlers need not be fancy.
7. Repeat steps 1-6, but substitute goldfish crackers for yogurt. Too much dairy can ruin the magic.
8. Watch Calliou with the sound as low as possible so as not to hear his whiny little voice. Mentally transport yourself to a quiet space where Calliou does not exist. Allow yourself to fall asleep with your eyes open while your toddler learns horribly annoying behaviors from Calliou. Sure you will pay later, but you can rest now.
9. Fold some laundry so that your toddler can unfold it immediately. Repeat. Stop after the unfolding of the previously folded laundry has frayed your last nerve. It is time to switch tasks.
10. Press your nose against the window. Harder. Harder. Your toddler will think this is funny. Toddlers are simple.
11. Drop tampons one by one into the toilet bowl and watch them expand alongside your amazed toddler. You will be looking into a body of water, so it will almost be like you’re at the beach. Also, I believe this counts as a “winter sensory activity for toddlers” which falls under the STEM category of learning.
12. Make your own play snow. Just kidding, why would you want to do that?? There is a ton of real snow right outside, remember? (But in case you do want to actually make your own play snow, you can check out this resource).
13. Curse Elsa.
This list should get you to approximately 9:15 a.m. The rest of the day is WIIIIIDE open.
What else we got people???
Sarah J.
All joking aside blizzards and severe weather can cause serious damage and loss of life and sanity… and 5 minutes without electricity will having you begging the electricity and storm gods to bring back Caillou’s whiny voice just to save your sanity! Also if you opt for candles for light it goes without saying a toddler Hawaiian fire dance should commence immediately. Good luck and stay sane and safe (sanity first!).
Mer
So far I’ve been able to coast along with “sure – go ahead and climb up onto the couch then immediately get back down” while mommy catches up on her DVR… #winning
Erin H
My husband and I had so much fun “working” from home while we were snowbound with C. It was about as productive a day as you can imagine, with a food striking, clingy, teething 14 month old. I can’t wait to do it again soon.
Liz
Erin that sounds like a real delight! C must make an amazing co-worker.
Annie's mom
We did a lot of “trying to squeeze through places that were too narrow and getting really pissed about it.”
If that photo doesn’t launch Annie’s adult mitten modeling career, I don’t know what will.
Liz
Annie is absolutely working the angles with her hands. Her posing is impeccable!
Casey F
Those mittens do look stunning on Annie. Max modeled my mittens, but everyone on the FB though he looked like a walrus in them. Annie is much classier.
Janine Huldie
I t wasn’t so long ago when my girls were toddlers, but the only thing different was I was cursing Caillou with them best of them instead of Elsa!! Great list 🙂
Liz
Thanks Janine! I have had some choice words for Caillou as well 🙂
Regan Love-Campbell
Great post!! Laughed so hard! Will definitely try none of these, haaaahahhaa!
Liz
Thanks Regan! Here in New England we really need all the help we can get right now!