15 Screen-Free Indoor Activities to Keep Your Toddler Entertained This Winter Break

Winter break is here, and while the idea of cozying up at home with your toddler might sound delightful, the reality often involves endless energy, short attention spans, and a house that feels smaller by the minute. Sure, handing over the iPad would be easy, but you know there's got to be a better way to keep your little one entertained—and maybe even burn off some of that boundless energy.

But how do you survive a freezing NYC winter without losing your sanity or resorting to screen time? The good news: keeping your toddler busy doesn’t have to involve expensive toys, a trip outside, or hours of prep. In this post, we’ll share simple, creative indoor activities that will keep your toddler happy, engaged, and off the screen—all while giving you a moment to catch your breath.

Let’s dive into some fun, stress-free ideas that’ll turn those cold, stuck-inside days into joyful memories!

Set the Stage for Success

Before jumping into the activities, it helps to prepare your home for play. Start by designating a “play zone” where your toddler can move around freely without worry. Clear any fragile items and gather basic supplies like blankets, cardboard boxes, paper, and washable paints.

To make things easier, store supplies in bins or baskets so they’re ready to grab when inspiration strikes. Finally, embrace a flexible mindset. Some activities may last five minutes, while others might keep your child engaged for an hour. The key is to keep things fun and low-pressure for both of you.

Gross Motor Activities to Burn Energy

When your toddler’s energy levels are through the roof, these activities are perfect for letting them move, jump, and play indoors.

Indoor Obstacle Course: Turn your living room into a mini adventure zone. Use couch cushions, chairs, and blankets to create tunnels, climbing areas, and places to jump. Add challenges like “crawl under the blanket bridge” or “hop on one foot to the couch.”

Dance Party: Crank up some music and have a dance-off! Toddlers love simple games like “freeze dance” (pause when the music stops) or copying your moves. It’s a great way to bond and burn off energy.

Bubble Wrap Stomp: If you have leftover bubble wrap, lay it on the floor and let your toddler stomp to their heart’s content. The satisfying pops will keep them entertained, and it’s surprisingly therapeutic for you too!

Creative and Imaginative Play

Unleash your toddler’s creativity and watch their imagination soar with these activities:

Fort Building: There’s something so special about transforming a room into a cozy fort. Use cushions, chairs, and blankets to build a hideaway. Add flashlights or string lights for a “camping under the stars” experience.

Sock Puppet Theater: Grab old socks, markers, and craft supplies to create simple puppets. Then, put on a puppet show! Encourage your toddler to make up silly voices and stories—it’s a great way to spark their creativity.

Cardboard Box Crafts: Don’t toss those delivery boxes! Turn them into race cars, rocket ships, or playhouses. Let your toddler help decorate them with markers, stickers, or paint for an activity that’s both creative and fun.

Sensory and Fine Motor Fun

Sensory play is perfect for engaging your toddler’s curiosity while improving fine motor skills.

DIY Playdough or Slime: Making your own playdough is easier than you think. Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring to create soft, squishy dough your toddler can shape and mold. Slime is another option—just ensure it’s toddler-safe and non-toxic.

Sensory Bins: Fill a plastic bin with rice, pasta, or beans, and add small toys, scoops, and spoons. Toddlers love scooping, pouring, and exploring different textures. For added fun, create a theme, like a mini “construction site” or “beach day.”

Painting in the Bathtub: Let your child “paint” the walls of the bathtub with washable paint or shaving cream mixed with food coloring. Cleanup is a breeze—just rinse it all away when they’re done!

Hands-On Learning Activities

Turn playtime into an opportunity to learn with these simple, interactive activities:

Indoor Scavenger Hunt: Hide small toys or objects around the house and give your toddler clues to find them. You can use themes like “find something blue” or “find something soft” to make it more engaging.

Mini Science Experiments: Toddlers love simple experiments, like mixing baking soda and vinegar to watch it fizz or seeing which objects float or sink in water. These hands-on activities introduce basic science concepts in a fun way.

Paper Plate Ring Toss: Cut the centers out of paper plates to make rings and toss them onto a stick or empty bottle. It’s a great way to improve hand-eye coordination while having fun.

Calm and Relaxing Options

When your toddler (or you) needs a quieter activity, try one of these relaxing ideas:

Storytime Theater: Bring your toddler’s favorite books to life by acting them out with costumes or props. Let them join in by pretending to be their favorite character.

Yoga for Toddlers: Introduce your little one to yoga with simple poses like “cat-cow” or “tree pose.” Turn it into a game by giving the poses fun names like “stretchy giraffe” or “sleepy bunny.”

Bonus: Toddler-Friendly Baking and Cooking

Get your toddler involved in the kitchen with simple, hands-on recipes:

Try no-bake cookies, where your toddler can help mix ingredients.

Make mini pizzas using pre-made dough and let your child add their favorite toppings.

Decorate cupcakes or cookies together, giving your toddler creative freedom (and a sweet treat at the end!).

Cooking together is not only fun but also helps your child develop fine motor skills and patience.

Wrapping It All Up

Winter break doesn’t have to feel like a battle against boredom. By keeping a list of activities like these on hand, you can turn cold, indoor days into an opportunity to bond with your toddler and spark their creativity. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. Whether you’re dancing around the living room or building a cardboard castle, these moments will create memories you’ll both treasure.

So, gather your supplies, clear some space, and dive into the fun. Who needs screens when you have endless possibilities for play?

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases