Play ideas for wintry weather

Low cost, simple play ideas that support your child’s development.

Posting games

Posting games are great for older babies and toddlers. Have a go cutting holes in an old shoe box for your child to post items in. They will delight in this activity which explores cause and effect and offers lots of opportunity for language development. For toddlers you might cut different shaped holes for different items, so they need to problem solve too!

Sensory bottles

Sensory bottles are wonderful for even very small babies to enjoy. Fill old water bottles with bright objects like feathers, pom-poms, beads and sequins. You can also use household items like dry rice or pulses. Try different sized bottles and different materials to create a range of sensory experiences. Larger bottles can be rolled along the floor and can help encourage tummy time. Smaller bottles can be held and shaken by older babies and toddlers and can make great instruments too. Use electrical tape to seal the lid safely on.

Threading activities

Great for toddlers; threading activities help build coordination and hand strength. Try threading pasta onto shoe laces or pipe-cleaners. You can make all sorts of creations like crowns, necklaces and wall hangings.

Big boxes

Don’t throw away your big boxes this Christmas! They are a wonderful play resource that can be used as a den, car, boat, rocket, house, castle or tunnel! Toddlers will love using their imagination to explore lots of possibilities.