Chill Out! 5 DIY Winter Crafts & Activities You Can Do With Kids | Macaroni KID Cecil (2024)

Embrace the magic of this winter season with these DIY activities that will bring a touch of wonder to your children's days. From crafting your very own snow globe to growing ice crystals and even indulging in some slimy fun, we've got you covered! Here are five winter-themed crafts kids are sure to warm up to.

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1. Create Your Snow Globe Wonderland

Kids love snow globes — watching the magic of the little world inside and the twinkling snow as it slowly twirls through the water inside. But what if they could make their own? That would really bring the magic alive! Here is how your kids can make their very own snow globe at home — and you probably already have all the supplies you need right on hand!

What you need:Cleaned wide-mouth glass jar with lid • Glitter • Small figurine • Water

Directions:Glue a small figure to the inside of the lid. Fill jar with water and sprinkle in glitter. Screw lid on tightly. Turn upside down, shake, and watch the magic happen!

Laura Miller | Macaroni KID Appleton-Waupaca-Oshkosh, Wis.

Snow fun! Make your own snow

Making homemade snow is a fun and easy way to add a little bit of winter magic to your day, no matter what your weather is outside! Making fake snow is great for sensory play. The cool and soft texture of the snow can be calming and soothing for children, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to use their imaginations and explore their creativity.

What you need:2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda • 1/2 cup white hair conditioner

Directions:Mix 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda with 1/2 cup of white hair conditioner in a large bowl until the ingredients are well combined.

Lacie Dooley | Macaroni KID

Grow your own crystals, Elsa-style

Growing your own ice crystal at home is super easy — and is sure to wow your kids, no matter how old they are. Plus, you're sneaking in a science lesson! You need just a few common household ingredients in order to go all Elsa and grow your own ice crystals:

What you need: 6 Tbsp borax powder • 2 cups water • Glass jar • Pipe cleaners • Clothespin

Instructions:Boil water. Make a pipe cleaner "snowflake" by cutting two pieces of pipe cleaners approximately 2 inches long and twisting together. Twist the rest of the pipe cleaners on in any kind of shape you'd like. Leave one side of your pipe cleaner creation long and attach the clothespin. Add the borax powder to the jar. Pour the boiling water into the jar. Immediately lower the snowflake into the solution, using the clothespin across the top of the jar to keep it from falling in.

Have your kids observe the crystal every few hours to see how it is changing, or even consider making a time-lapse video! Your crystal will be "done" in about six hours. The longer you let the snowflake sit in the solution, the more crystals will form.

See Also

25+ Easy Holiday Crafts for KidsWinter Crafts for Kids | All Kids NetworkWinter Crafts for Toddlers

Iuliia Trabanova | Canva

Get winter slimed

Is there ever a wrong time for slime? Absolutely not, if you ask our kids. This slime is a little different as it comes out nice and fluffy — just like a beautiful winter snowfall. Use any food coloring color your kids like, then add some winter-themed confetti or beads for seasonal fun — without the freezing temperatures.

What you need:1/2 cup white glue • 3-4 cups unscented shaving cream • Food coloring • 1/4 tsp baking soda • 1 Tbsp saline contact solution • Winter-themed confetti, beads, glitter, etc.

Instructions:Combine 1/2 cup white glue and 3 to 4 cups shaving cream in a large bowl. Mix well. Add a few drops of food coloring. Stir to mix in the color. Stir in 1/4 tsp baking soda. Add 1 Tbsp. saline contact solution a little at a time while mixing. Keep adding the contact solution and mixing until the slime becomes a ball and is less sticky. If it is too sticky, add a tiny bit of contact solution at a time until it isn't sticky. Stir in your confetti, beads, and/or glitter.

Sarah Hauge | Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial, Colo

Snow painting: Bring winter indoors

Who says you can't bring the snowy outdoors in? If you're lucky enough to live where there's snow on the ground, try this simple and fun idea from Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial, Colo., publisher Sarah Hauge.

What you need:Snow • Chilled container (to keep the snow from melting longer) • Paintbrush • Cups • Water mixed with a few drops of food dye (or just use watercolor paints!)

Directions:Fill the container with snow. Mix up some watercolors by combining food dye and water. Let your child's imagination do the rest. Once the snow melts, you'll have your very own colored water for extra fun.

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DIY Winter Crafts for Kids

Winter is a magical season, especially for children. Engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) activities can add an extra touch of wonder to their days. In this article, there are several winter-themed crafts highlighted. Let's discuss the concepts used in each craft:

1. Snow Globe

Snow globes are a classic winter decoration that children love. Creating their own snow globe allows them to experience the magic firsthand. Here are the supplies and steps involved:

Supplies:

• Cleaned wide-mouth glass jar with lid
• Glitter
• Small figurine
• Water

Steps:

1. Glue a small figurine to the inside of the jar lid.
2. Fill the jar with water and sprinkle in glitter.
3. Screw the lid on tightly.
4. Turn the snow globe upside down, shake it, and watch the magic happen!

This craft combines elements of creativity, sensory play, and imagination.

2. Homemade Snow

Creating fake snow is a fun and easy activity that can be done regardless of the weather outside. It's a great sensory experience for children, providing a calming and soothing effect. Here's how you can make your own snow:

Supplies:

• 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda
• 1/2 cup white hair conditioner

Steps:

1. Mix 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda with 1/2 cup of white hair conditioner in a large bowl until well combined.

This DIY snow allows children to explore their creativity and imagination while enjoying the unique texture and feel of snow.

3. Ice Crystal Growth

Growing ice crystals at home can be a fascinating experience for kids of all ages. It also provides an opportunity to learn about science. Here's what you'll need:

Supplies:

• 6 tablespoons of borax powder
• 2 cups of water
• Glass jar
• Pipe cleaners
• Clothespin

Steps:

1. Boil water.
2. Create a pipe cleaner "snowflake" by cutting two pieces of pipe cleaners and twisting them together.
3. Twist the rest of the pipe cleaners into any shape desired.
4. Attach a clothespin to one side of the pipe cleaner creation.
5. Add borax powder to the jar.
6. Pour the boiling water into the jar.
7. Immediately lower the snowflake into the solution, using the clothespin across the top of the jar to hold it in place.
8. Observe the crystal every few hours to see how it changes. Consider making a time-lapse video to document the growth. The crystal will be "done" in about six hours, but the longer you leave the snowflake in the solution, the more crystals will form.

This activity combines creativity with a scientific element, allowing children to witness the growth of beautiful ice crystals.

4. Winter Slime

Slime is always a hit with kids, and this winter-themed slime adds a fluffy twist to the usual texture. Here's what you'll need:

Supplies:

• 1/2 cup white glue
• 3-4 cups unscented shaving cream
• Food coloring
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon saline contact solution
• Winter-themed confetti, beads, glitter, etc.

Steps:

1. Combine 1/2 cup white glue and 3-4 cups shaving cream in a large bowl.
2. Mix well.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir to mix in the color.
4. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of saline contact solution gradually while mixing.
6. Keep adding the contact solution and mixing until the slime forms a ball and is less sticky. If it is too sticky, add a tiny bit of contact solution at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
7. Stir in winter-themed confetti, beads, glitter, or other decorations.

This winter slime provides a sensory and imaginative play experience for children.

5. Snow Painting

Even if there is no snow on the ground, you can still bring the snowy outdoors inside with snow painting. This simple and fun activity allows children to get creative with colors. Here's what you'll need:

Supplies:

• Snow
• Chilled container (to keep the snow from melting longer)
• Paintbrush
• Cups
• Water mixed with a few drops of food dye (or watercolor paints)

Steps:

1. Fill the container with snow.
2. Mix water with a few drops of food dye or use watercolor paints to create different colors.
3. Let your child's imagination run wild as they use the paintbrush to create artwork on the snow.
4. Once the snow melts, you'll have colored water for extra fun.

This activity allows children to explore their artistic side while bringing the winter season indoors.

These DIY winter crafts provide opportunities for creativity, sensory play, scientific exploration, and imaginative expression. They are sure to bring joy and wonder to children during the winter season.