How to Make Your Toddler’s First Snow Day Special

A toddler’s first snow day can be magical! Let us show you how to have fun and stay warm. Discover cozy clothing, fun accessories, and snow day activities for the whole family.

a toddler enjoying his first snow day
Irina Wilhauk / ShutterStock

Bundle up in Comfy Clothes 

If you plan on playing in the snow, you’ll need layers of comfy and warm clothes. Start with a cozy base layer of bamboo viscose fabric. Materials like bamboo help to wick moisture and feel soft on sensitive skin, making snow days even cozier.

For more softness, choose one-pieces with a comfortable ribbed texture. Some toddlers will like the snug feel of zip-up bodysuits as a first layer, and others will prefer long-sleeved shirts or kid dresses with leggings. 

No matter what style your child chooses, be sure to add a second insulating layer. Sweaters and hoodies are fashionable and comfy. Jeans or pull-on pants will provide extra warmth and insulation for their bottom half. 

Now, it’s time to protect your toddler from the elements. A hat with matching gloves or mittens shields cold ears and prevents body heat from escaping. Your toddler will need waterproof, thick socks and a warm jacket or snowsuit to block wind and snow. Choose materials with a combination of insulation and breathability. Don’t forget waterproof boots for a complete look fit for a snow day. Fun patterns and bright colors will make snow days fun while showing off their personality. 

Make Snowbirds or Angels

It’s easy to learn how to make a snow angel! Your child will love the pattern they learn to create in the white powder beneath them. Demonstrate how to move your arms and legs to create a shape resembling an angel or winged creature. You could even make snowbirds together!

Build Snow Creatures 

Building a snowman is a classic snow day activity every toddler will love. If you prefer, you can make a snow animal or winter creature! Whatever you choose, bring fun accessories like hats, scarves, or carrots for the nose. Get creative with unicorn horns or costume butterfly wings. Make characters big and small by comparing size and shape. The activity can be a fun learning experience for your child.

a toddler standing next to a snowman
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Try Snow Painting 

Unleash your toddler’s inner artist this winter. All you have to do is fill spray or squirt bottles with water and food coloring. Once you mix your favorite hues, it’s time to paint outdoors. Spray or squirt the colors on the snow in the shape you desire. You can even practice writing numbers and letters!

Take Family Photos 

Snow days are an opportunity to capture candid moments outside. Take pictures of the kids bundled up, playing in the snow. Another idea is to take a group picture or selfie. Celebrate the season with your arm around your snowman or take a video of your toddler making a snow angel. 

Plan Fun Indoor Activities 

After spending some time outdoors, enjoy indoor snow-related activities. Snowflake crafts, snowy sensory bins, and winter-themed books offer fun for the whole family. Choose one or more activities for a snow day combining creativity, STEM knowledge, and motor skills: 

  • Cotton Ball Snowflakes: First, help your child glue cotton balls onto a paper plate in the shape of a snowflake. Next, let your toddler add glitter to the design for some seasonal sparkle. 
  • Salt Dough Snowflakes: Snowflakes made from salt dough are easy to make at home using a combination of salt, flour, and water. The first step is to roll out the dough, then you can let your kids use cookie cutters to create snowflakes. Once you bake them, feel free to paint or decorate them. You can even make ornaments for your tree! 
  • Snowy Sensory Bins: A snow-themed bin is an excellent addition to your snow day schedule. Bring some snow in from outside, then let your toddler experiment with it using small shovels, spoons, or food coloring. Another idea is to use toy people or animals to create your own snowy scene. 
  • Winter-Themed Books: Add a few winter-themed books to your library! Choose one to create a cozy reading session complete with comfy blankets and plush pillows. 

Make Warm Snacks or Drinks 

Enjoy a warm snack or drink after playing in the snow! For a snow day celebration, set up a hot cocoa station. All you need is a small table where your child can help add marshmallows or sprinkles to their warm drink. If you would rather bake cookies, use snowflakes or mitten-shaped cutters to create beautifully decorated cookies together. Include something hot and savory with flatbreads or mini pizzas. Create your own flavors using your favorite toppings. 

Soup is a delicious, cozy choice for lunch or dinner. Prepare a pot before you head out in the snow, and you can heat it up later. Chicken noodle soup is a kids’ staple, but you can also entice your toddler with tortellini in broth. Some kid-friendly soups include minestrone with green beans and peas and broccoli cheddar soup packed with plant-based protein. 

Get Cozy in Winter Pajamas 

Now that you’ve had enough snowy fun, it’s time to get cozy. Let your toddler relax in warm, comfy pajamas with a snug fit. Parents love the convenience of zip-up one-piece pajamas with a comfortable ribbed texture. Along with these snow day favorites, they’ll love two-piece sets made with seasonless fabrics. Kids’ PJs made with bamboo viscose material will keep your child warm all winter, but they can also wear them all year. Pair their bedtime attire with matching bamboo blankets to help them drift peacefully into slumber. 

Making the Most of Your Toddler’s First Snow Day 

A toddler’s first snow day is memorable, and you can make it even more fun with exciting activities and cozy clothes to protect them. Have fun with stylish base layers and comfy insulation. Protect them with soft hats and jackets for an enjoyable experience. They can enjoy creative activities and yummy food in their favorite winter clothing when they enter. Along with bodysuits and rompers, toddler girl dresses are among the most popular styles of the season. 

Make snow days fun for the whole family! While younger children will spend less time outdoors, they can still snap photos or walk in the same layers as the older ones. Have bodysuits and baby girl dresses ready for indoor craft time. Babies will also love the same zip-up pajamas and two-piece sets as their older brothers and sisters. Someday, your whole family will look back on your snow day photos with love and excitement.