Winter weather got the kids cooped up indoors? When the days are short and outdoor plans keep getting rained off, it’s the perfect time to pop out the craft supplies and get busy at the kitchen table. Yes, there might be a bit of glitter and glue involved, but it’s well worth it for the hours of quiet entertainment and the gorgeous results at the end.
Here are 15 wonderful winter crafts for kids to try, from quick five-minute makes to slightly more involved projects for older children.
#1. Winter Terrariums
These winter terrariums are a lovely wintery activity using salt, small animal figures, pebbles and moss to create a miniature snowy scene in a jar. You could easily create a summer version too, swapping the salt for sand.
Idea via babbledabbledo
#2. Pine Cone Robin
This is a really easy one for toddlers to try – it just involves sticking simple craft materials onto a single pine cone to create a cute robin.
Add a loop of ribbon or thread and it makes a lovely Christmas tree decoration too.
Idea via Kids Craft Room
You might also like: 12 Simple Pine Cone Crafts for Kids
#3. Paper Snowflakes
Dreaming of a white Christmas? We can’t promise snow on the ground, but you won’t miss it once you’ve decked your halls with easy, handmade paper snowflakes.
They look brilliant in windows, stuck onto presents, hung on the tree, or scattered anywhere that needs a little winter magic.
You might also like: Christmas Crafts for Kids
#4. Love Heart Wreath
Use patterned paper strips in different colours to fold and shape little love hearts, then glue them together to build a beautiful wreath. Stick to Christmas colours for a festive version.
Idea via Thehybridchick.com
You might also like: 50 Brilliant Ideas for Kids Arts & Crafts
#5. Snowflake Ballerinas
These pretty ballerinas with snowflake skirts combine paper doll making with the classic cut-out snowflake craft, for a really pretty result.
Idea via Krokotak.com
#6. Thumb Tack Art
Looking for a quick, inexpensive piece of decor to make together? Try this simple thumb tack art project – pick up tacks in whatever colour you like, cut a foam board into the shape of a word, and pin away.
Idea via diyready
You might also like: 20 Homemade Christmas Decorations for Kids to Make and Funky Crafts for Kids Aged 8-12 Years
#7. Toilet Paper Roll Fairy House
Create a cute fairy house village from toilet paper rolls, felt and scissors. Add your smallest dolls or some pipe cleaner people, then build shops and a village green for hours of imaginative play.
Idea via Red Ted Art
You might also like: 8 Creative Toilet Roll Crafts for Kids
#8. Origami Owl
If your child enjoys origami, this one’s a fun challenge. This origami owl requires some careful folding and even has a 3D head to make it look extra realistic.
Idea via Activity Village
You might also like: Watch: How to Make an Origami Frog and 10 Owl Crafts for Kids
#9. Star Wars Tin Can Lanterns
These tin can lanterns look brilliant lit up and are a great project for older kids to make. Any pattern works – just draw your design onto the can, then use a hammer and nail to punch it out.
Idea via FrugalFun4Boys
You might also like: Cool Crafts Even Teens Will Love
#10. Beaded Pen and Pencil Wraps
This one is well suited to slightly older kids, who can customise their own pens and pencils and turn up to school looking suitably stylish.
You will need:
- Pen or pencil
- Craft wire
- Alphabet and regular beads (4mm works well)
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of wire about 4-6 inches long (adjust depending on your design). Use the pliers to bend the tip of one end so beads don’t slide off.
- Thread beads onto the wire to spell a name or word. Once all your beads are on, trim any extra wire, leaving just enough to bend over the end and hold everything in place.
- Wrap the beaded wire into a tight spiral around the pen or pencil to finish.
#11. Pipe Cleaner Flowers
Brighten up dull winter days with a colourful array of flowers made from pipe cleaners and a bit of creativity. There are endless colour combinations and flower styles to try.
#12. Salt Dough Decorations
Follow our simple instructions to make salt dough and create beautiful shapes and designs.
Once your salt dough decoration has been baked, paint or varnish it to make a lovely keepsake for your room, your Christmas tree, or as a handmade gift for family and friends.
#13. Corner Bookmarks
We love these cute monster corner bookmarks – a simple fold-and-decorate craft that makes a great little gift.
#14. Tote Bag
Decorate a tote bag using apple halves dipped in fabric paint, for a stylish reusable shopper. Older kids could practice their sewing skills by appliqu├⌐ing on fabric leaves, or simply stamp on leaf shapes in paint if sewing isn’t for you.
#15. Homemade Snow Globe
Homemade snow globes are easier to make than you’d think – just add plastic figures and decorations to a jar filled with water, glycerine and glitter for instant winter magic. A personalised touch makes it an even more special keepsake.
Have you tried any of these winter crafts for kids? Or do you have a favourite winter craft of your own? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these winter crafts suitable for?
There’s a real mix here – some, like the pine cone robin or pipe cleaner flowers, are simple enough for toddlers with a little help, while others, like the origami owl or tin can lanterns, suit older kids and teens who can manage more fiddly steps or tools like hammers and nails.
Do I need lots of special supplies?
Not really. Most of these crafts use things you likely already have at home – paper, pine cones, pipe cleaners, an old jar – or inexpensive extras like beads, craft wire or foam board.
Can any of these crafts be adapted for other seasons?
Yes – a few, like the terrariums or the heart wreath, work just as well with a summery colour palette or filling, so don’t feel you have to save them just for winter.
Are these crafts messy?
Some are messier than others. Salt dough, paint and glitter crafts are best done with a covered table (and maybe an apron), while things like origami and bookmarks are pretty tidy options for a quick indoor activity.
Related Articles
- 12 Simple Pine Cone Crafts for Kids
- Christmas Crafts for Kids
- 20 Homemade Christmas Decorations for Kids to Make
- 10 Owl Crafts for Kids
- Cool Crafts Even Teens Will Love
Save These Ideas for Later
Fifteen crafts is a lot to get through in one sitting, so why not bookmark this page or pin your favourites for a rainy afternoon when you need them? Browse our other rainy day activity ideas for even more inspiration when the kids need keeping busy indoors.
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