Snow Day Activities

1. Sensory Bins

Create a fun sensory bin by filling a large bucket with rice and hiding small random items inside for your child to find. On a sheet of paper, draw or write each item they need to search for and match as they discover them. This hands-on activity builds focus, strengthens matching skills, and encourages independent play. The rice adds a calming sensory element, making it especially supportive for your child with special needs.

2. Build Your Snowman Play Doh

Grab a plate and add white playdough along with simple craft supplies so your child can create their own snowman playdough masterpiece. Use googly eyes, carrot sticks or any small orange stick or pencil for the nose, buttons for details, and a piece of cloth or paper napkin for a scarf. It’s an adorable, hands-on activity that encourages creativity and imagination. The soft playdough also provides wonderful sensory input, making it a calming and supportive activity for your child with special needs.

3. Snow Painting

It’s way too cold to bring snow inside, so swap it for a bowl of shaving cream and let your child paint their own snowman on paper. Guide them to create three circles and decorate with eyes, buttons, and a scarf to bring their snowman to life. This messy, hands-on activity encourages creativity while building fine motor skills. The soft shaving cream adds a soothing sensory element, making it a fun and supportive activity for your child with special needs. 

4. Winter Sensory Bottles

Take any empty bottle in your home and let your kids fill it with snow-themed sensory items you already have. Add blue sparkles, glitter, cotton balls, white pom-poms, or any blue and white craft pieces to create a wintery scene inside. Allow them to design and layer their bottle however they choose, making it uniquely theirs. This creative sensory activity encourages independence, focus, and calming engagement for your child with special needs. 

5. At Home Obstacle Course

This one really gets kids on their feet and brings lots of fun into your home. Grab pillows, cushions, small mats, and safe items to create a path for them to jump across to the other side of the room. Turn it into a simple obstacle course and encourage them to hop, balance, and move from spot to spot. For a child with special needs who is home all day, this is a great way to release energy, build coordination, and stay regulated.