DIY Snow

Winter days at home can feel long, especially when it’s too cold, icy, or dark to get outside. If your child is craving sensory input, movement, or hands-on play, DIY snow is an easy way to bring winter fun indoors without freezing fingers. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I love simple activities like this because they support regulation, fine motor skills, and creativity—all while feeling like play. Let’s make some snow and get started.

What You’re Working On

• Sensory regulation (tactile + proprioceptive input)

• Fine motor strength & coordination

• Bilateral coordination

• Attention, play skills, and creativity

How to Make Indoor “Snow”

Choose one option based on what your child tolerates:

• Baking soda + conditioner (soft, moldable snow)

• Cornstarch + water (cool, ooey-gooey snow)

• Shredded paper or cotton balls (dry, low-mess option)

Place in a large bin, tray, or even the bathtub.

OT Activity Ideas with Snow

• Build snowballs or snowmen (hand strength!)

• Hide small toys and dig them out (tactile + problem solving)

• Use scoopers, spoons, or tongs to transfer snow

• Press cookie cutters into the snow for shapes

• Make “snow tracks” with toy animals or cars

Sensory-Friendly Tips

• Offer gloves or tools if your child avoids messy hands

• Start with short play times and build up

• Let your child choose how they interact—hands, tools, or observing

• Add heavy work after (pushing the bin, wiping the table)

 Make It Functional

• Practice following directions (“First scoop, then build”)

• Work on turn-taking and waiting

• Pair with winter vocabulary or storytelling

At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.