winter animal science experiments

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50 of the Coolest Winter Science Experiments and Activities

The weather outside may be frightful, but these projects are so delightful.

Winter means shorter days, colder temperatures, and lots of ice and snow. That means it’s time for experiments that you can only do in winter! These experiments and activities are perfect for keeping kids busy and learning all winter long. No snow where you live? No worries! You can still do most of these winter science experiments and activities with a freezer or some fake snow instead.

1. Study the science of snowflakes

Did you know that every snowflake has six sides? Or that snowflakes form from water vapor, not raindrops? There’s lots to learn about the science of snowflakes.

Learn more: What Is Snow? How Does It Form? (Free Google Slides Lesson + Printable Worksheets)

2. Grow the Grinch’s heart

To begin, grab a green balloon and use a red Sharpie to make a heart on it, then fill the balloon with a few teaspoons of baking soda. Then, fill a water bottle with vinegar. Finally, put the end of your balloon over the water bottle and watch the Grinch’s heart grow!

Learn more: Grow the Grinch’s Heart activity at Creative Family Fun

3. Weigh and compare snow

This is a simple but effective way to get kids thinking. Scoop up two cups of snow and weigh them. Are they the same? If not, why? Allow the snow to melt. Does it weigh the same? So many questions from such a simple experiment!

Learn more: Weighing Snow activity at Inspiration Laboratories

4. Determine how weather affects snow textures

Anyone who sees a lot of snow every winter knows there are many different kinds—heavy wet snow, dry powdery snow, and so on. Older students will enjoy this winter science project that tracks atmospheric conditions to find out how we get different types of snow.

Learn more: Snow Science activity at Science Buddies

5. Make candy cane slime!

A little bit of everything, including glue and shaving cream, goes into this fun, candy cane–colored slime. We especially love the idea of adding a little bit of peppermint extract or candy cane fragrance oil for a pleasant scent! ADVERTISEMENT

Learn more: Candy Cane slime at Kimspired DIY

6. Discover the beauty of frozen bubbles

Bubble experiments are always fun, but frozen bubbles add a whole new dimension of beauty. Take your class outside to blow bubbles when the temps are below freezing, and watch the magic happen! (No freezing temperatures where you live? The link below offers tips for trying this with dry ice.)

Learn more: Frozen Bubbles at ThoughtCo

7. Find out how penguins stay dry

It seems like penguins should freeze solid when they get out of the water, right? So what protects their feathers and keeps them dry? Find out with this fun experiment using wax crayons.

Learn more: Penguin activity at ABCs of Literacy

8. Make a beautiful watercolor ice painting

This is a fairly simple experiment that yields really big results! Grab some watercolor paint and paper, an ice tray, and some small metal objects, then get started.

Learn more: Magnetic ice painting at Sparkling Buds

9. Waterproof a boot

Now that you know how penguins stay dry, can you apply that knowledge to a boot? Ask kids to select various materials and tape them over the free boot printable. Then, test their hypotheses and see which ones work best.

Learn more: Waterproof a boot at Science Sparks

10. Learn about condensation and frost

Use snow or ice cubes for this winter science experiment that explores condensation and the formation of frost. All you need are some metal cans and salt.

Learn more: Condensation experiment at STEAMsational

11. Crush a can with air

Scoop up some snow and bring it inside to use for this air-pressure experiment. (Use caution, because you’ll need boiling water too.)

Learn more: Crushing cans at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

12. Erupt a snow volcano

Take the classic baking soda volcano experiment and add snow! Kids learn about acids and bases with this popular winter science project.

Learn more: Snow volcano at Science Sparks

13. Grow your own polar bear

This is such a fun and easy winter science experiment that will certainly be a hit in your classroom. All you need is a cup of fresh water, a cup of salt water, a cup of vinegar, a cup of baking soda, and some gummy bears. (Be sure to have extra gummy bears on hand in case your little scientists get hungry.)

Learn more: Grow Your Own Polar Bear activity at The Sprinkle Topped Teacher

14. Explore how mittens keep you warm

Ask little ones if mittens are warm, and they’ll likely answer “yes!” But when they measure the temperature inside an empty mitten, they’ll be surprised by what they find. Learn about body heat and insulation with this easy experiment.

Learn more: Mitten experiment at Classroom Magic

15. Don’t melt the ice

We spend a lot of time in winter trying to get rid of ice, but what about when you don’t want the ice to melt? Experiment with different forms of insulation to see which keeps ice frozen the longest.

Learn more: Ice insulation experiment at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

16. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This experiment teaches you how, using a little salt to melt and then refreeze the ice with the string attached. Bonus project: Use this process to make a garland of colored ice stars (or other shapes) and hang them outside for decoration.

Learn more: Ice cube string activity at Playdough to Plato

17. Construct an igloo

Calling all future engineers! Freeze blocks of ice (milk cartons work well) and create a life-size igloo with your class. If this seems too ambitious, try a smaller version with ice cubes instead.

Learn more: Build an igloo at Science Buddies

18. Light up some snowmen with a simple circuit

Create a simple parallel circuit using a couple of play-dough snowmen, a few LEDs, and a battery pack. Kids will get a thrill out of seeing their snowmen light up!

Learn more: Light-Up Snowman experiment at Science Sparks

19. Measure the water content of snow

Two inches of snow is not the same as two inches of rain. This easy winter science experiment measures the amount of water actually found in an inch of snow.

Learn more: Snow measurement at KC Edventures With Kids

20. Experiment with candy canes

Experiment with how quickly candy canes dissolve in different temperatures of water. Keep some extras on hand since the temptation will likely be too much for your favorite scientists.

Learn more: Candy cane science at Inspirational Laboratories

21. Have fun with hockey science

A hockey puck slides effortlessly across the ice, but what about other objects? Gather up some classroom items and take them out to a frozen puddle to see which slide best.

Learn more: Hockey Science at Creative Family Fun

22. Determine the best way to melt ice

Conventional wisdom says we sprinkle salt on ice to melt it faster. But why? Is that really the best method? Try this winter science experiment and find out.

Learn more: Ice-Melting Experiment at The Chaos and the Clutter

23. Freeze oobleck

Kids love to play with the mysterious oobleck, a non-Newtonian liquid that becomes firm under pressure. Try freezing it to increase the fun factor and see how it reacts as it melts.

Learn more: Frozen Oobleck at Inspiration Laboratories

24. Make an ice lantern

We love that this STEM project also combines art and creativity since kids can freeze almost anything into their lanterns, from sequins to dried flowers.

Learn more: Ice Lantern activity at What I Have Learned Teaching

25. Watch wintertime birds

Winter is a great time to set up a bird feeder and observe our feathered friends. Learn to identify common backyard birds in your area and discover which foods they prefer. Take this winter science activity even further by signing up your class for Project FeederWatch , a citizen science project all about winter bird-watching.

Learn more: Winter bird-watching guide at The Lead Learner Mom

26. Play around with pine cones

Head out to the snowy woods and gather up some pine cones, then bring them inside and experiment to see what makes them open and release their seeds.

Learn more: Pine Cone Experiment at Lemon Lime Adventures

27. Conduct a winter nature study

There are so many natural wonders to study during the winter months! Measure temperatures, track the snowfall, look for animal prints—and that’s just a few ideas. Make winter nature study even easier with free printables at the link below.

Learn more: Winter nature study at Jimmie’s Collage

28. Find out how arctic animals stay warm

Grab some rubber gloves, zipper bags, and a can of shortening to learn how layers of fat help to insulate animals and keep them warm. Do this winter science experiment outside in the snow or inside with a bowl of cold water and ice cubes.

Learn more: Arctic animal experiment at Forgetful Momma

29. Add color to melting ice

In this colorful winter science activity, you’ll use salt to start the ice melting (it lowers the freezing point of water). Then, add pretty watercolors to see the ravines and crevices that form as the ice melts.

Learn more: How to make colorful ice at Artful Parent

30. Melt ice with pressure

There are plenty of experiments that melt ice with salt, but this one is a little different. Instead, it uses the heat produced by pressure to move a piece of wire through a block of ice.

Learn more: Ice-melting experimen t at KiwiCo

31. Melt a snowman

First, make a snowman out of baking soda and shaving cream. Then, fill droppers with vinegar. Finally, let your scientists take turns squirting the snowman and watching them fizz and melt.

Learn more: How To Make a Fizzy Snowman at 7 Days of Play

32. Make instant ice

Here’s a winter science experiment that seems more like a magic trick. Place a bottle of water in a bowl of ice (or snow) and rock salt. When you take it out, the water is still liquid—until you slam it against the counter and it freezes instantly! Find out how it works at the link below.

Learn more: Rock Salt Experiment at STEAMsational

33. Create rainbow ice towers

Once you master the instant ice trick, add some food coloring and see if you can create instant rainbow ice towers! The video above walks you through the process.

34. Paint salt snowflakes to learn about absorption

Salt painting is a cool way to learn about the process of absorption as well as color mixing. Simply mix salt with glue and make your snowflakes. Then drop colored water onto the salt and see it spread, drop by drop.

Learn more: Salt painting at Little Bins for Little Hands

35. Experiment with fake snow recipes

No snow where you live? You’ll just have to make your own! Try a variety of fake snow recipes and determine which makes the best batch.

Learn more: Fake Snow activity at The Homeschool Scientist

36. Build a crystal snowman

It wouldn’t be a winter science list without at least one crystal project, right? This adorable snowman version is a unique twist on the popular supersaturated solutions experiment. Get the how-to at the link below.

Learn more: Crystal snowman activity at The Science Kiddo

37. Cook up hot ice

Tired of frozen toes in the name of science? This experiment has ice in the name but will keep you warm and toasty. It’s essentially another kind of crystal project, but this one forms the crystals instantly, due to the way you cook up the solution.

Learn more: Hot ice experiment at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

38. Savor the sweetness of hot cocoa science

After all these ice-and-snow winter science projects, you deserve a reward. This hot cocoa experiment aims to find the optimal temperature for dissolving hot cocoa mix. Once you’ve found the answer, you get to sip on the delicious results!

Learn more: Hot Chocolate Science at Creative Family Fun

39. Excavate LEGO bricks from blocks of ice

Tell your students to imagine they are archaeologists, then have them freeze a favorite LEGO figure, or “fossil,” into a block of ice. Finally, ask them to carefully excavate the fossil from the glacier while keeping in mind the fragility of the fossil.

Learn more: LEGO ice block activity at Lemon Lime Adventures

40. Explode a snowman!

This is such a fun introduction to chemistry for preschoolers or early elementary-age students. Have your students decorate a ziplock bag to resemble a snowman’s face and then put 3 teaspoons of baking soda in a paper towel inside the bag. Finally, put 1 to 2 cups of distilled vinegar into the bag and have fun watching the reaction!

Learn more: Exploding Snowman experiment at 123 Homeschool 4 Me

41. Winter solstice challenge

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, provides a lot to teach in terms of the sun, shadows, the rotation of the Earth, and how humans celebrate. Teach students about the winter solstice with books like The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, then have them create a model Stonehenge. Then, use a flashlight or other light to re-create what the structure looks like on the winter solstice and other days.

Check out Winter Solstice lessons at Little Bins for Little Hands

Buy it: The Shortest Day at Amazon

42. Catapult a snowman

This one starts out as fun and ends with serious science. Create a catapult using Popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Then, create a snowman out of a Ping-Pong ball and see how far you can catapult him. If you have snow, use the catapults to see how large of a snowball students can toss and how far each one goes.

Learn more: Snowman Catapult at Science Sparks

43. Construct a ski lift

In this engineering experiment, students create a ski lift using the concept of a pulley.

44. Discover why skis are as long as they are

In this activity, students will explore why skis are so long and how they work in snow. You’ll create a skier using an action figure and cardboard “skis.” Then you’ll place them into a plate full of snow.

Learn more: Why are skis so long? activity at Science Buddies

45. Make a thermometer

Figure out just how cold it is outside with a homemade thermometer. Make a few thermometers and take measurements in different areas—in the sun and in the shade, inside your garage or by the street. How does the temperature change and what factors influence the temperature?

46. Create a snowstorm in a jar

Combine things you probably already have around your classroom or house—baby oil, white paint, glitter, Alka-Seltzer, and food coloring—to create a snowstorm in a jar.

47. Discover how snowshoes work

Use a pan of “snow,” animal toys, and snowshoes that you create to show how snowshoes keep us above the snow. This teaches the concepts of resistance and weight distribution. When weight is distributed across a larger area, the snow holds you up. This experiment will be even better if you have enough snow on the ground to try this out yourself.

Learn more: How Snowshoes Work activity at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

48. Find out what causes an avalanche

Learn what creates avalanches and re-create an avalanche with this activity.

49. Learn about animal hibernation

Read a book like Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and talk about hibernation. What do bears need to hibernate? Then, challenge students to create a cave using materials that you have in the classroom or at home.

Buy it: Bear Snores On at Amazon

50. Build an igloo

Use marshmallows and other materials to build an igloo. Talk about what shapes make a good igloo and why those shapes provide solid structures.

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22 Winter Science Experiments For Kids

Maybe you have snow and freezing temperatures, or maybe you don’t! Whether you are shoveling snow or lounging by a palm tree, there’s still winter! When the weather turns chilly or not so chilly, try these easy to set up winter science experiments and winter STEM activities for preschoolers, kindergarten and elementary kids. Avoid cabin fever this season with great, budget-friendly science experiments and STEM projects !

Explore Winter Theme Science & STEM

The changing seasons are perfect for incorporating different types of STEM activities into your learning at home or in the classroom. Kids love themes, and a winter theme makes science so much more engaging! Think snow science experiments, snowflake STEM activities, snowmen, ice, frost and more!

These hands-on winter science experiments and STEM activities invite kids to explore, test, think, observe, and discover! Experimenting leads to discoveries, and discoveries spark curiosity!

Kids constantly learn about the world’s workings, and winter science experiments are an easy choice. These winter activities for preschool to elementary grades are simple to set up and use only a few materials.

Our list below includes physics and chemistry experiments that even young children can easily explore with hands-on, playful activities!

Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!

Watch the Video!

Free printable winter stem activities guide.

Winter Observations

Grab this instant free download to get started on your own Winter Observations !

Activities To Celebrate Winter Solstice

If you are planning ahead of time, make sure to include fun winter solstice activities ! The winter and summer solstices are two very important times during the year.

Ideas: Winter Nature Activities

Take care of your feathered friends as you explore winter science and learn about the birds in your backyard. Make these kid friendly birdseed ornaments that kids of all ages can help with too! Set up a bird watching area complete with binoculars and books on local birds!

Fun Winter Science Experiments & Winter STEM Challenges

Very few of these winter science activities below actually include real snow. This list is perfect for no matter where you live, including areas that never see snow or areas that do get snow, but it’s unpredictable! Many of these winter science experiments and winter STEM activities can be done regardless of the weather conditions where you live!

Click on all the links in blue below to check out some (brrrr) cool science. You will find winter theme science experiments including slime, fizzy reactions, ice melting, real snow, oobleck, crystal growing, and more .

1. Snow Candy

Learn how to make maple syrup snow candy. Discover the interesting science behind how this simple maple snow candy is made and how snow helps that process along.

2. Snow Ice Cream

This super easy, 3-ingredient snow ice cream recipe is perfect this season for a yummy treat. It’s a bit different to our ice cream in a bag science experiment but still lots of fun!

3. Snow Volcano

If you have snow, you will want to get outside for this winter science experiment! Cool winter STEM that the kids will LOVE to get their hands on. If you don’t have snow, don’t worry! You can also make this one in the sandbox or at the beach.

4. Snowflake Salt Painting

Have you ever tried salt painting for a quick winter STEAM (science +art) activity? We think snowflake salt painting is tons of fun.

5. Melting Snow Science

This snow science activity with a melting snowman theme is perfect for exploring in and out of the classroom.

6. Frosty’s Magic Milk

A classic science experiment with a wintery theme the kids will love! Frosty’s magic milk is sure to be a favorite.

7. Snow Slime Recipes

We have the BEST slime recipes around. You can make our melting snowman slime, snowflake confetti slime, fluffy snow slime, snow floam, and more!

8. Ice Fishing

Kids will love this fishing for ice cubes science project that can be done no matter the temperature outside.

9. Snow Storm In A Jar

Set up an invitation to make a winter snow storm in a jar science experiment. Kids will love creating their own snowstorm with common household supplies, and they can even learn a bit about simple science in the process too.

10. How To Make Frost On A Can

This is another easy-to-set-up winter science experiment that pulls from what you have around the house. We love science that can be set up in minutes and is hands-on for the kids.

11. Blubber Science Experiment

How can polar bears and other Arctic animals stay warm with those freezing temperatures, icy water, and relentless wind? This super simple polar bear blubber science experiment will help kids feel and see what keeps those big animals warm!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Whale Blubber Experiment

12. Design a Snowball Launcher

Need to stay warm and cozy inside but enough with the screens? Get the kids designing, engineering, testing, and exploring physics with easy to make snowball launcher winter STEM activity! Hands-on winter STEM with a little bit of gross motor fun!

13. Make Fake Snow (not really science but lots of fun!)

Too much snow or not enough snow? It doesn’t matter when you know how to make fake snow! Treat the kids to an indoor snowman building session or fun winter sensory play with this super easy to make snow recipe!

14. Melting Snowmen

The best part of this snowy winter science experiment is that you don’t need real snow to enjoy it! That means everyone can try it. Plus you have everything you need in the kitchen to get started.

15. Snowflake Oobleck   or Evergreen Oobleck

Oobleck is an ooey gooey slime substance that’s also a terrific classic science project. Learn about non-Newtonian fluids while digging your hands into a neat tactile sensory experience too.

16. Crystal Snowflakes

You can enjoy your crystal snowflake ornaments all winter long with our simple borax crystal growing recipe!

17. Salt Crystal Snowflakes

With a little patience, this super simple kitchen science is easy to pull off! Grow salt crystal snowflakes for an easy winter science experiment for kids of all ages.

18. Snowflake Science with YouTube

If you don’t have the opportunity to observe your own snowflakes, you can totally learn all about them through these short videos perfect for kids! Snowflakes are truly one of nature’s wonders, and they are fleeting.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Snowflake Activities For Preschoolers

19. DIY Thermometer

Make your own homemade thermometer and compare the temperature indoors with the cold outdoors. Learn how a simple thermometer works.

20. Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Coffee filters are a MUST have addition to any science or STEAM kit! Simple science is combined with unique process art to make these colorful snowflakes.

21. Frozen Bubble Experiment

Who doesn’t love blowing bubbles? You can blow bubbles year-round indoors or outdoors too. Freezing bubbles is definitely on our list of winter science experiments to try.

22. Ice Melting Experiment

What makes Ice melt anyway? Set up this fun STEM challenge and science experiment! You’ll find several ideas to try and an awesome printable pack to go along with them. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to practice using the scientific method .

23. Fizzing Snowflakes

This simple experiment with baking soda, vinegar, and cookie cutters is a classic! This chemistry activity is a hit all year round!

24. Frosty the Snowman Winter Bubbles

Learn about the science of bubbles with this simple winter bubble activity. Fun winter science for preschoolers and kindergarten!

Bonus Winter Crafts for Kids

• Build a marshmallow igloo .
• Make a DIY snow globe.
• Make a cute snowy pinecone owl .
• Create your own polar bear puppets .
• Paint with homemade shivery snow paint .
• Create this easy polar bear paper plate craft .
• Try tape resist snowflake art .

Printable Winter STEM Pack

Even if you don’t live in a snowy winter climate, there are many ways to explore the season!

WHAT’S INSIDE?  You’ll find 250+ Pages of Winter theme projects for science, STEM, and art!

• 25+ Winter science activities  and STEM projects for kids that are easy to set up and fit into the time you have available even if it’s limited!  NEW:  Observation sheets for activities.
• Printable winter theme STEM activities  that are simple but engaging for home or classroom. Perfect for K-2 and beyond and adaptable to many skill levels.
• Find  simple background science explanations  to share with kids while they explore hands-on and playful experiments, projects, and activities! Fun with physics, chemistry, design, engineering, and more!
• Easy to gather supplies  makes these STEM activities ideal when you have limited resources available. Perfect for trying with groups of kids.
• Engaging winter STEM activities  packed with winter theme activities, journal pages, and design process steps! Includes structure-building cards, STEM challenge cards, and screen-free coding activities.
• Fun snowflake theme STEM,  including snowflake cutting templates, snowflake tinker cards, and snowflake science activities, including a snowflake formation cycle!
• Even more, winter printable sheets  include hibernating animals sort, snow weather cycle, five senses for winter journal pages, thaumatrope patterns, and fun extras with a winter theme!

14 Comments

I love this roundup! So many fun things to do with ice and snow this winter 🙂 Thank you for including our Fishing for Ice experiment!

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14 Winter Science Experiments & STEM Activities

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: February 16, 2021

Categories Nature & Outdoor Activities , Science Experiments

Try a few of these winter science experiments that explore snow, ice and cold temperatures!

As if the past ten months haven’t been historic enough, it seems that we are making history once again with one of the most brutal cold snaps in decades!!  As my grandmother always told me “if life hands you lemons, make lemonade” — so it only seems logical that if life dishes us out a snowstorm (or three!), we should create a few winter experiments along the way 😉

Winter Science Experiments

We’ve got some wonderful winter weather activities for you to try — even if you don’t have tons of snow and ice right now 😉  And not to worry, most of these projects can be done (mostly) inside where it’s warm with only limited outdoor time needed!

If your kids seem to have unlimited questions about winter weather (like “how cold does it need to be to snow?”   or “are there really no two snowflakes alike??” ) be sure to cuddle up with a few of these awesome winter science books that will help to expand on the experiments and activities listed below.

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder — this nonfiction book reads more like a story which is perfect for younger kids.  Illustrations show the process of water varpor becoming snow crystals and the book includes details about how to catch & observe your own snowflakes too!

The Cool Story Behind Snow (Level 3 Nonfiction Reader) – if kids have ever wondered about how snow forms, what happens when a polar vortex hits and how to predict a snow storm, this is the book for them!  With colorful and comical illustrations and a great back-of-the-book set of resources, there’s a ton of winter learning in this book.

Ok, time to get our winter science on!

Explore some fun science concepts with these creative projects that use snow and/or ice!

How Much Water is in Snow?   || Edventures with Kids

One of our favorite winter science projects!!  All you need is a jar and some snow for this indoor winter experiment that can create some surprising results!

Freezing Bubbles and the Science of Ice Crystals || Share It! Science News

Blowing bubbles isn’t just a summer activity — see what happens to bubbles when the temperature drops!  And if it’s super cold in your area, you can also learn how to see ice crystals on your windows too!

Exploring Animal Tracks in Winter || Edventures with Kids

A great outdoor science activity after a new snowfall — see what animals are out & about in winter!

Arctic Blubber Experiments || Kid World Citizen

Ever wonder how seals and walruses stay warm?  This fun indoor experiment will show you why blubber is so important to animals that live in cold areas.

Hockey Science Experiment || Creative Family Fun

A fun experiment that takes a peek into one of winter’s favorite sports — hockey!

Science of Sledding || There’s Just One Mommy

If you’ve ever enjoyed sledding, you’ll love learning more about the science behind it — how physics impact your speed and distance!

How To Catch Snowflakes || Lemon Lime Adventures

Get a close-up look at what snowflakes look like with these tips on how to catch and view them.

Expanding Snowman || The Science Kiddo

A fun and creative winter science experiment (with an option on how to do this project even if you don’t have snow).

Frozen Water Magic Science || Preschool Powol Packets

Learn how to freeze water and grow an ice tower with this frozen water experiment!

Kids will also LOVE this Arctic Color Chemistry set with 18 out-of-the-box experiments and creative STEM ideas!!

Winter STEM Activities

STEM activities include a combination of science, technology, engineering and math — add in a little art and you have STEAM projects too!  Here are a few awesome ones to try out in the cold weather!

DIY Nature Ice Wreath || Edventures with Kids

Using natural items & water, kids can design their own outdoor winter wreath and learn a little about how ice forms!

Snowman Craft to Measure Snowfall || Preschool Toolkit

Create your own snow guage to measure snowfall in your area (a great combination of science, engineering & math for kids!)

Creating Habitats: Arctic vs. Forest Animals || Edventures with Kids

Build play habitats for your favorite snow-loving creatures and compare what animals live in different places.

Winter STEM Activity || STEAM Powered Family

Explore the effect of salt on ice in this indoor winter STEM activity (using a digital thermometer means you’ll have science, tech and math in this project).

Crystal Snowflake Ornaments || Natural Beach Living

If you don’t have snow, try this grow your own crystals experiement once you engineer a snowflake using pipecleaners!

Tastes of Winter || Preschool STEAM

Get your senses involved with this fun blindfold taste experiment for kids!

More Winter Activities for Kids

Winter Scavenger Hunt (w/FREE printable!)

14 Wonderful Winter Read Alouds

33 FUN Things to do in Winter

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Winter Science Activities for Preschoolers

Are you looking for winter science activities for your preschool or pre-k class? There are so many natural opportunities for learning that we encounter daily, in every season.

The cold winter weather may keep us inside often, but that doesn’t mean we can’t play and experiment with what Mother Nature has to offer!

Below are 20 winter science activities that will keep your kids learning and having fun all winter long!

Winter Science Activities

• Create, explore, and then melt some icebergs .
• Do you have snow in your yard or on your playground? Have fun experimenting with this Indoor Snow Melt activity.
• Are your preschoolers hooked on Frozen? (you know, that movie) Take a look at this fascinating experiment where you can make ice grow !
• Use Instant Snow in the classroom and take a look at these observation opportunities before and after adding water. (free printable included)
• Here is something that is sure to interest every preschooler I know. Why does salt melt ice?
• Dropping temperatures produce crystals. Make your own crystals with this winter science experiment.
• What is winter without a snowman? This foaming snowman will delight any preschooler with an exciting chemical reaction.
• Many animals store fat for the winter. Let your preschoolers experience how fat works to keep animals warm. Check out this awesome Blubber Experiment on YouTube!
• Create a frozen bubble ! A fun introduction to solids and liquids.
• Why do animals that live in cold areas have such big paws ? This winter science experiment is a very kid-friendly way of explaining it to a preschooler.

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

The Ultimate Pre-K Winter Lesson Plan Bundle

14 of my most popular winter theme resources, including math, literacy, and dramatic play! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!

• Learn about the Science of Sledding while you are playing outside in the snow.
• Excavation is great fun for preschoolers. Use animals, dinosaurs (ice age anyone?) even a Lego man!
• Experiment with common pantry supplies for a fantastic winter freezing science experiment .14. Not only are these crystal sun catchers pretty, but they’re also easy to make.
• Does Snow Sink or Float?
• Make your own frost in a can.
• How about a Baking Soda Snow Volcano ? What could be more fun than exploding, indoor snow volcanoes?
• This Pine Cone science experiment for kids is great for observation over time. Discover why Pinecones open.
• Create colorful icicles! Your kids will have a blast making their very own colored icicles!
• Another classic with a winter snowflake twist! Get up close with these fizzing snowflakes .
• Not only are these  crystal sun catchers  pretty, but they’re also easy to make.

Browse the winter theme collection here .

What are you experimenting with this winter in your classroom?

More Winter Ideas

7 thoughts on “Winter Science Activities for Preschoolers”

Thanks so much for sharing our Melting Icebergs activity!

Thanks for stopping by Samantha! How could I not include it? Soooo cute!

Thanks for including my sledding post!

My pleasure Melissa! I grew up in Michigan and I’m a big fan of sledding!

What a fun list! Thank you for linking up with Mom’s Library, I’ll be featuring you this week at Castle View Academy.

Thanks for stopping by Crystal! So excited to be featured at Castle View Academy!

What a fantastic list of great winter science activities! I have several of these on my list to try. And thank you so much for including our Fishing for Ice experiment!

Comments are closed.

How Do Animals Survive the Winter? Hibernation, Migration and Adaptation by Science Made Simple

How do animals spend the winter.

Learn how animals spend the winter with these 4 easy science projects.

NOTE: ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED. Please read all instructions completely before starting. Observe all safety precautions.

Table of Contents

• Learn More: Hibernation
• Easy Reading

Project 1 - Feed and observe winter birds and animals

What you need:

• Some or all of the following: popcorn, peanuts in shells, apples, cranberries, pears, oranges, kiwi, peanut butter, suet (from butcher)
• String, needle and strong thread, scissors, knife
• Pine cone (to use with peanut butter), onion bag (to use with suet)

What to do:

• String the popcorn and cranberries on a long, doubled piece of thread. String the whole peanuts on another thread.
• Slice the fruit crosswise, about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Poke a hole about 2/3 of the way across each slice, thread a 12 inch piece of string through it and tie the ends together.
• Put peanut butter or suet into the holes in a pine cone. Tie a string to it.
• Cut suet into large pieces and put it into an onion bag.
• Hang the food from trees and bushes in sheltered areas, where you can see it. Be patient. It takes time for birds and animals to find the food. Try different locations.

Note: If you choose to begin feeding the birds regularly, try to do it throughout the winter. They start to depend on you and may have trouble finding other sources of food later in the season.

Project 2 - Feed and observe winter birds

• An empty plastic milk or water bottle, or a milk carton
• Scissors, string, bird seed
• Wash the bottle or carton and rinse it well.
• Cut several small holes in the sides, about 2" from the bottom.
• Cut or poke two small holes near the top and thread a long piece of string through them.
• Fill the bird feeder with seeds and hang from a tree or shrub. Scattering some seeds on the ground can help the birds find the feeder.
• Watch the birds. Be patient.
• Try different types of seeds and different locations. Record your observations.

Project 3 - Discover how insects and spiders survive the winter

• Warm clothes and a nice day
• flashlight, magnifying glass (helpful but not necessary)
• large glass jar or milk carton, potting soil, cheesecloth or old nylon stocking
• rubber band, knife or pruning shears
• Go outside. Look into crevices in bark, in and under dead logs, piles of leaves, clumps of grass, shingles, around windows, in cracks between bricks, in attics, basements, garages, and any place that provides shelter. Use your flashlight and a stick for probing. Can you find active and hibernating adult insects, eggs, and cocoons? Try to leave things as you found them.
• Try to find a gall on a tree or shrub. Collect several different types. While still outside, cut them in half and observe what is inside.
• You can keep galls to see what emerges in the Spring. Cut a 4-6" section of a twig with a gall. Put a layer of potting soil into a jar, or a milk carton with holes cut in two sides. Put one end of the twigs into the dirt. Cover the jar with cheesecloth or stocking secured by a rubber band, or slide the milk carton into a stocking and tie the ends. Moisten the dirt occasionally. Keep the galls outdoors, out of direct sunlight.

Project 4 - Study animal tracks

• Animal tracks in snow or mud
• animal footprints shown on the right
• Study tracks in the snow or mud and try to match them to the drawings. (Sizes listed are approximate.)
• What animals were there? Are the tracks closely spaced or far apart? Were the animals walking or running? How many different animal tracks can you find? Keep a record over time.

How Do Animals Survive the Winter?

Animals have many different winter survival strategies, including migration , adaption and hibernation ...

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43 Easy Winter STEM Activities

How do animals stay warm in the winter? What happens when snow melts? What is frost and how is it made? These are just a few of the questions I have been asked when teaching young children when the winter season starts. This collection of winter STEM activities are a great way to teach, and show children the answers to their questions as they explore the world around them.

If you have never done a STEM activity before, STEM activities involve learning focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The more of these subject areas combined together into an activity the better.

The benefits of STEM activities and STEM challenges for kids are endless. I have watched children develop critical skills such as, problem solving, understanding how things work, teamwork and resilience through STEM activities.

STEM activities often use simple, every day materials and often don’t require much prep work. They are ideal for classroom learning, or they can easily be done at home.

The collection of Winter STEM Activities below include a variety of learning activities, all with a winter theme. I hope that you find some ideas to bring to your children, or students, as you look through the collection of activities, beginning with science.

Science Winter STEM Activities

Creating a love for science and experiments is a great way to get children to look closely at the world around them. Encourage children to ask questions and use their hands to explore. These winter STEM activities are sure to engage children and offer valuable learning opportunities.

Melting Snowman Science Experiment

Children are naturally drawn to snow in the winter. Have children create their own miniature snowman to use for a science experiment guaranteed to cause some excitement in the classroom or home. Click here for full activity.

Candy Cane STEM Activity

If you find you have candy canes around your house during the winter season, this science experiment is a great way to use them up. All you need is water and candy canes to do this exciting experiment. For the full activity, click here.

Animals in Winter Scavenger Hunt + Printable

Learn about what different animals do in winter with a scavenger hunt. Children will enjoy being outside as they search for different animals to find what they each do during winter. A FREE printable is also available. To view the full activity, click here.

Frozen STEM Activity + Free Worksheet

Let kids feel like real scientists with this frozen STEM activity. Use a variety of items that you have around the house or classroom and create a frozen treasure that children can use a variety of tools and materials to explore and experiment with. A free printable is available for the activity as well. For the full activity, click here.

Animal Adaptation Science Experiment

How does a polar bear stay warm? I get asked this a lot when teaching young children. This hands-on experiment allows children to explore their curiosity about animals in winter. Click for full STEM activity.

Frost Experiment

Whether you live in a location where winters are mild, or if it is much too cold to play outside, you can still have all the fun of playing in the frost and snow in your own kitchen when you do this frost experiment. Click for full activity.

Magic Snow Winter STEM Activity

Playing in the snow is always a good time. But if you can’t get the real thing or just don’t want to deal with the cold and wet, this simple two-ingredient “magic” snow is the perfect kids activity to keep children busy for an afternoon. Click here for full experiment and activity.

Flying Reindeer STEM Challenge

Want to see a reindeer fly this winter? You can make it happen with this fun winter STEAM activity! Click here for full activity.

Grow Your Own Snowflake Winter STEM Activities

Growing Crystals from Borax is a really fun activity to try at home. Here we show you how to grow crystal stars to hang on your Christmas Tree. Click here for full activity.

Melting Snowmen Experiment

Enjoy a cup of coco while doing this adorable science experiment. How fast will each snowman melt? Which will melt first? Does the temperature of the coco make a difference? Have fun testing your hypothesis with these winter STEM activities. Click here for full activity.

How Penguins Stay Dry

We throw on a jacket when the weather gets cold to stay dry and warm, but what do other animals do, like penguins? Show children with this hands-on experiment that allows them to see with their own eyes. Click here for full activity.

Simple Snow and Ice Science

This is a simple idea for a science experiment, which is perfect for experiments at home or in the classroom. Plus, there is a lot of learning that happens. Click here for full activity.

Salt and Ice

Sometimes salt is used on ice to help make it less slippery, but why? This experiment shows, and explains why for curious children. Click here for full activity.

Frozen Bubbles Winter STEM Activities

How beautiful is this frozen bubble? Creating a perfect frozen bubble, is easier than you may think. This is a great experiment for home or the classroom. Click for full activity.

Artificial Snow

If you don’t live in a place with actual snow, or you simply don’t want the cold or the melting mess, there are lots of ways to make fake snow for children to play with. The blue snow looks like lots of fun! Click here for full activity.

Ice Fishing Winter STEM Activity

Can you pick up an ice cube without touching it? This science experiment involves a bit of play and lots of learning. Click here for full activity.

Winter Magic Milk Experiment

Add a fun twist to the always popular magic milk experiment. Make it festive with this Winter Magic Milk experiment. Click here for full activity.

Frost in a Jar

There is a lot of science in this one experiment. Use materials that you already have at home to create some frost in a jar. Click for full activity description.

Oil and Ice Experiment

If you have experimented with oil and water before, you’ll want to try this twist on the experiment. Children will learn about density, color mixing, states of matter and more. Click for full activity.

Ice Tower Winter STEM activity

I’ve always wanted to try this with my kids! Experiments like this are almost magical and create a love and curiosity for science. Click for full activity.

Ice Crystals Science Experiment

There are a lot of big science ideas in this science experiment, and for little learners it gives them a hands-on way to see how ice crystals form and the science behind it. Click here for full activity.

Burning Ice STEM Activity

For older children, with an adult, you can test out if you can burn ice. This is a great experiment for inquiry investigations for older learners. Click here for full activity.

Snow Storm in a Jar

Learn about chemical reactions with this Snow Storm in a Jar. Kids will love creating their own jar and watching it as the reaction occurs. Click here for full activity description.

Glowing Ice Cubes

I don’t know any kids who wouldn’t love playing with these! A simple experiment that shows children how one simple ingredient can change regular ice cubes into glowing ice cubes. Click for full description .

Crystal Snowflakes Winter STEM Activities

There are lots of different ways to create crystal snowflakes. This STEM activity takes these experiments one step further by testing the different ways to create crystal snowflakes and comparing the results. Click for full activity.

Salt + Paper Snowflakes

Add a bit of art to your science class with these salt and paper snowflakes. Children will learn some science as they create beautiful crystal snowflakes for winter. Click here for full activity.

Snowstorm in a Jar

This experiment is beautiful to watch. Children will love doing this hands-on experiment and learning about the chemical reaction that occurs. Even adults will love watching the “snowstorm” that is created. Click here for full activity.

Snowflake Art + Science

Some of the best winter STEM activities involve several different learning experiences. This Crystal Snowflake activity allows children to be creative as they also learn what happens to a salt + water solution when it dries. Even the crystals that form are great to observe carefully. Click for full activity description.

Appearing Snowflakes

There is science in everything! Learn the science behind this art project. Click for full activity.

Hot Chocolate Surprise

Hot chocolate and winter go hand in hand. Have some fun with a cup of coco with this exploding experiment that kids are sure to love. Click here for full activity.

Ice Cube Snowman

Teach about melting ice with this simple experiment that kids will love to watch. Pair this experiment with a classic winter book. Click here for full experiment.

Exploring Magnets + Art

Give children a chance to be creative as they make a skating scene. Add a science lesson to their learning with magnets attached to each skater. Children can learn about magnets and a little bit about how they work with this hands-on art and science project. Click here for full activity.

Optical Illusion Craft + STEM Learning

There is more to this beautiful craft than meets the eye. Children learn about optical illusions with this DIY thaumatrope. Click for instructions.

Engineering Winter STEM Activities

Get kids to create with their hands, with these building challenges – all with a winter theme.

Polar Bear Home STEM Challenge

Grab some marshmallows and toothpicks for this STEM activity. Challenge children to create a home for a polar bear using a few simple materials. You will be amazed by what they can come up with. For full activity click here.

Build a Snowman STEM Challenge

Use a few, creative, materials to challenge children to create a snowman. Using apples and oranges adds to the challenge and the learning, as they roll and the snowman falls. Click for full activity.

Tallest Snowman Winter STEM Activity

How tall can you make your snowman? Challenge children of all ages to create the tallest snowman using a few simple materials. Add to the challenge by requiring the snowman to stand! Click here for full activity.

Building with Snowballs

Learn about balance, shapes and problem solving with this building challenge. Use styrofoam balls, or snowballs, for this STEM building challenge. Click for full activity.

Snowman Popper STEM Challenge

My kids would quickly turn this craft into a STEM challenge. Create this adorable pom pom popper and kids can challenge each other to pop the pom pom the furthest. Children can alter their design as they play to get the furthest distance. Click here for full activity.

Winter STEM Activities – Printable Cards

Looking for some quick and easy winter STEM activities? These free activity cards are perfect to print and have on hand in the classroom or home. Click here to read more.

M ath Winter STEM Activities

Math is often an easy skill to work into your winter STEM activities and can be added very naturally by measuring creations or working with numbers.

Roll and Build a Snowman Math Activity + Printable

Make math fun with this hands-on math activity. Children create their own snowman as they roll the dice. A FREE printable is also available for the activity. Click here for full activity description and worksheet.

Holiday Themed Math Worksheets

Keep the learning happening during the holidays with these FREE Christmas Math Worksheets and games. All worksheets are designed with early learners in mind! Click for more information.

Melting Snowman in a Jar Winter STEM Activity

Add some math to the melting snowman in a jar experiment. Children learn about the changes in the states of matter from snow to water and the volume each takes up. Click here for full activity.

Build a Symmetrical Snowflake

This hands-on math lesson involves creating beautiful, symmetrical snowflakes. Printable worksheet available. Click for full activity description.

FREE Resource Library

Many of the activities included in this collection of Winter STEM Activities can be downloaded from Hands-On Teaching Ideas. If you would like to access all of my free, printable resources, subscribe today and get instant access.

Download a Free STEAM Choice Board today!

When you subscribe you will receive an email with a link to the Free Resource Library. The library is filled with lots of printable learning resources. You can download any files that interest you! Click to subscribe.

More Hands-On Teaching Ideas

Winter is a great time to get a collection of themed resources and activities for kids. Below is a collection of my most popular, and favorite winter activities for kids. From a surprise snowman literacy activity and outdoor education activities to winter crafts and more STEM activities for kids.

If you are looking for more activities to try with children with the winter theme, check out my shop filled with printables for all subjects and themes. Below are my printable Winter activities and escape rooms!

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Forgetful Momma

Secular Homeschooling

Arctic Animals – Science Experiment

I have animal lovers here who have been loving our science curriculum work right now, it’s about animals around the world. This week we learned more about arctic animals and this science experiment is perfect for learning more about them and how they stay warm.

Arctic Animals Science

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

What child isn’t wondering how arctic animals stay warm considering we make our kids wear layers of clothing in the winter and the animals just have fur.

We learned how they live in the cold, how they survive the freezing cold temperatures. Considering my oldest likes to sit down and watch animal documentaries , she loves what we are learning right now. These are some amazing live cameras you can check out to take a virtual field trip to the Arctic .

Right now in our BookShark Science curriculum, we are learning animals from the Usborne World of Animals book .

My kids know what cold is, we don’t shy away from going out in the cold Saskatchewan winters. But arctic cold is something completely different. This is just one of many great arctic animals science experiments.

This is a great arctic animal for kids activity to demonstrate how penguins, polar bears, and other arctic animals stay warm with their layers of fat we grabbed a package of Crisco (vegetable shortening) from the store and did up a bowl of icy cold water.

What You Need:

• latex gloves – optional

What we did to learn how animals stay warm in icy water:

We put a large bowl of water into the freezer to let it get extra cold and then added the ice cubes.

• We put a bare hand into the icy water first, just to get an idea of how cold the water really was.

The original plan was to wear latex gloves, but I couldn’t find them locally, so we simply stuck our hands inside a Ziploc sandwich bag. A bar of shortening is wrapped around the hand, and then another sandwich bag on covering the shortening, to keep it from falling off in the bowl.

It looks crazy but worked out great. And best of all for this Momma, clean-up was basically non-existent because we just had to slip our hand out of the baggie and toss the whole thing in the garbage. A win-win for me.

I didn’t want to cover my bare hand with shortening, and Gauge isn’t a fan of getting dirty, which is what you would be if you covered your hand with shortening.

Kids’ thoughts on this Arctic animals science experiment:

Gauge did think I was crazy when I was covering his hand in shortening, in a bag. And then asked him to put his hand in the water, though he wanted to do it first.

He loved it once he realized his hand wasn’t getting wet or cold. All three took turns doing this and said their hand stayed dry and warm.

This is a fun activity for kids. We did it in the middle of the winter, so it’s fresh in our minds just how cold it can be in the winter cold.

Wooden Polar Bears

Animal Education Learning Posters

Large Wooden Arctic Playset

Montessori Arctic Animals Wooden Matching Game

Learning About Animals in Your Homeschool

Learning About Animals – Animal Research

Animal Activities for Kids

Animal Science Curriculum for Homeschool

Arctic Animals Science Experiment

This week we learned more about arctic animals in the Arctic and Antarctic. We are going to experience just how these animals stay warm.

Instructions

• We put a large bowl of water into the freezer to let it get extra cold, and then added the ice cubes.
• The original plan was to wear latex gloves, but I couldn't find them locally, so we simply stuck our hand inside a Ziploc sandwich bag . A bar of shortening wrapped about the hand, and then another sandwich bag on covering the shortening, to keep it from falling off in the bowl.

Similar posts that you may be interested in:

Soil Testing Science for Gardening

Science YouTube Channels for Kids

Shark Buoyancy Science Experiment

25 Cool Winter Science Activities to do with kids

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Ready to WOW the kids with some AMAZING science? In this post, we are sharing 25 of the coolest Winter science activities to do with the kids. Some are indoors and some are outdoors. There’s snow science, ice play ideas as well as learning the science behind things. Just wait until you see the super long icicles that look like a rainbow and the melting snowman activities!!!

Winter Science Activities for Kids

Snow-themed ideas.

1. Melting Snowman Baking Soda Science

2. Frozen Bubbles

3.  Snowflake Oobleck

4. Borax Crystal Snowman

5. Does Snow Sink or Float?

6.  Snowstorm in a Jar

7.  How to Make Fake Snow

8. The Science of Sledding

9.  Snow and Water Science Experiment

10. Melting Snow Experiment

11.  How Snowshoes Work

12. Launching Snowman Ping Pong Balls With a Lever

Frost and Ice Learning Activities

14. What’s the Fastest Way to Melt Ice?

15. Ice Art Winter Science Activity

16.  Trains in Ice

17.  Fishing for Ice

18.  What Will Freeze First?

19. DIY Frost

20. Creating Colorful Icicles (HUGE!)

More Science Activities

21.  Observing Nature in Winter

22. How Do Animals Stay Warm in Winter?

23. Hot Chocolate Surprise

24. Winter Bells Science Activity

More Winter Activities:

• Handprint and Footprint Winter Animals
• Polar Opposite: Penguin and Polar Bear Crafts
• Fun with Hibernation in Preschool
• Insta-snow Small World Play Idea
• 10 Winter Animals made from Paper Plates

[ess_grid alias=”winter activities”][/ess_grid]

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[ess_grid alias=”learning activities”][/ess_grid]

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22 Magical Winter Science Activities for Preschoolers

Winter is a time of wonder and enchantment, especially for preschoolers eager to explore the mysteries of the season.

From the shimmering snowflakes to the chilly temperatures, there are endless opportunities to engage young minds in the world of science.

These exciting winter science activities for preschoolers are designed to spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and provide hours of educational fun.

Whether it’s creating indoor snowstorms or experimenting with ice, these hands-on experiments will make winter come alive for preschoolers, while fostering their love for learning.

So, grab your little ones and get ready for a winter wonderland of scientific discovery!

Snowflake Symmetry:

Preschoolers are fascinated by the unique shapes and patterns of snowflakes. Use this natural curiosity to introduce the concept of symmetry through a fun activity. Provide the children with white paper and fold it in half to create a symmetrical crease. Let them cut out various shapes along the folded edge, just like cutting out paper snowflakes. Unfolding the paper will reveal a beautiful symmetrical snowflake design. This activity not only encourages fine motor skills but also helps preschoolers understand the concept of symmetry in a visually appealing way.

Melting Ice Exploration:

Frosty Crystal Art: Create stunning frosty crystal art using simple materials like pipe cleaners, Borax, and water. Shape the pipe cleaners into various designs, such as snowflakes or icicles. In a jar or container, create a solution of hot water mixed with Borax powder. Place the pipe cleaner creations into the solution, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave them overnight, and the next day, observe the beautiful frosty crystals that have formed on the pipe cleaners. This activity not only explores the science of crystallization but also allows preschoolers to create their own winter-themed artwork.

Frozen Bubbles:

Bubble-blowing takes on a whole new level of excitement in the winter. Bundle up and head outside on a chilly day to blow bubbles and observe their frozen transformation. Let the preschoolers blow bubbles and watch as they freeze and form delicate ice structures. Discuss the science behind the freezing process and how the cold temperature affects the bubble’s composition. Encourage the children to experiment with different bubble solutions and techniques to see how it impacts the freezing process. This activity combines outdoor exploration, sensory engagement, and scientific observation.

Related: 20 Fun Easter Crafts for 2 Year Old Kids

Arctic Animal Adaptations:

Introduce preschoolers to the amazing adaptations of arctic animals through an interactive storytelling activity. Gather a selection of books or pictures that showcase various arctic animals and their unique features. Read or show the images to the children, highlighting specific adaptations like blubber for insulation or webbed feet for swimming. Afterward, engage the preschoolers in a discussion about how these adaptations help the animals survive in the harsh winter environment. This activity promotes literacy skills while also deepening their understanding of animal adaptations and the natural world.

Rainbow Snow:

Add a splash of color to the white winter landscape by creating rainbow snow. Provide spray bottles filled with water and a few drops of food coloring to the preschoolers. Let them spray the colored water onto the snow and observe as it transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland. This activity introduces the concept of color mixing and allows children to explore the effects of temperature on different substances.

Related: 20 Magic Letter M Activities for Preschool

Hot Chocolate Science:

Combine the cozy comfort of hot chocolate with a dash of science exploration. As you prepare hot chocolate for the preschoolers, discuss the process of heat transfer and how it melts the chocolate powder or solid chocolate into a liquid. Encourage the children to touch the hot mug and observe how the heat transfers from the liquid to their hands. This activity promotes an understanding of heat and temperature while enjoying a delicious winter treat.

Magnetic Ice Fishing:

Transform a classic game into a winter-themed science activity by adding magnets and ice. Freeze small plastic toys or objects with metal components into ice cubes. Fill a basin or tub with water and place the ice cubes in it. Provide magnetic fishing rods or magnets attached to strings for the preschoolers to “fish” out the frozen toys. Discuss how the magnet attracts the metal objects even through the ice. This activity combines sensory play, and fine motor skills, and introduces the concept of magnetism.

Winter Shadow Play:

Take advantage of the lower winter sun and engage preschoolers in a shadow play activity. Head outside on a sunny day and ask the children to stand in different positions to cast their shadows on the ground. Encourage them to observe how their shadows change in size and shape as they move. Discuss the science of shadows, explaining how they are formed by blocking light and how their appearance changes based on the position of the sun. This activity promotes outdoor exploration, observation skills, and an understanding of light and shadows.

Snowball Science Experiment:

Engage preschoolers in a snowball science experiment to explore the concept of force and motion. Gather different objects with varied weights, such as rocks, cotton balls, or small toys. Provide a bucket of snow and ask the children to experiment with rolling the different objects into snowballs. Observe how the size and weight of the objects affect the distance the snowball travels. Discuss the forces involved, such as pushing and rolling, and how they impact the motion of the snowball. This activity promotes hands-on experimentation, critical thinking, and an understanding of basic physics principles.

DIY Ice Lanterns:

Create beautiful ice lanterns with the preschoolers using water, balloons, and natural materials. Fill balloons with water and add small decorative elements like berries, leaves, or twigs. Place the balloons outside to freeze overnight. Once the water is frozen, remove the balloons to reveal stunning ice lanterns. Discuss the science behind the freezing process and how different materials freeze within the ice. Light a candle inside the lanterns to observe the enchanting glow. This activity combines art, nature, and the science of freezing.

Salt Crystal Snowflakes:

Explore the concept of crystallization by making salt crystal snowflakes. Provide the preschoolers with a dark-colored piece of construction paper or cardstock in the shape of a snowflake. Help them outline the snowflake shape with glue. Sprinkle salt generously over the glue and let it sit for a few hours. As the salt dries, beautiful salt crystals will form, resembling snowflakes. Discuss how salt crystals are formed through the process of evaporation and crystallization. This activity encourages fine motor skills and introduces the concept of crystal formation.

Winter Sensory Bottles:

Create captivating winter sensory bottles by filling clear plastic bottles with water, oil, glitter, and small winter-themed objects like mini plastic snowflakes or toy animals. Seal the bottles tightly, ensuring they are leak-proof. Encourage the preschoolers to shake the bottles and observe how the glitter and objects move through the liquid. Discuss the properties of liquids, the concept of density, and how the different materials interact inside the bottle. This activity provides sensory stimulation, encourages observation skills, and introduces scientific concepts.

Winter Bird Feeder:

Support local wildlife during the winter months by making bird feeders with the preschoolers. Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to create bird feeders. Help the children spread peanut butter onto the pinecones and roll them in birdseed. Hang the feeders in a tree outside and observe as birds come to enjoy the treats. Discuss the needs of birds during winter, their feeding habits, and how the bird feeders provide food and support their survival. This activity promotes empathy for nature, observation skills, and understanding of animal behavior.

Snowball Science:

Engage preschoolers in a fun snowball science experiment to explore the properties of snow. Gather different types of snow, such as freshly fallen snow, packed snow, or snow from different areas. Provide magnifying glasses or microscopes for the children to observe the snowflakes closely. Discuss the differences in texture, moisture content, and crystal structures of the snow. Encourage the children to compare and contrast the various types of snow. This activity promotes observation skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the unique properties of snow.

Frozen Baking Soda Science:

Combine the wonders of science and sensory play by conducting a frozen baking soda experiment. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then shape it into small balls or molds. Place the baking soda creations in a container and freeze them overnight. The next day, provide the preschoolers with droppers filled with vinegar and encourage them to squeeze the vinegar onto the frozen baking soda. Observe the bubbling reaction that occurs as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda. Discuss the chemical reaction that takes place and the formation of carbon dioxide gas. This activity introduces basic chemistry concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Winter Shadow Tracing:

On a sunny day, take the preschoolers outside to explore shadows and practice their tracing skills. Set up a large piece of white paper on the ground and invite the children to position themselves to cast their shadows onto the paper. Provide them with crayons or markers to trace the outline of their shadows. Discuss how the position of the sun affects the length and direction of their shadows. This activity promotes observation skills, spatial awareness, and understanding of light and shadow.

Snow Science Sensory Bin:

Create a winter-themed sensory bin filled with snow and various tools for exploration. Fill a large container with clean snow and provide the preschoolers with scoops, shovels, spoons, and other utensils. Encourage them to explore the properties of snow, such as its texture, temperature, and how it changes when manipulated. Add small toys or objects for the children to bury, dig out, or make tracks in the snow. This activity stimulates sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and scientific observation.

Winter Ice Excavation:

Excite preschoolers’ curiosity and fine motor skills with a winter ice excavation activity. Fill a container with water and add small plastic toys or objects. Place the container outside or in the freezer to freeze overnight. The next day, remove the frozen block of ice from the container and provide the children with tools like salt, warm water, or small hammers (under adult supervision) to excavate the toys from the ice. Discuss the effects of temperature and the different methods used to melt the ice. This activity promotes problem-solving skills, and patience, and introduces the concept of states of matter.

Winter Weather Watch:

Engage the preschoolers in observing and documenting winter weather patterns. Create a simple weather chart with categories like sunny, cloudy, snowy, or rainy. Each day, have the children look outside and determine the current weather conditions. They can draw or use stickers to represent the weather on the chart. Encourage discussions about the different types of weather they observe and how it affects the winter season. This activity promotes observation skills, language development, and an understanding of weather patterns.

Recommended:

• 23 Fun Preschool Learning Activities at Home
• 25 Pattern Block Activities for Preschool
• 25 Excellent Outdoor Games for 4 – 5 Year Olds

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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25+ Winter Science Activities – Best Science Activities for Kids

You’ve come to the right place if you are looking for the best Winter Science Activities and Experiments for kids. Fun, hands-on learning science activities will have children exploring snow, making slime recipes, creating crystal snowflake ornaments, learning about winter animals and more. Your kids will love these winter science experiments!

Science Experiments for Preschoolers

25+ Winter Science Activities for Kids

Winter science activities and experiments for preschool, kindergarten and beyond. When the temperature drops and the season changes, it’s a great time to incorporate different types of science activities into your day. Using winter themes makes learning and enjoying science experiments and activities much more exciting.

This winter, reignite the joy of exploration and learning in your classroom or homeschool. Whether you’re on a break from school classes or just want to add something inspirational to your lesson plan, consider adding some fun science experiments for kids into the mix!

These 25 educational experiments will help develop problem-solving skills as well as entertain young minds and engage an enthusiasm for discovery. Read on to find out how these simple activities can inspire curiosity and kick start a lifelong love of learning!

Exploring the Joy of Learning with Science Experiments for Kids

Learning science can be a fun and engaging activity for kids, especially when they explore their natural curiosity with hands-on experiments. Science experiments stimulate children’s brains and help them understand how the world works in ways that textbooks and lectures cannot. Kids learn best when they’re having fun, so incorporating exciting science projects is the perfect way to teach them about various concepts.

Kids can learn about topics like chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and mathematics through engaging activities that use tools like slides, microscopes, magnets, or homemade “labs”. Making learning a game encourages students to think critically and come up with creative solutions to problems. Science experiments are an invaluable tool for inquisitive minds looking to make discoveries and explore the wonders of nature.

Incorporating science experiments into learning sessions can have positive effects on language development as well. Not only will kids gain a greater understanding of subjects related to science, but they will also pick up on the words associated with them—words such as solution, experiment, or hypothesis—which help increase their vocabulary. Moreover, learning through experimentation gives kids the opportunity to communicate their ideas more effectively by talking out loud or writing about what they learned during their experiment.

hands on science activities

Most importantly, though, science experiments help kids develop skills such as problem-solving and analytical thinking, which will prove useful in future endeavors no matter what field they decide to pursue later on in life.

Science experiments also get kids used to working with failure since it’s a part of the scientific process and something that everyone experiences at one point or another while trying something new. Learning how to fail safely is an essential part of growing up and overcoming challenges that life throws our way later on down the road.

Overall, science experiments are an excellent way for kids to learn about their world while having fun simultaneously! Through experimentation, children develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving and improved language capabilities that will aid them in being successful adults later on in life. So why not put your little scientist’s curiosity into action today?

Crystal Snowflake Ornaments

The Mpemba Experiment Science Experiment Freezing Hot Water

How to Make Frozen Bubbles

Spark a Joy of Learning this Winter: 25 Fun and Educational Science Experiments for Kids

affiliate links can be found on this page at no cost to you.

Homemade Bird Feeders and Birdseed Ornaments 

During the winter season, it’s important to create homemade bird feeders for your neighborhood birds so they can get to a meal regardless of the weather conditions.

Frosty Winter Slime Recipe

Homemade Snow 

Winter Animals Activities – Hibernation and Migration for Preschool and Kindergarten 

Benefits of Adding Fun Science Experiments for Kids to Your Learning Plan 

Adding fun science experiments to a learning plan is an incredibly beneficial way to engage kids and spark their interest in science. Not only do these experiments help foster excitement and enthusiasm, but they also help kids better understand the concepts they’re learning.

Experiments can bring abstract ideas to life and make them more tangible, allowing kids to interact with the material in ways that traditional education methods cannot. Furthermore, by actively exploring the scientific process, children develop valuable problem solving skills that will serve them well in the future.

Beyond just the educational benefits of adding experiments to a learning plan, these activities are simply a great deal of fun for kids!

Experiments give children an opportunity to experiment and explore their environment, as well as learn through trial and error. It’s an excellent avenue for creative exploration and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. Additionally, many experiments involve materials most kids already have around their homes or items which can be easily acquired at a local store or online. This means that you don’t need special equipment or supplies—just everyday objects and your imagination!

Science Activities for Kids

Ice Science Experiment: Can You Get Ice To Burn? from schoolingamonkey.com

Winter Science Investigation: Why We Salt The Roads In The Winter from rainydaymum.co.uk

Insta Snow Science Experiments from coffeecupsandcrayons.com

Christmas Science Experiment For Kids from kcedventures.com

Painted Ice Lanterns from willowday.net

Winter Density Jar Science Experiment For Kids from lemonlimeadventures.com

Kindergarten Science Experiments

Easy winter science experiments.

Hot Cocoa And Marshmallows Melting Snowman Activity For Winter from artscrackers.com

How Arctic Animals Stay Warm In Icy Water from icanteachmychild.com

Learn About Hot And Cold Temperature Science Experiments For Kids  from alittlepinchofperfect.com

Crystallized Icicle Ornaments With Borax from happyhooligans.ca

Icy Snowman Winter Sensory Play And Science Experiment from fantasticfunandlearning.com

Winter Science Experiment: How Much Water Is In Snow? from kcedventures.com

Snowy Winter Volcano Science Experiment For Kids from lifeovercs.com

Instant Ice Winter Science Experiment from livingwellmom.com

Hot Chocolate Surprise Winter Science For Kids from fantasticfunandlearning.com

Frozen Excavations from lemonlimeadventures.com

Erupting Snowballs Winter Science Activity from wunder-mom.com

Science Activities

Winter Activities for Kids

Studies have shown that if you like this, you will also love the following articles. I have pulled them together for you right here!

25+ Winter Sensory Activities for Kids 

21+ January Preschool Themes and Lesson Plans 

35+ Winter Preschool Activities and Free Printables 

FOR THE BEST  SENSORY ACTIVITIES  AND  SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS  FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST 

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How do Polar Bears stay warm in winter?

January 6, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

This blubber experiment is a simple, easy way to demonstrate how animals ( not just polar bears ) stay warm in cold temperatures. There are some fun polar bear facts at the bottom of the page too. How many do you already know?

The same experiment works for talking about how penguins stay warm in winter as well!

First we talked about how some animals live in a very cold environment and I asked the children how they thought those animals stayed warm. The first answer was that animals have fur to keep them warm, then we talked about how humans stay warm in cold weather. We put on extra clothes, we warm up our environment by putting on the heating and we stay indoors more. Animals don’t have those options, but one way they can stay warm is by growing a thick layer of fat, which acts as an insulator to keep them warm.

Polar Bears are extremely well insulated and have a  layer of blubber that can be up to 10cm thick covered with another 15cm of fur. They also have black skin under their fur which helps to trap heat.

We set up this simple activity to demonstrate how blubber helps keep animals warm.

Blubber Experiment Materials

Lard or shortening

Latex gloves

Ice or snow

Washing up bowl

Blubber Experiment Instructions

Place ice and water in a washing up bowl.

Carefully place your hands in the ice water and time how long you can keep them in the water before it gets uncomfortable – be careful not to leave them in longer than that.

Put the glove on and cover with lard.

Put the gloved hand in the ice water and time how long it takes to feel uncomfortable this time.

You should find that the lard acts as an insulator and protects your hand from the cold of the icy water.

What is an insulator?

An insulator is something that doesn’t easily allow heat to escape. In this investigation the lard is insulating your hand from the icy cold water.

Blubber Investigation Extension Ideas

If you have a thermometer can you record the water temperature?

How do polar bears stay warm in winter?

Some animals hibernate, they build a den or burrow and sleep for the colder months. Their body temperature drops and heart rate slows down to conserve energy.

Other animals migrate for Winter, this means they move to a warmer climate where food is available.

Some animals adapt to the change in climate. They grow warmer fur or feathers or grow a layer of insulating fat. The fat also acts as a food store for when food is scarce.

Polar Bear Facts

Did you know Polar Bears only live at the North Pole ( Arctic ) and Penguins at the South Pole ( Antarctic )?

Polar bears mostly eat seals.

Female polar bears usually weigh about half as much as male polar bears.

Polar bears can run at speeds of 25mph on land.

Did you know polar bears can live to around 30 years old!

Polar bears have hollow, colourless fur which traps the sun’s heat to keep them warm.

Polar bears can overheat in summer when temperatures are the highest. They often roll in snow to cool down.

Polar bears have an amazing sense of smell and can smell seals 1km away!!

This post is also part of my Around the World in 50 Experiments series!

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

January 29, 2019 at 8:16 am

If we humans live in such an environment? I wonder how we can best keep warm without too much scientific intervention?

January 10, 2022 at 7:14 pm

Do they gloves have to be latex ?

January 12, 2022 at 2:02 pm

You just need to be able to feel the cold through them and not mind them getting covered in lard 🙂

May 28, 2022 at 3:33 am

At the zoo I worked at they did this experiment with gallon sized ziploc bags. They had two taped together with the lard in between. It was used multiple times by different people.

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8 Fun Winter Science Experiments and Activities

Once the temperature dips, people and animals alike seek out ways to keep warm. The cold weather is also the perfect time to learn more about the science behind common winter themes.

Winter Science Activities

Between the holiday season, winter break, and cozy time spent indoors, you can look for time to teach kids about science and conduct our easy winter science experiments and activities. These activities put a wintry spin on various science topics—and can be conducted in or away from school.

Activity 1: Explore Cooling, Grade 2

• Key Standard: Construct an argument with evidence that some changes caused by heating or cooling can be reversed and some cannot.

In many parts of the country, wintertime sees some of the lowest temperatures of the year, which can potentially lead to freezing weather. In this winter-themed science experiment, students investigate the phenomenon: some materials change when heat is taken away, while others remain the same. 

What You’ll Need:

• A wooden block
• Access to a freezer

Please feel free to modify the materials list based on what you have on hand. Have students predict what might happen to the items after putting them in the freezer, then let them freeze overnight. The next day, have students discuss whether the changes that happened to each item are reversible or irreversible. To determine the answers to these questions, have students leave all the items out for about a day at room temperature to see what happens. Download the activity below, which includes an explanation of the phenomenon being explored.

• Download Student Activity
• Download Teacher Guide

Activity 2: Create Animal Tracks, Grades K–3

• Key Standard: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
• Key Standard: Conduct an investigation to determine whether the mixing of two or more substances results in new substances.

There are still quite a few animals out and about, leaving their tracks in the winter snow. Tracks can reveal much about an animal, such as its size, speed, and species. Luckily, students don’t need access to an outdoor winter wonderland to learn more about the stories that animal tracks can tell.

Have students research to learn more about animal tracks. After researching, have students make their own tracks in fake snow. You can share this animal tracks guide with your students, such as this one on almanac.com , or have them research their chosen animal independently. Next, have them make the “fake snow”:

• To prepare the “snow,” combine two cups of baking soda with two tablespoons of salt.
• Slowly add clear liquid dish soap until you’re able to properly shape the “snow.”

As an alternative, instead of creating fake snow, students can draw or paint animal tracks on a white piece of paper if that’s more convenient. Encourage students to use whatever tools that might help them come as close as possible to the tracks they wish to create. They can make one track or multiple.

Afterward, have students share their tracks and discuss:

• The animal tracks they chose to create
• Their creative process
• Additional facts about the animal (such as the type of animal, habitat, diet, and whether it’s a predator or prey)

Activity 3: Conduct a Scavenger Hunt, Grades K–5

• Key Standard: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.

There’s never a wrong time for a scavenger hunt—even if it’s cold outside. Put together a list for students to find. We provided some ideas below; finding these items requires students to layer up and brave the outdoors.

Activity 4: Investigate the Science Behind Winter Sports, Grades 3–8

• Key Standard: Support an argument that the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects is directed down.
• Key Standard: Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

There are plenty of phenomena in winter sports that students can study. For this winter science activity, give students a list of science terminology like the terms below and have them provide examples of how they can be found in winter sports :

For example, a student might say that acceleration can be found in sledding as the sled travels downhill. Or friction can be found in skiing ; it’s found where the bottom of the skis runs against the surface of the snow.

Activity 5: Research Winter Phenomena, Grades 3–8

• Key Standard: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

Some phenomena only occur during winter. These natural events, such as freezing waterfalls, Nor’easters, black ice, and blizzards, can be quite beautiful to see or dangerous to encounter. Have students research a winter weather phenomenon. Then, have them present their findings on a poster. They can include:

• The name of the phenomenon and a definition
• A photo or drawing of the phenomenon
• Where the phenomenon usually occurs
• Facts about the phenomenon that students find interesting

Activity 6: Study Glaciers, Grade 4–8

• Key Standard: Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
• Key Standard: Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
• Key Standard: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.

In some parts of the world, the environment is cold enough to form glaciers, which are large sheets of ice that stay frozen all year long. Have students learn more about glaciers and their movement through a winter science experiment.

• Ice in a plastic cup
• Sand, gravel
• A piece of cardboard
• A large ball of clay

First, students should flatten the clay to cover the cardboard and sprinkle sand on top. Afterward, have them create a slope by placing the wooden block under one end of the cardboard. Have students push the ice (acting as a “glacier”) down the cardboard and write down their observations. Have them repeat the process with the gravel and then the dirt. Download the activity below, which dives deeper into the phenomenon: frozen water can shape Earth’s surface slowly.

• Download Teacher Guide

Middle school students can study glaciers, too, and how disappearing glaciers indicate climate change. Have students research glaciers and climate change:

• Disappearing Glaciers: A Lesson in Climate Change for Middle and High School
• Climate Change: Mountain Glaciers
• Climate Change Indicators: Glaciers

We recommend having students decide how to present their learning, for example, by giving a presentation, creating a video, or moderating a discussion.

Activity 7: Learn More about the Winter Solstice, Grades K–5

• Key Standard: Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.
• Key Standard: Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.

Inspire students to explore the winter solstice, which occurs annually on December 21 or 22. During this time, the Northern Hemisphere tilts the farthest away from the Sun. Provide a range of options for students to learn more about this occurrence:

• Combine writing and science by having students explain the winter solstice through a short story. Alternatively, they can make a multimedia presentation or even a comic strip.
• Have students compare the winter solstice to the summer solstice using a Venn diagram .
• Longer nights bring forth the chance for extended star gazing! Encourage students to survey the night sky to seek out winter constellations.

Activity 8: Make a Habitat Diorama, Grades K–5

• Key Standard: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat, some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Students might wonder about animals like polar bears, reindeer, and wolverines that primarily live in the most frigid landscapes. Explain to students what arctic, habitat , and diorama mean. Ask students to research an arctic animal and its natural habitat. Then, have them create a habitat diorama .

• Cardboard boxes
• Various arts and crafts supplies
• Natural objects

After creating the background scenery and adding objects, students can create a figure of their animal to add to the diorama.

Have students present their dioramas to the class, explaining their chosen animal’s natural habitat. Consider coordinating this activity with a science lesson on animal habitats.

Share Your Winter Science Projects

What are some of your favorite winter science activities and experiments that touch on both relevant scientific topics and wintry themes? Share your ideas with us via email at [email protected] or reach out on Instagram or Facebook .

Learn more about HMH’s science curriculum , designed to encourage student-directed learning and open students’ minds to a world of scientific thinking.

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20+ Creative Winter STEM Activities for Preschoolers

When searching for winter STEM activities for kids , it’s easy to see that not all winter STEM projects are suitable for preschoolers. Because of this, it’s important to find winter STEM activities for preschoolers that match their learning level and developmental ability. All of these preschool winter STEM activities are created with preschoolers in mind and will provide your preschool classroom with tons of easy winter STEM activities throughout the season.

Keep reading to get all the essential information and resources you need to successfully teach winter STEM to preschoolers!

Table of Contents

Winter preschool lesson planning resources.

Here are some resources and activities that you can teach your preschoolers during the winter season. Add any of the fun STEM activities for preschoolers listed below and your winter science unit is complete!

Winter STEM Activity Ideas for Preschoolers

Preschoolers can engage in fun and educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities during the winter season. Here are some ideas that you can try with your preschoolers this year.

Go outside and observe real snowflakes up close. Discuss their unique shapes and patterns. You can use a magnifying glass to get a closer look.

Freeze various objects or toys in containers of water. Let preschoolers explore the ice, observing how it melts and experimenting with different ways to melt it faster (e.g., warm water, salt, or even their breath).

Discuss the concept of snow and how it forms. You can demonstrate making your own “snow” using baking soda and white hair conditioner. It creates a cold, moldable substance that mimics snow.

Look for animal tracks in the snow and discuss which animals might have left them. You can also make animal track stamps using toy animals and paint.

Keep a winter weather journal. Record daily temperatures, types of precipitation, and observations about the weather. Discuss patterns and changes over time.

Make hot chocolate together and practice measuring ingredients. Talk about concepts like temperature, melting, and mixing.

Freeze colored ice cubes and let preschoolers use them to create colorful artwork on paper as they melt.

Create a sensory bin filled with fake snow or rice, along with small toys or objects for children to dig through and explore.

Winter Themes for Preschool

Here are some key concepts and topics you can introduce to preschoolers to help them learn about the winter season.

• Seasons: Begin by explaining that there are four seasons, and winter is one of them. Show pictures or visuals that represent each season, including winter.
• Weather: Discuss the typical winter weather, such as cold temperatures, snow, ice, and frost. Explain that winter follows fall and comes before spring.
• Clothing: Teach them about the importance of dressing warmly in winter. Show them different winter clothing items like coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots. Have them practice putting on and taking off these items.
• Snow: If you live in an area with snow, talk about how snowflakes form and why snow is cold and white. You can also teach them about different types of precipitation, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
• Animals in Winter: Discuss how animals adapt to the cold winter weather. Explain concepts like hibernation, migration, and how some animals grow thicker fur or feathers.
• Winter Activities: Share common winter activities like sledding, ice skating, building snowmen, and having snowball fights. You can also discuss indoor activities that people enjoy during the winter.
• Winter Foods: Talk about seasonal winter foods like hot cocoa, soup, and roasted marshmallows. You can even have a simple cooking activity like making hot chocolate together.
• Winter Safety: Teach them about safety during winter, including the importance of staying warm, not going out in extremely cold weather without proper clothing, and being cautious of icy sidewalks.

Winter STEM Classroom Sets

If you don’t have time to gather the supplies yourself, you’ll love these winter science experiment kits for the classroom!

Most of these fun experiment boxes are designed for elementary school, but many of them touch on middle school science topics as well.

Weather STEM Kit

Snow Scoop STEM Challenge

Igloo STEM Challenge

Winter STEM Kit

Supplies for Kids Winter STEM Activities

To teach winter preschool STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, you’ll need a variety of supplies to make the learning experience engaging and hands-on. Here’s a list of supplies you might need for these activities:

• Real snow or fake snow
• Small jars or containers
• Ice cube trays
• Magnifying glasses
• Sugar cubes
• Marshmallows
• Craft sticks
• Winter animal figures
• Craft supplies
• Winter sensory materials
• Weather chart
• Seasons chart
• Outdoor thermometer
• Paper plates
• Weather journal
• Safety goggles

My Favorite STEM Products for the Preschool Classroom

These STEM products are perfect for the preschool STEM classroom!

Homer Technology App for Kids 4-6

Mel Science Classroom STEM Kits

Classroom Balance Buckets

Primary Sorting Classroom Bundle

Transparent Color Cubes

Clixo Rainbow Classroom Pack

Pet Home STEM Challenge

Stacking Mirror Blocks

Magnification Blocks

Gravity Physics Tubes

Specimen Viewers Classroom Set

How to Introduce Winter Weather Science to Preschoolers

Introducing winter and the STEM concepts that go along with that in your preschool classroom isn’t difficult, but there are a few ways to help the information stick in your preschoolers’ minds.

Begin by explaining basic concepts like cold, freezing, and snow. Use age-appropriate language and visuals to make it easy to understand.

Go outside on a cold day and let them feel the chilly air. Ask questions like, “How does it feel outside today?” Encourage them to use words like “cold” and “freezing.”

Teach your preschoolers that snowflakes come in various shapes and sizes. You can make paper snowflakes together as a craft activity.

Talk about how some animals hibernate, migrate, or adapt to cold weather. Discuss how animals like polar bears have thick fur to keep warm.

Create a simple weather journal where they can draw pictures or use stickers to represent the weather each day. Discuss patterns they observe.

Talk about how meteorologists predict the weather. You can use simple weather apps or charts to discuss daily weather forecasts.

Winter Weather Books for Kids

These STEM books for winter will teach kids about winter weather in a fun, colorful way!

STEM Through the Months: Winter

National Geographic Winter Wonderland

Watching the Seasons Winter

All about Winter Weather Book

Snow: My Incredible World

Curious about Snow

The Story of Snow Science Book

The Winter Solstice

Hello Winter Science Book

Hands-on Winter STEM Activities for Preschoolers

Here is the ultimate list of winter STEM activities for preschool that are ideal for preschoolers and kids aged 3-5.

Start your STEM activities with winter by choosing one of these Animals in Winter Preschool Activities .

You can follow up the animals in winter activities with any of these Hibernation Science Activities for Preschool

Winter animal science experiments provide even more ways for preschoolers to learn about winter and how animals adapt.

There are tons of winter fine motor activities that can help preschoolers strengthen pre-writing skills while learning about weather.

These preschool snowman printables teach essential topics for preschoolers with a fun snowman them.

For a fun winter sensory activity, make this easy winter slime with your preschool class.

Here is a long list of fun winter science experiments for preschoolers that can be done in a classroom or home setting.

If your kids are even a bit too young for preschool, check out this list of winter science experiments for toddlers.

If it’s the start of the year, try these fun New Year activities for preschool .

Transform winter into math with these hands-on counting penguins activities .

With these ice activities for preschool, preschoolers can learn tons about the science of ice and weather.

As an artistic expression, make some of these snowman crafts for kids in your preschool classroom.

Penguin STEM activities are the ultimate way to celebrate winter and have fun learning in the preschool classroom.

Winter Teacher Shirts

Here are some fun shirts that teachers will love wearing during the winter months.

Winter Things Teacher Shirt

Spread Kindness Like Snowflakes Teacher Shirt

Proud Supporter of Snow Days Teacher Shirt

Reading is Snow Much Fun Teacher Shirt

I Need a Snow Day Teacher Shirt

Up to Snow Good Teacher Shirt

Supporter of Snow Days Teacher Sweatshirt

Winter Themes Teacher Shirt

Share this project with a friend!

Winter Animal Activities for Preschoolers

Winter doesn’t have to mean endless days spent indoors, especially for kids! During this time of year, introduce your kids to these fun winter animal activities for preschoolers that will help spark their curiosity about nature and wildlife during the winter season.

Preparing for your child’s winter lessons? See more of my fun winter activities for kids here!

From creating winter animal sensory bins to constructing adorable walruses, penguins, and polar bears out of paper plates and cotton balls, there are plenty of activities your preschooler can do during the colder months!

These unique winter animal projects are fun for you and your kiddo – and they’re sure to ignite a love for learning for your kids that lasts even after winter has passed.

This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.

See a list of my favorite Amazon Deals for your home and homeschool.

What animals are associated with winter?

Winter is here and many animals that inhabit our planet have unique and different ways of adapting to the cold climate, and our kids are always excited to learn about these winter animals!

Polar Bears

Polar Bears are a perfect animal to introduce preschoolers to the world of winter animals. With their thick and snowy white fur, they can keep themselves warm in the harsh weather of winter.

Penguins are another adorable and playful (and probably the most famous) winter animal that many children love. These aquatic birds are known for swimming, waddling, and jumping in the icy waters of Antarctica.

Arctic Foxes

Arctic Foxes can change the color of their fur according to the season, which allows them to hide from their predators. You can even show videos of Arctic Foxes to your children in their habitat to help kids learn more about their winter survival techniques.

Reindeer are an excellent example of winter animals that your kids can learn about. You can teach your little ones about the reindeer’s sense of smell and how it plays a crucial role in finding food even in snow-covered landscapes.

Recommended Winter Animal Books

Introduce winter animals to your preschoolers through engaging stories, cool characters and fun facts in these specially curated winter animal books.

Your child will enjoy traveling through the snow to learn more about these animals.

Recommended Winter Printable Activities

Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Winter

Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your preschooler or kindergartener entertained and learning during the winter months? Look no further than this Little Learners Print & Go Activity Kit: Winter! It includes 144 pages of math, fine motor, and literacy activities, all designed to help your little one learn and grow.

Winter Addition Cards

Math doesn’t have to be a bore. Try these Winter addition cards and bring the spirit of winter indoors while you stay warm and snuggly.

Addition doesn’t have to be done with boring worksheets, use clothespins or laminate them and have the child use a dry erase marker to choose the correct answer.

Recommended Winter Animal Toys

Unleash the magic of winter with these recommended winter animal toys for kids! Designed to spark curiosity and foster learning, these winter toys promise hours of frosty fun for your little ones.

Winter is not just for snowball fights and hot chocolate. It's a wonderland of learning opportunities for preschoolers at home. This list of winter animals activities will take your kids on an exciting journey to explore how our furry friends survive the chilly season.

Polar Animals Play Dough Tray

Your kids can familiarize themselves with the most common Arctic animals while exercising their hand grip and sensory skills in this fun play dough activity,

Easy Penguin Sensory Bin

Let your child explore their multiple senses through this fun and easy-to-make penguin sensory bin!

Penguin Lacing Cards

This fun penguin lacing card activity will help your child develop their hand-eye coordination as well as their fine motor skills while having an enjoyable time.

Polar Bear Paper Plate Craft

Let your preschoolers express their creativity this winter season in this adorable polar bear paper plate craft.

Easy Polar Bear Sensory Bin

Provide your kids the opportunity to explore and learn through playing with their hands using this easy polar bear sensory bin.

W for Walrus Craft

Crafting helps children boost self-confidence and self-expression and this adorable Walrus craft is a great way to start!

Cupcake Liner Moose Craft

What's more fun than making a winter animal activity using the easiest and most available supplies you can find at home?

How to Make a Water Bottle Penguin Craft for Kids

Penguins are probably one of the most famous winter animals. Let your children's imagination fly high while making this cute water bottle penguin craft.

Moose Handprint Craft For Kids

This fun activity will develop your child's tracing skills, and scissor skills as they make a moose out of their own handprints in this fun activity.

Handprint Arctic Fox Craft

Another adorable handprint craft for your preschoolers involves nothing less than one of the most beautiful winter animals there is - an Arctic fox!

Paper Walrus Craft For Kids

This engaging winter activity will help your kids recognize shapes and sizes while expressing their creativity in making a cute paper walrus.

Waddling Penguin Preschool Craft

Make the most adorable penguins using the simplest art materials you can mostly find at home in this engaging and fun waddling penguin craft for preschoolers.

Easy 3D Edible Marshmallow Polar Bear Craft

Introducing winter animal activities to your preschoolers can be fun and interactive. It’s a great opportunity to teach young children about the different winter animals, their characteristics, and their adaptations to survive in the cold climate while engaging in fun and creative activities.

More Winter Activities

Snowy Winter Slime Recipe

Winter Activities for Preschool

Winter Crafts for Preschool

Winter STEM Activities

Winter Snap Cubes Activities by Homeschool Preschool

Frozen Snowflake Sensory Bottle by Darcy and Brian

I share educational printables and activities to help homeschoolers make learning science fun and engaging!

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