10 Low Cost Ways to Play This Winter Season (and Beyond)

Winter can be cozy and magical - but it can also feel long, busy and sometimes overwhelming. More time indoors can often come with more pressure to do more, entertain more, and buy more. But finding fun ways to play doesn’t come from more stuff. What kids actually need most is the space to create and imagine. 

Some of the most meaningful play experiences don’t require a shopping list at all. In fact, no-cost or low-cost play often leads to deeper engagement, longer attention spans and more independence, especially during the cozy (and sometimes “cabin fever” winter months).

Here are 10 simple, low prep ways to incorporate play into your winter days - using what you already have. 

1.) Hot Chocolate Tea Party

Kids love being part of creating something in the kitchen (just like they see us do) and this is a safe, contained way to do just that. Let them help scoop cocoa, stir in milk, add marshmallows and sprinkles, stir and pour, then invite their favorite stuffies or dolls to a “tea party.”

It’s imaginative play, practical life skills and connection all rolled into one, and what we’ve found is that the ritual of creating the tea party often becomes more exciting than the drink itself.

2.) Pretend Vacation

Whether you’re traveling or staying home, pretend vacation play can last days. Invite your child to choose a destination, pack for themselves (or their favorite character toys, stuffies, or dolls) and “travel” there together. We love using our WeeWander backpacks and accessories for this exact play experience. The backpacks, snack box, water bottle, blanket, and stuffed animals from the WeeWander collection are what inspired this play idea. My kids love the packing, the role-playing and the sense of ownership. Pretend travel builds independence, storytelling skills, confidence, and also makes the real travel day feel easier because they’ve gotten practice!

3.) Cardboard Box Transformation

A giant cardboard box, as you may already know, might be the most underrated toy there is. It can instantly become an airplane, train, boat or hotel room for the pretend travel listed above, or simply a new surface to draw on. No instructions needed unless you want to really inspire something and make it a challenge. Prompt your kids with “let’s see what you can come up with, just using this box! Ready, Set, Go!” Let their imagination lead. 

4.) Turn Your Home into The World

Think of your house as a map:

• Behind the couch = ski lodge

• Bathroom = tropical island

• Bedroom = animal safari

• Kitchen = cruise ship

You don’t even need props, just language (and maybe some hand made signs). Naming spaces invites imaginative play without adding any clutter. 

5.) Homemade Play Dough 

Making play dough together is just as valuable as playing with it. Kids love measuring, mixing and watching ingredients turn into something new. Here is our favorite simple playdough recipe:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup salt

2 tablespoons of oil

1 and ¼ cup of warm water

Optional: food coloring and scents like cinnamon, peppermint extract or vanilla 

In a bowl mix flour and salt. Add oil slowly and pour warm water while stirring. Knead with your hands until it forms a soft dough. Add more water or flour as needed for desired consistency. 

The magic here is process over product, creating something together and then playing with that creation.

6.) Wrap Mini Gifts for Stuffies

Use small boxes (jewelry boxes work well) to wrap “gifts” for dolls, animals or action figures. Kids can practice wrapping, gifting and storytelling - all without buying anything new. This often mirrors what they're seeing during the holidays in a playful, pressure-free way. It can keep the holidays going long after they’re over. 

7.) Painter’s Tape Obstacle Course

A roll of painters tape can go a long way. Create lines to walk, shapes to jump between or simple obstacle paths on the floor. It’s gross motor play, problem-solving and body awareness, perfect for winter days when getting outside feels harder. 

8.) Make a Donation Drive

Winter clean-outs don’t have to happen to kids, they can happen with them. Read together what items can be donated, sort into bins and talk about where the items are going. This builds empathy, organization skills and a sense of contribution and gratitude - all through a shared activity. 

9.) DIY Matching Game

Have your child draw pairs of pictures (shapes, animals, faces), cut them into cards and play a matching game together. If you have a laminator, even better (but not required). Kids love playing games they created themselves!

10.) Potion Making in the Bath

The bathtub - during bath time or not - is the perfect, contained space for sensory play. Add foam soap, a few drops of essential oils, cups, strainers, spoons and invite your child to make “potions.” It’s calming, creative and often turns long days indoors in the winter (or the every day routine of bath time) into something special. 

Play truly doesn’t need to cost much and doesn’t need to be elaborate or instagram-worthy to be meaningful. Often, the simplest invitations, especially those that involve kids as active participants, create the longest lasting memories. When we shift the focus from what we buy to how we connect, play becomes easier, more fun and far more magical.