38 DIY Winter Crafts for Kids (2024)

Winter Craft Ideas and Art Projects

Winter is the perfect time to get crafty. Once the kids are finished building snowmen and sledding outside, they can come inside, sit by a nice warm fire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and do some fun winter crafts! This is such a fun way to spend some family time together.

To give you some GREAT ideas, we’ve gathered enough winter craft ideas and art projects to last you the entire season! We’ve included puppet ideas, snowman crafts, paper crafts, and more…and they’re perfect for elementary students, preschoolers, kids, and even adults.

Some of them you might already have the supplies for, so you can get crafting right away! Anyway, take a look at the ideas and be sure to pin this post or bookmark it so you don’t lose them 🙂

1. Gingerbread Man Paper Bag Puppet

You may already have some of the supplies for this craft handy at home, so this should be super easy! Plus, the tutorial gives you a printable template to make everything even easier.

Supplies:

Kraft paper
Colored card stock (pink, red, green and yellow)
White card stock
Black marker
Scissors
Glue stick
Brown paper bag
Gingerbread man template

Get the full tutorial at Simple Everyday Mom.

2. Mix n Match Stone Snowmen

If your kids love rock painting they’re going to really enjoy this craft idea! You’ll have to go out into the winter cold to find some stones first, but hopefully, you already have some on hand or close by!

Supplies:

Stones
White paint
Sharpies

Get the full tutorial at In The Playroom.

3. Snowman Puppets

This is such a clever and creative way to use clothespins! The tutorial even has some free printable templates to make crafting the snowmen as easy as possible.

Supplies:

Printable template
Clothespin
Markers
Scissors
Glue
Decorative accessories (feathers, beads, small buttons, felt scraps, etc.)

Get the full tutorial and Moms and Crafters.

4. Winter Windsock

Here’s another super simple winter craft with minimal supplies needed. I think these windsocks would look great hung up in a kid’s bedroom!

Supplies:

Toilet paper roll
Blue paint
White and blue tissue paper (or napkins or old newspaper)
Paintbrush
Snowflake punch (or paint)
Hole puncher
White paper
Yarn for hanging

Get the full tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.

5. Grinch Handprint

Handprint crafts are always great mementos and this grinch craft is adorable! It a great learning activity for kids too as it requires a bit of preciseness, but not too much to be overwhelming.

Supplies:

Colored cardstock (white, red, light green and dark green)
Hole punch or large googly eyes
Green pom pom (optional)
Scissors
Glue stick
Black marker
Grinch template

Get the full tutorial at Simple Every Day Mom.

6. Snowman Slime

A lot of kids LOVE slime and making it isn’t too difficult (we’ve done a few slime recipes ourselves – check out this DIY glitter slime). Just make sure to read the precautions in this tutorial before making it!

Supplies:

Black cardstock and red glitter paper for snowman hat
Small black buttons
Googly eyes
Orange felt

Get the full tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.

7. Pom Pom Mittens

It doesn’t get much simpler than this! These pom pom mittens are a fun craft for preschoolers as pom poms are just one of the most fun craft supplies ever!

Supplies:

Card stock
Yarn
Hole punch
Pencil
Scissors
White glue
Pom poms

Get the full tutorial at No Time for Flashcards.

8. Puffy Paint Snowglobe

Puffy paint is always a blast for kids, and you don’t even need to buy any for this snowglobe craft! It’s all homemade and it looks amazing.

Supplies:

Snowglobe template
Colored cardstock (light blue, green, brown and multicolor)
Elmers Glue
Shaving cream
Paintbrush
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at Simple Everyday Mom.

9. Paper Plate Wreath

If you want to do a little bit of winter decorating, this paper plate wreath is a great place to start. It’s super simple too as it requires barely any materials and you don’t even need glue if you pick up some foam stickers from the dollar store.

Supplies:

Paper plate
Snowflake stickers
Crayons or markers
Hole punch
Ribbon

Get the full tutorial at Glitter On A Dime.

10. More Mittens!

We already included a paper mitten craft above but I thought I’d include this one too just in case you need more ideas! There are so many fun ways to customize DIY mittens.

Supplies:

Printable mitten pattern
White cardstock
Washable paint
Paintbrushes
Scissors
Sequins, foam stickers, pom poms, paper punches, construction paper, and buttons
Yarn
Tape

Get the full tutorial at Fireflies and Mud Pies.

11. Wintery Cardinal

Here’s another cute handprint craft, but this one requires kids to plan and layout an entire wintery scene! I love this idea.

Supplies:

Colored cardstock or paper (red, black, white, golden yellow, brown, and light blue)
Cotton balls
Glue stick
Googly eyes (optional)

Get the full tutorial at Simple Everyday Mom.

12. Handprint Penguin

I hope you’re enjoying all the handprint crafts so far! These handprint penguins are pretty funny looking and super easy to make.

Supplies:

White felt
Black cardstock
Orange cardstock
Googly eyes
White pom poms

Get the full tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.

13. No-Sew Sock Snowman

This craft idea is SO cute! The kids will have so much fun filling and accessorizing their sock snowman.

Supplies:

White sock
Sock in color for the hat
Rice
Rubber bands (or thread)
Colorful buttons
Ribbons
Glue gun
Markers or paint
Orange pom poms

Get the full tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.

14. Waterless Snow Globes

While these waterless snow globes may look a bit intricate at first, they’re actually pretty simple to make! Plus, this is a great craft for kids as it encourages a lot of sensory development.

Supplies:

Glass jars
Artificial snow
Hot glue gun
Assorted mini Christmas trees
Mini snowmen
Spray adhesive (optional)
Glitter (optional)
Krylon Glitter Blast (or white spray paint)

Get the full tutorial at Tidy Mom.

15. Paper Plate Snow Globes

These snow globes are really neat because they utilize a clear plate and styrofoam balls for a real snow globe effect. And of course, the kids can customize the image on the plate!

Supplies:

Plastic plate snow globe craft template
Clear plastic plates
Black construction paper
Clear school glue
Crayons or oil pastels
Watercolor paints
Styrofoam craft snow
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at Fireflies and Mud Pies.

16. Symmetrical Snowflakes

This winter art project is a fun one and an educational one! It combines a bit of math with art and allows kids to get really creative with their ideas.

Supplies:

Blue construction paper
Glue
Scissors
Q-tips

Get the full tutorial at Green Kid Crafts.

17. Beaded Snowflakes

Continuing on with mathematical snowflake crafts, this one is educational like the one above, but instead of Q-tips and construction paper, you’ll need some beads and pipe cleaner! Some kids will enjoy working with these materials more, so try out both.

Supplies:

Pipe cleaners
Pony beads

Get the full tutorial at Early Learning Ideas.

18. Peppermint Playdough

Peppermint playdough definitely sounds like a strange mix at first, but the end result looks really fun! It’s filled with glitter so the kids will love the look of it, and there are so many different ways to play with it.

P.S. Check out our homemade playdough recipe.

Supplies:

2 cups of flour
1/2 cup of salt
1 cup of warm-hot water
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
Glitter
Peppermint essential oil

Get the full tutorial at Active Littles.

19. Paper Plate Grinch

Here’s another way to make the grinch but this time, paper plate style. I think the kids will have a lot of fun with this one and the printable template makes things really simple.

Supplies:

20. Snowman Tin Can Toss

Tin tan crafts are always fun and inexpensive (assuming you already have cans on hand), and this DIY winter activity looks like a hoot! It reminds me of a carnival game, but much cheaper!

Supplies:

Tin cans
Paint (white, black and orange)
Ball or bean bag

Get the full tutorial at 5 Minutes for Mom.

21. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Popsicle stick crafts are super nice and easy and these snowflakes can double as ornaments if you’d like! You could also simply hang them in your home as a wintertime decoration (I’m sure the kids will love seeing their art displayed).

Supplies:

Popsicle sticks
Tacky glue
Hot glue sticks and hot glue
Christmas bells
Glitter stickers
Silver glitter
Tinsel pom poms
Fabric snowflakes
Twine for hanging

Get the full tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.

22. Craft Stick Snowmen

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter way to create snowmen! These are simply adorable and I love that you can color-code them or you could even mix and match colors!

Supplies:

Craft stick
White paint
Googly eyes
Black marker
Orange paper
Ribbon
Buttons
Pipe cleaner
Glue
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at The Resourceful Mother.

23. Winter Hat

This craft idea is great as a classroom project as every kid will have a unique way of coloring their own hat, but it’s good for an at-home art project as well. Definitely a fun one!

Supplies:

Hat template
Colors
Cotton balls
White school glue
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.

24. Homemade Snow

If you happen to live somewhere that doesn’t get much snow (or your kids just want to be able to play with snow all the time) this craft is perfect. Just watch out for indoor snowball fights!

Supplies:

Conditioner
Baking soda

Get the full tutorial at Red Ted Art.

25. Winter Tree Finger Painting

This is one of my favorite winter art projects for kids as it’s such a simple idea that can be done in so many different ways. Let your kid’s imagination run wild with this one!

Supplies:

Sheet of blue paper
Nontoxic white paint/fingerpaint
Black marker or black paint and brush

Get the full tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.

26. Snowflake Paper Plate Twirler

I love this out-of-the-ordinary snowflake craft idea. It’s way different than the other snowflake crafts on this list and good for kids to learn how to handle scissors safely!

Supplies:

Blue paper plate
Wooden stake
Scissors
Stickers

Get the full tutorial at Crafts on Sea.

27. Pom Pom Penguins

These pom pom penguins might give the sock snowmen above a run for their money when it comes to cuteness. These things are delightful!

Supplies:

Chunky yarn
Felt
6mm black beads
Scissors
Glue gun

Get the full tutorial at One Little Project.

28. Snowy Owl Painting

Here’s another wonderful winter art project that is super fun for kids as they’ll get to do a bit of pom pom stamping.

Supplies:

Large pom pom
White acrylic paint
Black, brown, green, yellow and orange construction paper
Scissors
Markers
Glue stick
Star stickers (optional)
Small bowl or a paper plate to hold paint

Get the full tutorial at A Dab of Glue Will Do.

29. Paper Icicle

These icicle crafts are so cool! Well, not ascool as a real icicle, but you know what I mean 😉

Supplies:

Printable icicle craft template
White or colored printer paper
Glitter
Glitter twine
Sticky tape
Scissors
Glue

Get the full tutorial at Kids Craft Room.

30. Pop-Up Penguins

If you think your kids will love a fun interactive craft, you’ve got to make these pop-up penguins!

Supplies:

Printable template
Black paper
White card
Orange card
Googly eyes
Glue
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at Kids Craft Room.

31. Christmas Sweater Collage

This is more of a Christmas craft than a winter craft, but I had to include it because it looks like a ton of fun! Who says ugly sweaters are just for Christmas anyway?

Supplies:

Seater template
Red cardstock
Christmas craft pom poms
Buttons
Jingle bells
Confetti
Christmas stickers

Get the full tutorial at Fun Learning for Kids.

32. Penguin Hat

Wearable hat crafts are always exciting to make, and this penguin hat is no exception. It’s pretty darn cute!

Supplies:

Printable template
Black paper or cardstock
Orange paper
White paper
Scissors
Black sharpie pen
Glue
Stapler

Get the full tutorial at Kids Craft Room.

33. Snowflake Drop

This winter activity project is more geared toward babies and toddlers. It’s a simple activity that will keep them busy and teach them a bit of hand-eye coordination at a young age!

Supplies:

Lids from jars
Wipes container, or large jug or box
Blue sharpie

Get the full tutorial at Happy Toddler Playtime.

34. Salt Crystal Snowflakes

Another educational snowflake art project! This one will teach your kids a bit of science by showing them how to form salt crystals on pipe cleaners, creating amazing and unique designs. Super cool!

Supplies:

Salt
Mason jars
Pipe cleaners
Clothespins

Get the full tutorial at Living Well Mom.

35. Paper Plate Gingerbread House

You may be making a real gingerbread house for Christmas already, but these paper plate gingerbread houses are pretty cool too. And a lot easier!

Supplies:

Large paper plate
White cardstock
Color printer
Paper craft scissors
Light brown craft paint
Paint brush
Black sharpie
Dark brown colored cardstock
White cotton balls
School glue
Hand-held office stapler

Get the full tutorial at Glued to My Crafts Blog.

36. Reindeer Marble Run

This is another great sensory activity for kids and it’s a fun looking one too! I love how the cardboard tubes double as reindeer antlers.

Supplies:

Brown and red foam sheets
Glue
Scissors
Giant googly eyes
Cardboard tubes
Masking tape
Marbles or pom poms

Get the full tutorial at Happy Toddler Playtime.

37. Snow Shooters

Snow Shooters is a SUPER fun indoor winter activity for kids. They get to decorate their own cup, and then use it to shoot “snow” around the house and at each other!

Supplies:

White cups
Black and orange craft foam
Balloons
Scissors
Glue

Get the full tutorial at Growing a Jeweled Rose.

38. Tabletop Ice Hockey

This is one of the coolest winter craft ideas I’ve seen! The tabletop rink is made with real ice and I bet it’s a blast to play. You could even use a larger aluminum foil pan if you want a bigger ice rink.

Supplies:

Aluminum foil container
Water
Paper
Pipe cleaners
Wooden tablespoons
Black button
Thin red tape
Medium and small blue circle stickers
Scissors

Get the full tutorial at Handmade Charlotte.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have fun with these awesome winter crafts for kids! Remember to save this post somewhere like Pinterest or in your bookmarks so you can reference it whenever you need new winter arts and crafts ideas.

Which ideas on this list are your favorite? Which ones have you tried already?

Check these out next:

25 DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids
40 Easy Homemade Christmas Gifts
40 Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids and Adults
25 Easy Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners