Winter often brings chilly weather, snow, and shorter days. While many families enjoy outdoor activities, cold temperatures and unpredictable weather can make it harder to spend extended time outside. For children with autism, this shift can feel especially challenging since regular outdoor play often provides movement, sensory input, and a natural way to regulate emotions.

The good news is that winter also offers creative opportunities for indoor sensory play. With just a few simple, low-cost materials, caregivers can create activities that engage the senses while reinforcing important ABA goals such as turn-taking, requesting, and following instructions. Best of all, these activities can be fun for the whole family.

Why Sensory Play Matters

Sensory activities allow children to explore textures, sounds, smells, and movement in a safe, structured way. For children with autism, sensory play can:

• Support regulation and reduce anxiety.
• Provide opportunities to practice communication skills.
• Build social connections through shared play.
• Encourage creativity and problem-solving.

During the winter months, when children may spend more time indoors, intentional sensory play becomes an especially valuable tool for learning and growth.

Activity 1: Indoor Snow Exploration

If you live in an area with real snow, you can bring a small bin of snow indoors for safe play. If not, there are easy substitutes such as crushed ice, cotton balls, or even homemade “snow” made from baking soda and shaving cream.

How to Set It Up:

• Place the snow or substitute in a plastic bin or tray.
• Add small toys, scoops, or cups for digging and building.
• Provide spoons or tongs to encourage fine motor practice.

ABA Goals Supported:

• Requesting: Encourage your child to ask for tools (“Can I have the scoop?”).
• Turn-taking: Share the space and take turns building snow piles.
• Following instructions: Give simple prompts such as “Fill the cup” or “Find the toy under the snow.”

Caregiver Tip: Keep towels nearby for easy cleanup and let your child know how long the activity will last. Predictability makes transitions smoother.

Activity 2: Winter Sensory Jars

Sensory jars, sometimes called “calm-down jars,” are simple to make and captivating to watch. They combine water, glitter, sequins, or small beads in a sealed jar that can be shaken and observed as the items swirl and settle. For winter, you can add seasonal items such as snowflake confetti or blue and silver glitter.

How to Make One:

• Fill a clear jar or plastic bottle with water and a bit of clear glue or glycerin.
• Add glitter, sequins, or small beads.
• Seal tightly with glue for safety.

ABA Goals Supported:

• Requesting help: Encourage your child to ask for materials.
• Turn-taking: Make jars together as a family and share ideas.
• Self-regulation: Watching the glitter settle can be a calming tool when emotions run high.

Caregiver Tip: Involve your child in each step of making the jar. Participation builds ownership and increases their interest in using the jar as a calming strategy later.

Activity 3: Hot Cocoa Pretend Play

Few things say “winter” like hot cocoa. While actual hot drinks may not be safe for play, caregivers can create a pretend hot cocoa station with dry materials that mimic the experience.

How to Set It Up:

• Use brown rice or dry beans to represent cocoa.
• Provide cups, spoons, cotton balls (as “marshmallows”), and containers for “pouring.”
• Encourage pretend play by “making cocoa” for family members or favorite stuffed animals.

ABA Goals Supported:

• Imaginative play: Encourage your child to role-play being the “barista” or customer.
• Requesting and labeling: Model language such as “more marshmallows” or “stir the cocoa.”
• Following instructions: Give playful prompts such as “Pour cocoa, then add three marshmallows.”

Caregiver Tip: If your child enjoys cooking or helping in the kitchen, this pretend play can transition into real cooking skills later.

General Caregiver Tips

• Follow your child’s lead. If they lose interest, move on to something else. The goal is engagement, not perfection.
• Keep materials simple. Many items can be found around the house—no need to buy expensive kits.
• Celebrate small successes. Whether your child shares a toy, labels a new word, or simply participates, every step matters.
• Plan for cleanup. Sensory activities can be messy, but preparing with towels or trays keeps stress low.

Winter sensory activities aren’t just ways to fill time indoors—they are meaningful opportunities to practice communication, social skills, and regulation in fun, low-pressure ways. By weaving ABA goals into playful activities, caregivers turn ordinary days into valuable learning experiences.

More importantly, sensory play creates shared moments of joy. When children laugh, explore, and connect with caregivers, they build confidence and trust. These memories last far beyond the winter months, reminding families that growth often happens in the simplest of activities.

So, the next time cold weather keeps you inside, try one of these winter sensory ideas. With a little creativity, your home can become a place of discovery, fun, and meaningful progress—even on the snowiest days.