Science and Sensory Activities for Cold Days

This past weekend, our region experienced extreme sub-zero temperatures that resulted in hundreds of school closings. With the kids home and schedules a little thrown off, simple science and sensory activities, like blowing frozen bubbles, can sure save the day! Shared below are 5 creative science and sensory activities for cold days!

Kids Science Experiments Best of 2013 by Little Bins for Little Hands
In this post, Little Bins for Little Hands shares their favorite science experiments from 2013. My favorite from their round-up is the Alka Seltzer, Oil, and Water Experiment. My boys and I have not yet tried this experiment, but I know they will love the bright colors, floating blobs of oil, and fizzing Alka Seltzer reaction!

The Best Sensory Play Activities from 2013 by Sugar Aunts
Sugar Aunts has compiled their best sensory play activities from 2013 into one easy to read post! My favorite from their list was Textured Paint Sensory Play. My boys would love this clumpy, wet activity!

Ice Jewels by Fireflies and Mud Pies
In this post, learn how to create vibrant ice jewels for outdoor sensory play in the snow!

Best of 2013: Small World and Sensory Play by Crayon Box Chronicles
In this post, Crayon Box Chronicles shares their best small world and sensory play activities from the past year. My favorite from their round-up is the Native American Small World with TeePee and Drum Craft. I rarely create small worlds for my children to enjoy, but Crayon Box Chronicles has inspired me to try this more in 2014!

Frozen Bubbles by Fireflies and Mud Pies
Get outside and watch how bubbles freeze in the cold winter air! Don’t want to go outside? Bring the bubbles inside!

A Year of Sensory Bins by Stir the Wonder
In this post, Stir the Wonder shares ideas for creating fabulous sensory bins for little ones. Additionally, the post contains a link-up with over 60 sensory bins! My favorite on her list of features was the delicious Jelly Bean Sensory Bin with plastic eggs, chicks, and sorting cups. I think it’s safe to say my children wouldn’t mind if I arranged this one in honor of Easter!

Engineering with Straws and Playdough by Fireflies and Mud Pies
There is a lot of good stuff going on in this activity! From fine-motor skill development to analytical problem-solving, building with straws and playdough provides a strong STEAM experience for kids.

Science and sensory activities often march hand-in-hand, as children are exposed to new smells, tastes, textures, and experiences. Think back to your childhood and your school experiences. What activities do you remember? For me, it’s the salt dough maps of New York State I made in 4th grade, or the potion I mixed in 6th grade. I remember dry ice experiments from 11th grade chemistry, and mining for Herkimer Diamonds in college. Science and sensory activities are engaging and invite learning!