Every winter, we struggle with the same thing in Wisconsin: the cold months seem to drag on. By mid January, I’m itching to start our garden Or stop by a local farm stand to get some fresh fruits and vegetables. Luckily, we found a few cold-weather friendly garden themed things to do to make January, February and even March more tolerable!
These simple winter garden activities for preschoolers make getting through the cold months so much more fun. Plus, you’ll be able to garden year-round regardless of where you live!
Most of these activities don’t require a ton of supplies. They’re a great way to spend the day if you’re feeling the winter blues, too. Keep reading to find the perfect easy winter garden activity for you and your preschooler!
Winter Garden Activities for Preschoolers
Create a Windowsill Herb Garden
Windowsill herb gardens are such a delicious way to garden in the winter. One of the reasons we love indoor herb gardens so much is because it can help us teach gardening skills in a much smaller setting. This way, our daughter is able to help us with our outdoor garden a little more.
Don’t let not having the perfect windowsill for your garden stop you, either! You can easily create an indoor herb garden that can be moved with the sun throughout the day.
Learn how to make an indoor herb garden so you can enjoy fresh herbs all winter long.
Create a Garbage Garden
If you’re looking for a fun experiment to try in the winter, try regrowing plants from fresh produce. It’s a cool way to see what can grow in soil, water, or even just pebbles.
You can also grow a leafy garden with the tops of beets, carrots, turnips, celery bases, or other root vegetables. Check out this guide to garbage gardening to get details on growing everything from apples to pears, lemons to limes, parsnips to radishes and more.
Read Garden Books
One of our favorite ways to spend days where we’re stuck inside because of the temperature is to read spring themed books, especially garden ones. It’s a temporary escape from the gray days of winter and it gets us excited for planning our garden.
Check out these gardening books for toddlers for some ideas. A few of our favorite gardening books for preschoolers are listed below.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Carle, Eric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 36 Pages - 03/10/2009 (Publication Date) - Little Simon (Publisher)
- Gerardi, Jan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 16 Pages - 01/24/2012 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
- Hardcover Book
- Worth, Bonnie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 03/27/2001 (Publication Date) - Random House Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
Make Seed Bombs
Can’t wait to plant flowers in the spring? Make a seed bomb! Seed bombs are an easy garden activity that can be done in winter and saved for spring.
With just a few supplies, you’ll be able to make seed balls that are ready to be tossed in your backyard in an hour or two. Learn all about how to make seed bombs.
Build a Birdhouse
Building a birdhouse is a great indoor and outdoor winter garden activity for preschoolers. With a some help cutting the wood and assembling, kids have a blank canvas for them to decorate with paint. If you don’t have the tools available for cutting the pieces for a birdhouse, consider this birdhouse kit that comes with everything precut.
- Build and paint A classic 6" Tall bird house bungalow using the parts In this kit
- Welcome Birds to the backyard with a colorful new home
- Made using safe and high quality materials and FSC Certified wood products
- Includes wood pieces, chain for hanging, 4 paint pots, paint brush, nails, glue and instructions
- Recommended for ages 5 years and up
If you’d prefer to build a bird a super simple feeder, here’s a few ideas that you might be able to make with things you already have at home:
- Cover a pine cone in peanut butter and roll it in bird seed
- Smear peanut butter on a bagel or a piece of toast and cover it in bird seed‘
- Hollow out an orange peel and fill it up with bird seed
Then just tie these homemade bird feeders up so they can hang from the tree. You can also make your own birdseed that can be formulated to attract more of your local birds. This is a fun way to teach kids about the birds that are native to your area.
Make a Terrarium
These are so many DIY terrarium ideas out there that this alone could keep you busy all winter long. If you’re missing the ocean, consider this beach inspired terrarium. Embracing winter or looking for a cute Christmas gift? Try this winter wonderland terrarium.
Or grab a terrarium kit that has everything you need to get started:
- TERRARIUM KIT FOR KIDS: Explore the wonder of nature and science with the Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium; this indoor activity for kids allows you to craft, plant, water and grow your own mini ecosystem, just add water for endless fun
- SCIENCE KITS FOR KIDS: Includes everything a young botanist needs to plant and grow their terrarium twice; This science kit features: plastic terrarium jar, potting mix, USA organic chia and wheat grass seeds, glow-in-the-dark forest figurines and more
- GLOW YOUR OWN WAY: Grow by day, and glow in the dark at night; Light up your DIY terrarium at night with colorful glow-in-the-dark sand, star and constellation stickers; hold your terrarium up to the light and watch it GLOW
- ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: Combine the fun of arts and crafts with science for a creative and screen-free activity for kids; Create your own terrarium while learning responsibility and nurturing; Your terrarium kit will start to grow in as little as 3-4 days
- GREAT GIFTS FOR KIDS: Have fun while building creative confidence; Since 1976, Creativity for Kids has proudly made fun and creative experiences today to nurture children's confidence for life; this craft kit for kids is recommended for ages 6-8+
- CREATE - Make your own unique terrariums from glass or containers you already have at home. This quick start kit includes a guide to help you get started and the materials needed to make healthy environments for small plants that you add yourself. Just add your own container and plants.
- VALUE - The Large Terrarium Kit includes a 4.5’’x 2.25’’ container of Moss (Reindeer Moss, Forest Moss & Lichen), 4.5’’x 5.75’’ Potting Soil Blended with Activated Charcoal, 4.5”x 2.25” Gardening Vermiculite, 4.5”x 1.75” Pea Pebbles & River Stones, 1 oz fl Plant Food, Bamboo Tongs, Natural Hair Brush, Bamboo Stick, (3) Miniature Dinos, Succulent Care Guide, Build & Care Guide, and Cute Farms Sticker. Save when compared to buying individual materials.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS - The included Moss mix is preserved, and it will keep looking fresh without any maintenance for a long time. The beautiful bright moss colors are the perfect finishing touch to any terrarium. The Blended Potting Soil increases drainage abilities while allowing airflow, and it's a perfect mix of nutrients. Charcoal is added for its natural ability to retain nutrients. Our Fine Grade Horticultural Vermiculite soil amendment provides the right amount of water drainage.
- UNIQUE GIFT IDEA - Do you know someone who loves plants? Our Large Terrarium Kit is a perfect idea for all nature lovers. Perfect for kids, adults, family projects, team events, or as a gift idea. Whether you’re looking for a housewarming gift or just want to bring extra greenery into your home, a terrarium is an ideal present.
- USA MADE - Our terrarium kits are made and packed in the USA to ensure quality. If you don’t absolutely love our Terrarium Starter Kit we’ll refund your entire purchase amount within 30 days. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
- This large glass terrarium is a house shape plant terrarium with swing lid, have beautiful black accent and ventilation.
- Glass greenhouse terrarium great for raising succulent, moss, fern, cacti,venus fly trap.
- Large plant terrarium motivate your imagination to creat a dreamy world at home.The bottom part of the terrarium is not waterproof to allow excess water to be discharged in order to avoid rotten root appearing.
- Perfect unique design make this Glass Terrarium nice for eye-catching, with your small potted plants Creates a Relaxing and Poetic Environment.
- Size: 8.65x6.30x7.10"inches,this glass terrarium tabletop planter made of reinforced glass, super sturdy,great decor for office desk, window, balcony or as a housewarming gift
- CREATE A DINOSAUR WORLD – With this exciting indoor activity set, kids can easily grow a mini indoor garden with a prehistoric look and feel! Just choose a backdrop, decorate, plant & water the seeds, and watch their new dinosaur habitat flourish!
- WIDE MOUTH & PANORAMIC VIEW - The unique, wide-mouth design of this terrarium makes it easy for smaller hands to set up and work with the provided materials. And the panoramic view lets kids explore what's inside as their habitat evolves.
- USB-POWERED LIGHT - The light-up lid on this terrarium is powered by the included USB cable, so no batteries are required. It also makes a perfect night light for bedtime!
- REAL FOSSIL & ROCK SPECIMENS - A genuine gastropod fossil is included, adding to the prehistoric vibe of the terrarium habitat, along with blue calcite, rose quartz & aventurine for an even cooler look!
- EVERYTHING KIDS NEED - Our water-tight, light-up terrarium kit includes chia and ryegrass seeds, a peat pellet, spray bottle, colored pebbles, rock & fossil specimens, river stone, faux succulent, 2 dino figurines, and reversible laminated backdrop!
- This succulent terrarium planter kit has everything you need to do it yourself.
- Includes the following: 1- Organic Succulent/Cacti Potting Soil Mix (2 Quarts) 1- 3”x 5” Bag of Reindeer Moss in Neutral Colors 1- 3”x 5” Horticultural Charcoal 1- 3”x 5” River Rocks 1- 3x 5” Bag of Orchid Bark and Instructions.
- Complete Terrarium Starter Kit: Comes With All The Hard To Find Ingredients That Normally Must Be Bought In Bulk, Gravel, Moss, Charcoal, River Rock, Soil, Just Buy A Succulent Or Cactus And Your Ready To Go
- Custom Soil Mix: Perfect For Succulents And Cactus. High Mulch Content, Ph Balanced, Fast Draining.
- Our Premium Custom Soil Uses U.S. Pumice. Pumice Provides Minerals Unlike Perlite. Superior Ingredients Nearly All Our Competitors Don't Use.
- Our Pea Gravel Has Gem Like Qualities. Use It For Drainage And Decoration. Hardwood Charcoal In The Perfect Amount. No Need To Spend Extra Money. Sheet Moss Is Great Accent Decoration.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed. We Are Sure You Will Love Our Kits! If Not Contact Us And We Will Make Sure You Are Satisfied. We Have Had Thousands Of Happy Customers.
- What is a terrarium? It is a miniature garden within a container that simulates a natural environment. So, let your child discover the beauty of nature by creating their own beautiful terrarium with this all-inclusive kit. Watch as it grows by day and glows at night with the innovative LED light under the lid.
- Grows by day, glows at night: Beneath the lid, there is a built-in innovative LED light that transforms the experience into something magical. At night, just hit the small switch to turn on the light and watch how your terrarium turns into a gorgeous illuminated tabletop garden. You have to see it to believe it! The light can easily be recharged with the included Micro-USB cable.
- Kit includes: Terrarium jar (4"x6"), light-up jar lid, Micro-USB charging cable, clear and easy step-by-step instruction booklet, vermiculite soil, blue sand, river rocks, wheatgrass and chia seeds, small bunny and mushroom miniatures, removable stickers for decoration, spray bottle, and wooden stick to aid in planting the seeds. The ultimate arts and crafts for kids & Stem projects for Kids
- A fun and educational gift for all ages: It's not often that a science project can be fun and engaging, but this terrarium kit achieves both! It fascinates children as soon as they pull it out of the box. With the freedom to layer the rocks, sand, soil, and stickers as they please, every child is guaranteed to have a blast.
- Live Carnivorous Plants Including Venus Fly Traps And Sundew Plants
- Just Add Water! - Everything Else To Keep Your Custom Terrarium Is Included
- Watch Out Flies! - Plants Will Grow Into Bug Eating Monsters!
- Each Kit Comes With A Rare Blue Quartz Stone!
- Kids Will Love Setting Up The Tank, Planting The Seeds, Watering Them And Watching Them Grow!
- 🌵【Lead-free Material】This small glass terrarium Made of ultra clear sodium calcium glass with brass frame, which is lead-free, sturdy, durable. It is also water tight without leaking
- 🌵【Cute Size for Mini Gardern DIY】Terrarium size is 4.3Lx 4.3W x 5H inches, which is a cute size for a small succulent plants such as fern, moss, succulents, airplants or display a small garden, or even as a great table centrepiece for wedding, office desk, balcony, coffee table, etc.
- 🌵【Perfect Gift】It is perfect gift for plant lovers. You can also create a cute succulent and give it as a gift to your family, good friends.. Or just let them create their own small garden fairy or other purposes. The small plant terrarium is a great housewarming gift
- 🌵【Unique House Shape with Lid】This little terrarium is delicate in appearance and relatively well made. It comes in house shape with a swing lid, which you can keep it open and definitely has enough oxygen flow through the little roof
- 🌵【Piece of Art】This glass terrarium is like a piece of art with its modern style and sleek design. The frame are perfectly aligned with the glass
Grow Houseplants or Succulents
Houseplants can turn a home into a tropical paradise – even in the middle of winter. There are tons of plants that you can grow with your preschooler that can help teach them the importance of proper plant care.
You can also grow succulents if you’re looking for a slightly more forgiving plant for your family. If you already have one or two, consider learning how to propagate or regrow succulents.
Paint Garden Stones and Pots
Painting garden stones or pots is a great way to get preschoolers interested in gardening. After they paint their items, they’ll get to appreciate their artwork all garden season long.
While you’re at it, you can paint some watermelon coasters out of the bottoms of your terra cotta pots.
You can also try making a handprint stepping stone out of air dry clay or grab this kit to easily create your own.
- Milestones Stepping Stones are the perfect decoration for your garden, yard, flower bed, or walk path
- Spend quality time with your kids or grandkids; create a beautiful decoration that will last for years to come
- Easy to follow step-by-step instructions guide you through the hands-on activity
- Each kit makes one 12 inch leaf shaped stepping stone; ideal for a Mother's day or Father's day gift
- Kit includes 7 lb bag of Stepping Stone Mix, one 12 inch reusable plastic leaf mold, 12 oz mosaic glass, 2 oz glass gems, letter and number stamps, wooden mixing paddle, and writing tool; glass and gem colors may vary
Make Your Own Seed Markers
Seed markers are easy to make and can be done in so many ways. Popsicle stickers, rocks, clothespins, paint sticks, etc.
If you’re looking for something that won’t fade in the sun, check out these clay stamped seed markers.
Vermicomposting
We have yet to try Vermicomposting, but this is a great indoor winter garden activity. Vermicomposting uses worms to decompose waste, similar to regular composting. This makes a worm manure that can be used for a fertilizer. Learn more about vermicomposting or try out this Vermicomposting kit:
- The Worm Factory 360 has a standard 4-Tray size which is expandable up to 8 trays, giving it the largest volume of any home composter.
- The redesigned lid converts to a handy stand for trays while harvesting the compost.
- Includes digital instructional manual with step-by-step guide for managing your Worm Factory 360.
- Bonus "What Can Red Wigglers Eat?" infographic refrigerator magnet (6" by 9") allows you to quickly determine which foods are perfect for your worms, and which you should avoid. Imagine the peace of mind you will feel knowing that your worms are always eating a healthy diet!
- Built in "worm tea" collector tray and spigot for easy draining.
Plan Your Garden
This is probably my favorite winter garden activity for preschoolers because I love seeing what our daughter wants in our garden. Not only is it a great teaching opportunity, it also allows for a ton of creativity. We learn about spacing, measuring, plant needs, the garden season and more. But we also get to have fun with what we’d plant in our dream garden if we had all the space and resources.
We use our garden planner to plan ours out which helps us keep a record of everything we need to do throughout the harvest season.
Start Your Seeds
What better way to get through the colder months than to start your seeds for the garden? There are multiple benefits to starting your seeds indoors, but my favorite is that we can usually get our harvest even a little sooner.
This activity is great for preschoolers because they get to easily see the transformation from seed to plant. Plus, it’s a great activity to spend even a few minutes on every day.
Play Garden Games
Board games are one of our favorite things to do in winter so it only makes sense to add gardening board games for kids to the mix! Check out a few ideas below:
- MEMORY GAME FOR CHILDREN: Improve memory with this flip-the-card style matching game for young children and toddlers.
- GREEN THUMB: Featuring awesome illustrations of plants and flowers found around the garden.
- CUTE ARTWORK: Every card comes with illustrations of unique flowers, plants, fruits, and vegetables.
- GREAT FOR SCHOOL: Preschool or kindergarten recess is made even better with this fun matching game for young kids.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Make sure even the youngest family members can play along with this unique set of matching cards.
- 🌻【CREATIVITY ENHANCER】Greatly develop creativity and imagination in children when playing this manipulative toy flower playset
- 🌻【AMAZING VIBRANT COLORS】 Each piece of the flower toy set are colored vibrantly to help stimulate visual sense and color recognition.
- 🌻【SUPER FUN TO PLAY】With all the interchangeable pieces, girls can make hundreds of possible flower arrangements!
- 🌻【SAFE and STURDY】Designed to withstand playfulness of children and made from non-toxic child-friendly, high-quality materials
- 🌻【30 DAY RRISK-FREETRIAL】Full refund within 30 days. Bring this garden building set to surprise your kids today!
Books That Can Help With Winter Gardening
If you’re looking for some more ideas for gardening during the winter or with you kids, check out these books.
- Jabbour, Niki (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 12/14/2011 (Publication Date) - Storey Publishing, LLC (Publisher)
- Hardy, Emma (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 08/13/2019 (Publication Date) - CICO Books (Publisher)
- Ships from Vermont
- Coleman, Eliot (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 264 Pages - 04/15/2009 (Publication Date) - Chelsea Green Publishing (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Hardcover Book
- Bourne, Val (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 06/01/2005 (Publication Date) - Cassell (Publisher)
- Brown, Renata (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 136 Pages - 04/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Quarry Books (Publisher)
I hope these ideas for winter garden activities for preschoolers help you make the most of long winters! If you have any other garden activities that you like to do in the winter with your young kids, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
