How to Support Early Childhood Development in Winter with Play
Written by rashi nandwani | October 23, 2025
Introduction
Childhood doesn't have to freeze with frosty winds outside. Research published in Porto Biomed J. 2017 shows the importance of outdoor activities even when the temperature is cold. When the temperature drops, kids prefer staying indoors, but they should be prepared to brace the winter winds in a fun way. Through play, children tend to learn about their surroundings and themselves.
Winter is not about bundling up, but it's about bundling joy. While it may be tempting for parents to keep their children indoors, winter play significantly enhances a child’s development in adjusting to different weather conditions. From boosting their health to fueling creativity, winter brings special warmth. Whether it's enhancing gross motor skill growth by traveling over slippery ground, supporting fine motor growth with icy art activities, or engaging cognitive growth with winter-themed sensory bins and reading, each moment of play is an influential developmental tool. Winter becomes a magical playground, presenting special conditions for learning through play, indoors and outdoors
How to Support Early Childhood Development in Winter with Play
As parents and caregivers taking care of the little ones, you don't have to worry about buying expensive toys to make activities fun. Simply taking your kids outside for a limited amount of time can significantly improve their immune systems. Winter play helps kids adapt to changing weather conditions.
Winter ensures a very chilling and stimulating outside experience. Winter sun brings a different kind of sunshine that doesn't cause you to fatigue easily. We are all aware that early periods in a kid's life are critical for their growth. Winter isn't just a season to get over with; rather, it widens the door to new opportunities.
Physical strength to go through outdoor play
Winter often brings a sense of comfort that makes even adults lazy. But remember, your kid is learning from what you are doing. Research published in Sports (Basel). 2020 talks about the seasonal impact on physical health. Kids at a tender age need to learn movements to build a strong foundation of strength, coordination, and balance. Going outside and playing outdoor games helps the kids stay active during this season. Playing football, cricket, and kho-kho when the winter sun is out helps them build gross motor skills and work on coordination.
Cognitive growth
Adults can turn natural phenomena into a learning experience. For example, asking the kids, “Why do we see mist in the morning?, or “What are the vegetables grown in winter?” fun question and answer series during seasonal changes. According to research published in Porto Biomed J. 2017 shows that, a sedentary lifestyle has a direct impact on kids' wellbeing. The outdoors can be described as an open and constantly changing environment. It is possible to experience freedom through outdoor activities, which contribute to bone development, a stronger immune system, and physical activity.
Social and emotional learning
Winter in India is a call for different festivals. Research published in Br J Educ Psychol. 2021 shows social and emotional learning helps kids develop on variety of skills ranging from strength-based to emotional awareness. Participating in flying kites with peers helps them learn a new skill and also work on their coordination. Involve kids in activities like playing with cousins, working on household chores, and treating everyone around nicely. This helps the kids to build confidence as well as social and emotional intelligence to survive in the world.
Improves language development
Longer evenings indoors can help them build on their communication skills. Encourage kids to practice storytelling and writing stories. According to a study published by UNICEF, indoor games have a strong ability to enhance command of language. Storytelling is a fun activity it also stimulates the imaginative part of the brain. Let kids make up their own winter stories and listen to them. It is the perfect weather to introduce to your kids early concepts of seasonal changes and watching winter birds. This expands their knowledge in geography as well.
Connecting with nature
Making the most of sunny afternoons in winter not only loads your kid with vitamin D but also helps them to have better physical health. According to a study published in Front Psychol. 2022 suggests that noticing nature during seasonal shifts has a calming effect on the brain.
The classic bathing in the winter sun and playing board games or running around outside helps kids to stimulate all the sensory developments. As adults, you should organize small outdoor fun activities with kids to strengthen their urge to be active in winter.
Conclusion
Winter may be as silent as it may sound, but it can make your kid cheerful, beaming with joy. Early childhood development can be supported by exposing your child to various seasonal changes. Winter should not be viewed as a barrier rather as a learning opportunity to build on new skills while having the most fun outdoors and indoors as well.