When the weather outside is frightful, the parks are covered in a blanket of snow, and you can’t stand to see your kids for another second on a screen, it’s time to get creative. Finding things to do during the winter months is a head scratcher for most families with young children. And winter can present its own set of unique challenges for families with children on the autism spectrum. So one needs to be mindful not just of the dangers of the cold weather but also things like sensory sensitivities and changes in routine that come into play. Do not be deterred. Winter also offers an opportunity to create lasting memories with activities that are sensory-friendly, engaging, and fun. At Monarch House, we aim to find things to do that foster creativity, connection, and relaxation during the colder months and we encourage you to do the same.

Here are ten winter family activities that can be enjoyable and accessible for children with autism Markham. 

1. Indoor Sensory Play

Playdough. Silly Putty. Plasticine. It can be fun to spend an afternoon squishing and stretching different tactile toys. Sensory games and activities are an excellent way to engage children with autism during the winter. For cold, snowy days inside, have a special trunk devoted to items like this. Anything that is different and interesting to hold in their hands, such as materials like rice bags, bean bags, and kinetic sand. Add items like sparkles, fake snow, pinecones, or small plastic snowflakes to make the session winter-themed. For children with autism, sensory play allows them to explore different textures in a safe environment. This kind of play has been shown to be both calming and stimulating. Feel free to switch up the materials based on your child’s sensory needs, providing them with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

2. Build An Indoor Fort

If you’re still not quite ready to venture outdoors, you might want to consider some radical interior renovations. Building an indoor fort out of blankets, pillows, and cushions is a cozy and fun activity that you can do with your child with autism. There is an element of  problem-solving and fine motor skill development that goes into creating the perfect enclave. With a few flashlights and books, it will become a new safe space for your child as well. The cozy, enclosed area offers a secure, quiet environment that your child can use as a sanctuary if they need a break from all the hustle and bustle in the home. A blanket fort is the perfect hideout for reading books, playing games, or simply relaxing.

3. Snow Play

If it’s your backyard that’s under a blanket of snow, playing outside can provide excellent sensory input. There is no limit to the number of fun activities you can do as a family or with just you and your child with autism in the winter wonderland. You can build a snowman. You can have a snowball fight. You can go sledding at the park. Sometimes it’s just the little things. Just touching the snow and watching a snowflake melt on their fingertips can be exciting and calming. Try breaking off icicles to throw into a snowbank. Or getting swooshed around in a toboggan. If your child is acutely sensitive to cold or outdoor environments, you can still enjoy playing with snow by bringing some inside to watch it melt, or by having them touch snow through gloves or mittens. As a last resort you can even engage them in snow-related activities indoors using homemade “snow” dough made from cornstarch and conditioner.

4. Arts and Crafts

Snowmen. Snowflakes. Trees. Stars. Bells. Sleighs. There is a distinctive mix of winter-themed elements that only come out this time of year. See if you can incorporate these festive designs into an arts and crafts session. Make it fun and educational. Some things that we like to do at Monarch House during arts and crafts include: Making snowflakes from paper; decorating gingerbread houses; and creating holiday cards. These activities engage your child’s fine motor skills and promote their creativity. We like to use a variety of textures, such as fabric, glitter, and cotton balls, to keep your child engaged and the senses stimulated. During arts and crafts we always keep instructions simple and offer visual aids to guide your child through the crafting process.

5. Cozy Movie Nights

If you are looking for other ideas of things that you can do at home during the winter break, consider a fully-thematic family movie night. This can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time together. Pull all the festive stops and make hot chocolate with marshmallows, have cookies as snacks, and decorate the living room with shiny bells and snowflakes. Choose winter-themed or holiday movies that aren’t too overstimulating, and make the environment as sensory-friendly as possible with cozy blankets and dimmable lights. Once you’ve all settled in nicely you can get the show started. Have the snacks in place, offer comfy seating, and adjust the volume to a level your child finds comfortable. Try making the treats sensory-friendly for an added touch, be it soft on the palette like pudding or fun to feel like popcorn.

6. Scavenger Hunt

If you are looking for a unique way for your child to burn off some energy and get a little exercise, consider a scavenger hunt around the home and outside. This is a fun way to get children moving and exploring. Make it a winter holiday theme, and create a list of festive items to find, such as a snowman’s carrot nose, bells from an elf’s shoes, or reindeer tracks in the snow. For indoor events, have the children look for holiday decorations, anything with sparkles, or delicious snacks. There’s learning to be had in a scavenger hunt. They teach a child with autism how to follow instructions and engage in problem-solving while offering an interactive and fun experience.

7. Baking Together

Who doesn’t love shortbread cookies? See if you can get your child interested in the kitchen by doing some seasonal baking together. Stirring sauces, cutting shapes, and rolling dough can be a sensory-rich and rewarding activity a parent can do with their child. Your child with autism might discover they have a love for making sweet treats as a new hobby. Get them involved in the mixing of the dough, decorating of the cookies, or applying the icing. It’s a sensory-rich environment. There are the smells of cinnamon and spice and the interesting textures for tactile stimulation. Overall, the process can help to improve their fine motor skills and bring a little joy to the holiday. 

8. Interactive Storytime

Get your child caught up on the lore of the season. Every child needs to be familiar with some of the famous, and pop culture, winter tales, from The Grinch That Stole Christmas to The Night Before Christmas. Reading festive books and holiday stories can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time together. There are all sorts of books out there that have interactive elements to them that will keep your child engaged. Look for features like textures to touch, flaps to lift, or buttons to press. If you are feeling particularly theatrical, storytime can be made more engaging by acting out parts of the story with different voices and inflections. Or you can simply take the time to discuss each of the pictures. If your child has a limited attention span, try breaking the session into smaller, bite-sized sections and offer lots of positive reinforcement when they do some reading themselves. 

9. Winter Music and Dance Party

There’s no other holiday that has such an abundance of thematic songs to play throughout the day. Turn some of the more uptempo festive tracks into your own personal dance party. Music and movement can help children with autism express themselves and release energy. This is a great way to get a little exercise between the cookies and milk. Break out the winter classic songs and encourage your child to dance, clap, or move to the rhythm. Be mindful of the volume levels though. If your child is sensitive to loud sounds, try using wireless headphones or lower the stereo volume to a level that’s comfortable for everyone. A little improv dance party is a super fun way to get moving, improve coordination, and bond as a family.

10. Family Game Night

Pick a certain night each week and set it aside as a family games evening. Board games and card games are an excellent way to promote communication skills and encourage social interaction. Be sure to choose simple games like “Sorry!” “Life” or “Candy Land” that don’t have overly complicated instructions. There’s no reason why you can’t  modify the rules a bit to make them easier for your child. Or have a few rounds where you play one-on-one until they get the hang of it and are ready for a group. Cooperative games, where everyone works together, are a great way to foster teamwork and family bonding. It’s a great way to spend a cold, winter’s night. 

Have you ever built an igloo with your kids? It might be the most fun you’ve ever had outdoors. Snow forts, snow angels, cross-country skiing around a park, skating on a pond, ice fishing, or even a playful snowball fight—there are tons of screen-free activities to enjoy. Winter doesn’t have to be a season of being cooped up and frustrated for families with children on the autism spectrum. Monarch House can help you plan activities that are sensory-friendly, engaging, and structured. In this way you can create a season full of joy and meaningful moments. Whether indoors or outside, these ten family activities offer a range of ways to enjoy the winter months, helping children with autism Markham thrive while strengthening family bonds.