Indoor Activities for Toddlers: 5 Things to Do With Your Toddler When the Mercury Drops Playtime Fun With Dad

My 19-month-old was born an outdoorsman, playing for hours in his backyard. When winter's low temps force limits on outdoor time, we get creative since our little man is too young for many indoor kid's crafts. Here are a few ideas to keep littles entertained and warm:

Paint play: Grab finger paint soap (Crayola makes a great one!) and let them go to town smearing it all over a tray or plate. It doesn't stain and washes right off!

Indoor water table: Bring a water table (or a small tub) inside and experiment with beans, rice and, yup, even lukewarm water.

Flash cards: About $1 at Target or the dollar store, animal, letter and number flash cards help toddlers learn, play and sort.

Dance party: Using all different stations, listen and dance to any, and all, music. The more exotic the better!

Kitchen table fort: All you need is a sheet and a table, and boom, fort time! Picnics in the fort are even better.

Here's to patiently waiting for summer!