How To Make Fake Snow {Winter Sensory Fun For Toddlers}

One of the first words that comes to mind when you think of winter is ‘SNOW.’

Everyone loves a bit of snow, however depending where you live, that ideal wintery day full of snow doesn’t happen very often…cue how to make the fake snow!!!

Where we live in the northwest of Italy, in this particular town, snow is unfortunately a rarity.

Creating fake snow for my little girl to have some sensory fun at home has been our winter saviour.

Fake snow can be made in a few very simple ways which will bring so much delight to our toddlers.

The texture of the snow really does feel like the real deal (minus the cold).

It is the perfect easy set-up activity that is packed with all the benefits of sensory play.

Various extra components could be added to create different snow effects or even a snow scene.

I often find the simpler activities work better for my 21 month old therefore we don’t over ‘complicate’ the fun. 

Keep on reading for lots of snowy sensory fun!

Why not also try these other super sensory activities too;

Salt Dough

Moon Sand

Rain Boot Playing

Ingredients: Tried And Tested!!

Recipe One:

• 1/4 cup of shaving cream 
• 1 1/2 cups of baking soda

Recipe Two:

• 1/4 cup of conditioner
• 1 1/2 cups of baking soda

Note:

• These ingredients in both the recipes allow for the fake snow to stick together to create snow balls or snowmen, whilst still allowing it to separate easily after. 

• After making the two fake snows with different ingredients I found that recipe 2 had a slightly stickier feeling and I personally found more like the real deal.

• I made the mistake of using a green coloured shaving cream for recipe 1 as that was the only one we had in the house at the time- Your eyes aren’t deceiving you that you see that fake snow with a slight green touch.

Equipment

Except a cup for measuring out the two ingredients, this is about as far as the list of equipment goes, oh and a mixing bowl or container for the fake snow. 

Instructions

I feel a little bit like a fraud by writing the title ‘Instructions’ when in fact there is very little to do before the activity begins and the fake snow is ready for mummy and toddler to play.

Simply mix the 2 ingredients together using your hands and ‘hey presto’ the snow has arrived!!

The set up is just as fun as the activity for toddlers.

Whilst setting up activities I always have a very cute assistant who loves to help me prepare everything. 

She absolutely adores copying mummy and walking backwards and forwards from the kitchen into her playroom to help set up. 

First of all we place a tablecloth or wipe clean mat down on the floor because we all know that it is very unlikely to stay completely tidy for long (well in my case anyway).

We have recently purchased the IKEA Flisat table which has been used every single day since we bought it, whether that be as a drawing/colouring table or an activity table. 

Try these fun Flisat Table activities too:

Sensory Bins For 1 Year Olds

First Colour Sorting Activity For Toddlers

Spaghetti Sensory Bin

We place the table into the middle of the room, clear of any other potential items that could get messy. 

We put all ingredients and equipment needed on the table/mat ready to start. 

The set up of the activity brings our toddlers so much joy and they will be more than happy to join in as they are doing a job that mummy does too. 

It definitely is quicker setting everything up alone however if time isn’t a problem then make the most of your tiny little helper.

I have also found that after the activity if I ask my daughter to come and help me wash the equipment then she will come eagerly running to assist. 

This ‘help’ may not last for long as our toddlers turn into grunting, grumbling kids so let’s make the most of it now hey!

Fake Snow Play

Using our Flisat table which has two large compartments I thought it would be a good idea to make the fake snow in one, and put ice cubes in the other to create a real feel of the winter theme that we were going for.

Of course the fake snow isn’t cold like real snow therefore it would be fun to add another sensory element into the activity table.

It was only a matter of minutes before my toddler had put all the ice cubes in the same container as the fake snow.

Try adding some spoons or scoops into the mixture and let them explore. 

Other Ways To Make Fake Snow

1. Baking soda, cornstarch & water.

Use 1:1 baking soda: cornstarch. Add enough water so the ingredients are able to be squeezed together to form a ball between your fingers.

2. Cornstarch & conditioner/ lotion.

Use 1 bag of cornstarch & 1 cup of conditioner or lotion.

Or if you are looking to set up fake snow as more of a decorative feature you could use:

3. Cotton balls 

4. Rolled up balls of paper 

5. Broken up polystyrene 

6. Puffy Paint Snow Check our thebestideasforkids.com for a cool paint recipe too.