Build a snowman sensory bag with simple supplies for a fun, mess-free winter activity kids will love. Perfect for preschool and indoor play. Free template and directions.
Ready to have fun building a snowman with your kids without having to worry about the cold? Then let me show you how to make a snowman sensory bag using pretend snowballs and a free snowman template. I bet your kids can’t keep their hands off this squishy and inviting sensory activity!
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I can’t help but hear Anna’s iconic question, “Do you want to build a snowman?” every time I think of this activity! If you and your little ones are enthusiastically nodding yes, then you’re in for a treat. This activity is perfect for you—plus, don’t miss our Playdough Snowman Recipe and Snow Sensory Bottle for even more frosty fun!
No matter where you live like on the top of the mountain where the snow never melts or a place where it’s warm and never snows, your kids can experience making a snowman this winter while staying nice and warm indoors (no need to spend 30 minutes bundling the kids up to go outside).
Simply make this sensory bag, and let your kids build a snowman over and over again.
Tip:
Add some extra sensory fun by making the sensory bag cold so it really resembles building a snowman. Just pop it in the refrigerator before giving it to your kiddos to play with. When they touch the sensory bag it will be so cool–literally!
Want to make a winter sensory bottle too? Make a Snowman Snow Globe Sensory Bottle.
I LOVE making Sensory Bags because once they are made they are a perfect grab-and-play activity that I can give my preschooler and big kids to play with any time. Since all the contents are in a plastic bag, sensory bags are a mess-free way for them to play and be entertained. Sensory bags are also beneficial, you can read more on sensory play here: 5 Benefits of Sensory Play by Goodstart Learning.
Love Sensory Play? Check out all our Sensory Activity Ideas Here.
Updated Safety Tip
Safety note: Water beads are no longer recommended for young children due to choking risks. If you choose to use them, always keep the sensory bag fully sealed and supervise closely, or try one of the safer alternatives below.
- Puff balls
How to Store Your Snowman Sensory Bag?
I keep the sensory bags around in a plastic container (just in case it springs a leak) to be pulled out when I need a moment to wash dishes, help my other kids with school, or let my toddler (age 3) have some quiet time.
Enjoy Winter and Check out all our Winter Activities Here.
About the “Snow” in This Sensory Bag
You may notice that some of the photos show round, snowball-like pieces inside the sensory bag. When this activity was first created, we used water beads to make the snowballs because they created a smooth, squishy texture and moved easily inside the bag.
However, water beads are no longer recommended for young children and have been removed from many stores due to safety concerns. Because of this, the directions for this activity have been updated to use safer, more accessible materials that still allow kids to build and move “snow” inside the bag.
Safer Snow Alternatives
These supplies work well because they are large, lightweight, and easy to move around the sensory bag:
- White Tapioca Pearls (taste safe and the closest thing to old-school water beads, read more about how to use Tapioca Pearls here.)
- White pom poms
- Foam beads
- Cotton balls
These alternatives still provide a fun sensory experience while keeping the activity appropriate for young children and classroom or home use.
Build a SNOWMAN Sensory Bag
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Supplies:
Safety note: Water beads are no longer recommended for young children due to choking risks. If you choose to use them, always keep the sensory bag fully sealed and supervise closely, or try one of the recommended alternatives.
- Snowman Template (download below)
- Water Beads
- Optional Supplies:
- Pom poms
- Foam beads
- Cotton balls
- White Tapioca Pearls (taste safe and the closest thing to old-school water beads, read more about how to use Tapioca Pearls here.)
- Optional Supplies:
- Gallon Zip Lock Bag
- Black Permanent Marker
- Water
- Bowl
- Optional: Nail Polish Remover and Cotton Ball
- Duct Tape (to tape sensory bag closed)
- 1-2 Drops of Blue Food Coloring
Directions:
For your convenience you can watch our short video tutorial and print the directions with the Snowman Template download.
Prepare your sensory bag:
Optional: Using the nail polish remover and cotton ball, wipe the label on the zip lock bag to remove it.
Print out the Snowman Template, place it under the bag, and trace the snowman onto the bag with a permanent marker.
Prepare your snow:
Make the White Water Beads by “growing” them. Put 1tsp or more in a bowl. Add water, and wait for them to absorb water. As they grow, you may need to add more water to the bowl,
or create your “snow” by placing white pom poms, foam beads, and small cotton balls
Make your snowman sensory bag:
Optional: Put a small amount of blue food coloring into the water. I use just a tiny bit of coloring, because I want the water to be “slightly” tinted so the snowballs can still be white. If you put too much food coloring in they will turn blue.
Carefully pour water into the sensory bag. Add just enough so the snow can move freely inside the bag, then seal it closed. If the bag becomes too full and the snow won’t stay in place, remove a small amount of water.
For extra security, place a strip of duct tape or packing tape across the top and along the seams to help keep the bag closed during play.
Now it’s ready to play with! ❄️☃️
Introducing the Snowman Sensory Bag to your Child
The first time I give my kids a new sensory bag I like to sit with them, teach them how to move the items in the sensory bag around, and supervise to make sure they are playing with the bag safely.
When I gave the snowman sensory bag to my 3-year-old, I let him touch the bag as his natural curiosity took over. Then I showed him how to move the snowballs around, verbally told him to, “Build a snowman,” and showed him how to move all the snowballs into the middle of the snowman.
I hope your kiddos have just as much fun as my kiddos did, building a snowman this winter.
DOWNLOAD THE SNOWMAN SENSORY BAG TEMPLATE HERE:
Don’t see the box? CLICK HERE to be directed to the download. Please share and pin our printable While you are here, take a look at more of our Free Printables.