When winter weather sets in, finding ways to keep your young child entertained indoors can feel like a challenge, especially if they’re full of energy. Luckily, South Carolina offers plenty of public resources to help parents engage their little ones even on the coldest days. Here are some indoor activities perfect for young children, along with ways to take advantage of South Carolina’s libraries, museums, and more.

For young children, story time is a wonderful way to build early literacy skills and bond over the joy of reading. Many South Carolina public libraries offer virtual story time sessions specifically designed for young children. Check out the Charleston County Public Library, Greenville County Library and SC Educational Television for online story time programs which often include sing-alongs, rhymes, and simple interactive games that are perfect for children. In addition to live events, you can use library resources to access e-books for kids through local library's apps. Pick a favorite story and have your child act out parts, sing along to songs, or talk about the characters. These activities help develop your child’s language and social skills, all while having fun indoors.

Sensory play is essential for young children as it helps them explore the world through touch, sight, and sound. Using simple, safe materials like water, sand, or rice, you can create sensory bins that encourage children to dig, scoop, and pour. Add small objects like toy animals or cars for them to explore and discover. The South Carolina State Museum has at-home activities geared toward young children, including ideas for creating easy science or sensory projects using everyday materials. For example, try filling a plastic bin with uncooked rice and letting your child bury small toys to “find” or create a simple water play station in the bathtub.

Encourage your child’s creativity by setting up simple art activities. Use crayons, markers, or washable paints to make colorful masterpieces together. You can even make homemade playdough with flour, salt, and water. Young children love to squish, roll, and mold different shapes. You can keep things simple with finger painting or try something more structured, like creating paper plate animals or leaf rubbings from leaves you’ve collected outside. After creating at home, visit your local art museum. The Columbia Museum of Art and other museums across the state participate in Museums for All offering free or low-cost admission to families receiving food assistance.

Children have lots of energy, and cold weather doesn’t have to slow them down! Turn on some music and have a mini dance party in the living room. You can also set up obstacle courses with cushions and chairs, encouraging your child to jump, crawl, or balance as they move through the space. For more ideas, South Carolina’s parks and recreation departments often offer virtual or recorded movement sessions for children, like Charleston's Recreation Department. Follow along with these programs or simply make up your own games like “freeze dance” or “musical statues.”

Indoor play during the winter months can be a fantastic way to connect with your young child while helping them develop new skills. With the help of South Carolina’s public resources and a little creativity, you can transform cold, wintry days into exciting indoor adventures.