Seasonal Sensory Play: Fun Winter Ideas Using Our Sensory Play Mat

Nosey Toesie
Jun 16
3 min read

Well we all know winter is definitely starting to make an appearance with the temperature drop and more rainy days inside, and being parents ourselves we have quickly learnt too many inside days = cabin fever. You try to avoid cabin fever by beginning to search for ways to keep your babies or toddlers entertained indoors. The good news? Cold weather doesn’t mean less play - it’s just a different and new season of sensory exploration.

At Nosey Toesie, our sensory play mats are perfect for inspiring play all year round. Winter brings its own magic, and your mat becomes the perfect base for seasonal sensory fun - warm, cosy, tactile, and full of bonding moments.

Below, we’re sharing five simple and engaging winter sensory play ideas you can do right from on your play mat, using everyday items and your imagination.

1. Warm & Fuzzy Texture Hunt

Sensory Skill Focus: Touch & Language Development

Collect a few winter-themed textured items:

Woollen socks
Soft scarves
Fleece mittens
Mink Blanket
Cotton balls (supervise at all times if using)

Place them on the play mat and invite your baby to explore with their hands and feet, get them to feel the different textures, bonus we have a fluffy sheep on the play mat already, this also the perfect square on the play mat to get them to feel and scrunch. As they begin to touch the different materials and textures, talk them through what they may be feeling using words like “fluffy,” “rough,” “smooth,” or “warm."

✨ Why it’s great: This activity builds tactile awareness and early vocabulary.

2. Cinnamon & Spice Scent Tray

Sensory Skill Focus: Smell & Taste (with supervision)

Fill small jars or mesh bags with winter scents like:

Cinnamon sticks
Star anise
Orange or mandarin peels
Whole cloves

Snuggle up on the play mat and let your baby or toddler smell and explore (always supervised!). For toddlers, you can also try spice painting by mixing cinnamon into baby-safe paint!

✨ Why it’s great: Scent is a powerful sensory tool - this activity can help calm, soothe, and introduce new smells in a safe, fun way.

3. Cosy Fort Building

Sensory Skill Focus: Imaginative Play & Spatial Awareness

Turn your Nosey Toesie sensory play mat into the heart of a cosy winter fort! Use lightweight blankets, couch cushions, a play tent frame or climbing frame to create a snuggly hideaway right over the mat. Add:

Fairy lights
A few winter-themed books
Soft toys or animals

Crawl in together and enjoy a calm moment exploring the play mat, reading, singing songs, or just soaking up the tent like vibes of hiding away and snuggling in the hut.

✨ Why it’s great: Fort-building sparks imagination and gives babies and toddlers a comforting enclosed space to explore, rest, and feel secure - while also developing spatial awareness and social-emotional bonding.

4. Winter Lights & Shadows

Sensory Skill Focus: Visual Tracking & Focus

On a darker afternoon or towards the evening, lie together on the mat. Use:

A torch or flashlight
A starry night projector
Shiny foil or metallic paper

Wave your torch light across the ceiling or floor, watch as your baby or toddler tracks it, you can also reflect the torch light off foil for a relaxing light show.

✨ Why it’s great: Engaging for babies learning to track movement with their eyes. Plus, it’s something different and can be soothing during wind-down time.

5. Tea Party Pretend Play

Sensory Skill Focus: Imaginative Play & Social Skills

Set up a cosy tea party play scene on your mat with:

Toy mugs and spoons (if you have a toddler you can use a reel mug with your choice of drink, if any spills don't worry our play mat is machine washable)
Favourite teddy's or dolls to be part of the play.
Pretend food (again or reel food if you prefer)

Let your toddler serve you "a cuppa" and take turns in simple role play.

✨ Why it’s great: Pretend play supports communication, emotional expression, and creativity - all while having some bonding together.

Cosy Play Starts with the Right Foundation

Our Nosey Toesie Touch 'n Go Sensory Play Mat is more than just a soft interactive surface, it can be the centre piece for meaningful moments, no matter the season. We hope you give some of the above activities ago, creating some fun play with your babies and toddler, while also adding a sensory element to play.

We would love for you to share any photos you take trying out these activities.