When the temps drop and park days become few and far between, it’s time to turn your home into a winter wonderland of imagination. Honestly, Winter at home doesn’t have to be boring or screen-heavy. With a few simple tweaks and the right tools (hello, cubby house!), you can spark joy and creativity even on the gloomiest of days.
Create a Play Space That Feels Like a Hug
First things first: warm, cozy, and safe. Think soft rugs, fairy lights, and your favourite cubby. Whether it's our one of our Table Tents or a sweet little homemade hideaway, a cubby house brings magic indoors. It’s not just a tent, it’s a spaceship, a bakery, a secret reading nook.
Ideas to Get You Started:
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Add cushions and a mini lamp for a "reading corner" setup
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Bring in pots, pans, and wooden spoons for a pretend kitchen
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Hang stars or snowflakes to transform the cubby into a winter cave
Lean Into Seasonal Play Themes
Embrace the season with themed play prompts. Set up a Winter Bakery where your little ones can "bake" felt cookies. Create a "Snow Explorer Camp" under the table tent and go on imaginary hikes through snowstorms (a.k.a. cotton balls!).
You can even print little play menus or explorer maps. Don’t overthink it, a sprinkle of imagination goes a long way!
Add a Secret Play Mission!
Want to supercharge the giggles and get those brains buzzing? Leave a handwritten Secret Mission note inside the cubby. Think: “Rescue the frozen teddy bears from the Arctic cave,” or “Bake the Queen’s birthday cake using magical snowberries (ahem, cotton balls).”
These surprise missions keep play fresh and exciting. Pro tip: drop one in after bedtime to build up anticipation for tomorrow’s indoor adventure.
Here are some more secret mission ideas to try:
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Arctic Explorer Mission: Use cotton balls, blue paper, and toy animals to create a pretend ice world.
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Winter Bakery Challenge: Whip up felt cookies and serve them to family customers.
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Snowy Storytime Nook: Pick winter-themed books and read by torchlight under the cubby.
Rotate Toys & Props for Freshness
This was a firm favourite when we lived in our apartment! Stuck inside? Freshen things up without buying more. Rotate toys weekly. One week it’s all about animals, the next it’s a home office (tiny laptop optional, but adorable). Your cubby becomes a new world with just a prop swap.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Winter is the perfect excuse to slow down and get silly. Build a cubby together, then let your kids take the lead in storytelling. Mums, dads, grandparents, everyone's welcome in the land of make-believe.
Even just 20 minutes of undivided play can do wonders for connection. Remember: it doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. It just has to be real.
Less Clutter, More Play
One thing we hear all the time? "We don’t have room for big toys." And honestly, same. That’s why our cubbies are designed to fit snugly over your dining table and pack away flat. They're big on imagination, small on mess.
If you’re tired of stepping on tiny cars and rogue puzzle pieces, consider simplifying the play area with multi-purpose setups like a cubby house. It keeps the fun contained without sacrificing any of the magic.
Our Favourite Indoor Winter Play Picks
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Space Station Table Tent – Launch into a galaxy of play without leaving your lounge room.
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Vintage Camper Cubby – Cozy, whimsical, and perfect for adventures without leaving home.
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Personalised Signs – Make their cubby feel extra special with their name on the door.
Explore more on our Shop All page and spark a little magic this winter.
Real Play Happens Right Here
Not every holiday needs a suitcase. Sometimes, the best adventures are under your own roof. Indoor winter play is about connection, creativity, and slowing down with our little humans. And with the right cubby, you’re halfway there.
Let’s normalise staying in, snuggling up, and making memories that don’t need a boarding pass.
Ready to make winter magical? Browse our collection of cubby houses and bring the magic home.
FAQs
1. What is the best indoor play activity for winter?
Building a cubby house and incorporating imaginative themes like bakeries or explorer camps is a fun, engaging option.
2. How do I keep my child entertained indoors during cold weather?
Rotate toys, use themed play setups, and involve the whole family in short, creative play bursts.
3. Are cubby houses safe for indoor use?
Absolutely. Our cubbies are designed with indoor spaces in mind and fit safely over standard tables.
4. What age group enjoys cubby houses most?
Typically ages 2 to 7 love cubby play, but older siblings often get involved too.
5. Can I customise a cubby for my child?
Yes! Add a personalised sign to make your child's cubby feel truly their own. We can also adjust our Table Tents to fit you bigger or smaller table!