Polar Pitch: Winter Craft for Toddlers and Parents

Winter days can feel extra long when you’re stuck inside with a toddler. So why not bring a little frosty fun indoors with a quick craft that’s sure to keep your little one entertained? My daughter and I created our very own "Polar Pitch" game—a DIY snowman that doubles as an activity to burn some toddler energy. Bonus: everything we used came from the Dollar Tree (thank you, $1.25!) or was already lying around the house.

Here’s how you can make your own snowy superstar and have some indoor fun!

What You’ll Need

• White Foam Poster Board

• Markers (black, blue, orange—whatever says snowman)

• Exacto Knife or Box Cutter

• Small Basket (or a cardboard box works too!)

• Ball Pit Balls

(Pro tip: Safety first! This craft involves sharp tools, so keep a close eye if your toddler wants to “help.”)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Outline Your Snowman

Grab your foam poster board and sketch out a snowman. Don’t have a pencil? Same here. A pen works fine—just cover any stray lines with a marker later. We gave ours a dapper top hat and a carrot nose, but feel free to let your imagination run wild.

2. Bring Your Snowman to Life

Trace over your lines with a bold marker and add the snowman’s features. This is a great time to let your toddler join in—scribbles count as “abstract art,” right? My daughter loved adding her creative flair to his face.

3. Plan Your Tossing Holes

Grab your ball pit balls and trace a few circles on the Snowman's tummy for "buttons." Make sure the holes are big enough for the balls to fit through. We made three large holes down the center and two smaller ones for the eyes. (Spoiler: my toddler refused to differentiate between ball sizes, so we stuck with the big ones!)

4. Cut It Out

Using an Exacto knife or box cutter, carefully cut out the circles for the balls to go through. This part is definitely a grown-up job—sharp tools and toddlers don’t mix!

5. Trim the Snowman's Frame

Cut out the entire snowman from the poster board so Frosty isn’t just a square block of snow. He deserves better.

6. Attach him to the Basket

Fasten your snowman to the small basket using tape, zip ties, or whatever you have on hand. We went with zip ties for extra sturdiness (toddlers are nothing if not enthusiastic testers of durability).

Let the Games Begin!

Once Frosty is ready, let your little one go to town tossing the balls through the holes. I had to show my daughter how it worked at first, but once she got the hang of it, there was no stopping her. She even invented her own rules—because toddlers.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

• Keeps Little Hands Busy: Perfect for those “Mommy, I’m bored!” moments.

• Budget-Friendly Fun: Dollar Tree supplies FTW.

• Indoor Energy Burner: No snow boots required.

So the next time winter weather keeps you inside, whip up a Polar Pitch and watch your little one giggle the chilly day away. Just don’t be surprised if you end up playing too!

Pin it for later: Save this post for your next snowy (or just plain cold) day!

Best,

LB