Discovering the signs of winter activity website

Published January 12, 2026 Written by [email protected]

Early years activity: Discovering the signs of winter

Take learning outdoors with our discovering the signs of winter seasonal activity. Children explore the signs of winter, from frost and bare trees to the chilly air, using magnifying glasses to observe nature close up, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder at our wonderful world.

Discovering the signs of winter activity learning aims

Notice changes in the environment as seasons change
Express what they see, feel, smell and hear
Develop vocabulary related to winter
Exploration skills.

Resources you will need for this activity

Photos/videos of winter scenes
Magnifying glasses/binoculars
Camera (optional).

Discovering the signs of winter activity outline

Discuss seasons with the children. Ask questions such as, what season are we in now? What happens outside when it’s winter? What can we see, feel, hear, and smell? What clothes do we wear? Listen to their responses and model relevant words – frost, frozen, sleet, snow, icy, gloves, warm coat etc.
Show some photos or videos of winter scenes – frost on grass, bare tress, animals in the cold, snowflakes etc.
Go on a winter walk (either at your setting, a local park, a local green space)
Encourage children to be vigilant and look for bare trees, evergreen trees, frost on leaves/grass, puddles (maybe frozen), birds, for example, robins
Demonstrate how to use the magnifying glasses to observe the fine details more clearly, encouraging curiosity, careful looking and scientific exploration. Children may see the veins on dead leaves and bare twigs, or how the frost sparkles and forms tiny patterns, helping them to understand how nature changes in different seasons
As you walk ask questions like, “How does the air feel on your face?”, “What colours can you see?”, “What can you hear and smell?”
Collect some natural objects (twigs, pinecones etc.) and take some photos to share when you get back to nursery, to encourage discussion about what you have all experienced.

How to extend this activity

Feed the winter birds – make a simple bird feeder with fat and seeds
Make a frozen discovery tray – freeze small natural objects (leaves, pinecones) and let the children explore how to melt the ice to release them.

NDNA products to support you with this activity

Developing Quality Outdoor Provision nursery training – Face to face training

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Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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