The holidays are full of excitement and sometimes, a little extra energy at home.
Between school breaks, travel days, and cozy afternoons inside, it helps to have a few playful ideas up your sleeve that spark curiosity and connection.
These STEAM-at-Home Invitations are simple ways to explore together using things you already have around the house. No prep, no stress, just joyful, hands-on play that builds memories (and a little learning, too).
1. Candy Cane Color Mix
You’ll Need: A few candy canes, warm water, and a clear plate or bowl
Place the candy canes in a circle on the plate and slowly pour warm water in the center. Watch as the colors swirl and mix into new designs.
💬 Play Together: “What colors do you see?” “What shapes are the swirls making?”
💡 STEAM Spark: Observation • Color mixing • Pattern recognition
2. Reindeer Bridge Challenge
You’ll Need: Blocks, cardboard, or popsicle sticks; a small toy reindeer or other animal
Work together to build a bridge strong enough for your reindeer to cross. Add cotton balls underneath as the “snowy valley” and test how many reindeer your bridge can hold.
💬 Play Together: “Can the bridge hold two reindeer?” “What makes it stronger?”
💡 STEAM Spark: Engineering • Balance • Creative problem-solving
3. Jingle Bell Band
You’ll Need: Jingle bells, spoons, plastic containers, or empty boxes
Create your own holiday band! Explore how different materials change the way bells sound. Make up a rhythm or march around the room together.
💬 Play Together: “Can we make a quiet song? A loud one?” “How do we know when to stop and start together?”
💡 STEAM Spark: Sound • Vibration • Collaboration
4. Snowflake Patterns
You’ll Need: Q-tips, toothpicks, or craft sticks; a tray or piece of paper
Arrange sticks or Q-tips into different snowflake designs. Try making big ones, tiny ones, or ones with repeating patterns.
💬 Play Together: “How many points does your snowflake have?” “Can we make a matching one together?”
💡 STEAM Spark: Math • Symmetry • Creative thinking
5. Marshmallow Builders
You’ll Need: Mini marshmallows and pretzel sticks or dry spaghetti
Work together to build towers, bridges, or silly “snow creatures.” Take a photo before you eat a few marshmallows as a snack!
💬 Play Together: “Can our tower stand taller than your cup of cocoa?” “What happens if we add more pieces?”
💡 STEAM Spark: Engineering • Balance • Collaboration
6. Frozen Painting Experiment
Materials: Ice cubes, salt, watercolor paints
Challenge: Sprinkle salt on ice, then add watercolor. Watch how the colors travel through the melting paths.
💬 Try This: “Where does the color go when the ice melts?”
💡 STEAM Sparks: Science • Color Mixing • Observation
These activities are meant to be playful moments, not projects, a way to slow down, laugh, and explore together.
When children play, they’re naturally learning to think, problem-solve, and create, and when you join in, you’re helping them build curiosity and connection.
Download the free STEAM-at-Home Holiday Handout below — it’s a simple one-page printable you can send home to families or keep for your own cozy afternoons.
👉 Click Here to Download. Free for a limited time.
Teacher Tip:
Share the printable with families before winter break! It’s an easy way to keep curiosity alive at home through play.
And for more ideas like these, plus access to our complete 5-Star Holiday and Winter STEAM Challenge Set, join us inside the Preschool STEAM Membership.
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