Things to Do With Kids in Winter: A Warm, Hands-On Idea

Cold, wet, dark-by-5 winter days need a plan. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in winter that don’t involve another screen, here’s one that gets everyone hands-on: making slime – and your own squishy – at The Slime Kitchen.

What is The Slime Kitchen?

A hands-on sensory play store where kids (and grown-ups) make their own custom slime. Pick a base, add scents, colors, charms and mix-ins, and our guides walk you through a 10-step process. It’s part store, part creative studio, and all indoors. Sessions run about 20-30 minutes, walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are recommended.

The hero: Skweezerz™ – your slime DIY, expanded

Made your slime? Don’t stop there. Fill your Skweezerz™ with some of it, then skweeze. Skweezerz™ is a DIY squishy you build yourself from the slime you just made – pop, squish, crunch, swirl, skweeze. It’s not slime or a squishy. It’s your slime DIY, expanded. Visit participating stores.

And keep an eye out: Skweezerz™ workshops are coming soon.

Why it works in winter

  • Fully indoors, warm and dry
  • Hands-on and screen-free
  • Works for ages 5 and up (yes, parents too – slime making is for ages 5 to 105)
  • About 20-30 minutes, so it pairs with a mall trip or hot cocoa
  • Walk-ins welcome; easy to book ahead

More winter ideas at The Slime Kitchen

  • Workshops: sensory and STEM-themed sessions for kids, including toddler workshops. Skweezerz™ workshops coming soon.
  • Birthday parties: winter birthdays belong somewhere warm. Ask about the Expanded party package – the party, expanded with Skweezerz™.
  • Retail wall: slimes, squishies and Skweezerz™ DIY squishy kits to take the fun home.

Winter visit FAQ

What are good indoor activities for kids in winter?

Hands-on activities keep kids engaged longer than passive ones. Making custom slime at The Slime Kitchen is a guided, 10-step DIY session that takes about 20-30 minutes, works for ages 5+, and every child leaves with something they made.

What is a DIY squishy?

A DIY squishy is a squishy you build yourself. Make your own slime, fill your Skweezerz™ with some of it, then skweeze. Your slime DIY, expanded. Visit participating stores.

Do we need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome at all stores. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and school breaks.

Where is our nearest Slime Kitchen?

We have 19 stores across 7 states (CA, FL, IA, KY, NV, OR, SC). Find yours on our locations page.

Is it just for little kids?

No – slime making is for ages 5 to 105. Parents and grandparents usually end up making their own.

Find your store