Looking for an enchanting winter activity that combines art, science, and sensory play for your little ones? This snowflake salt painting project is perfect for toddlers and elementary school kids! As a mom of three, I love how this activity keeps my children engaged while also teaching them about absorption, crystallization, and color mixing. Plus, it creates gorgeous winter decorations for your home!
Why Your Kids Will Love This Winter Learning Activity
Before we dive into the tutorial, let me tell you why this has become our favorite winter tradition. This snowflake art project:
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Develops fine motor skills perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
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Teaches early science concepts through hands-on exploration
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Creates beautiful winter decorations kids are proud to display
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Uses simple materials you may already have. If not, check out the shopping list here!
Learning Through Play: The Science Behind Salt Painting
Turn this fun winter art activity into a learning opportunity! Explain to your kids how:
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Salt crystals absorb the colored water.
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Colors mix and blend as they travel.
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The salt creates texture like real snowflakes.
What You'll Need for This Winter Art Activity
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White paper (thicker paper or card stock work best)
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Art tray or cookie sheet with a lip
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Droppers (optional but fun!)
- Hairspray (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Salt Painting Snowflakes
1. Set Up Your Winter Art Station
First, protect your surface with a cookie sheet or art tray. This contains the salt and makes cleanup so much easier. Place white paper in the tray.
2. Create Your Snowflake Design
Have your child draw a snowflake pattern with white glue. Pro mom tip: For younger kids, pre-draw the design with pencil for them to trace with glue. For older kids, let them create their own unique patterns!
Use plenty of glue – thicker lines hold more salt
3. Add the Magic (Salt!)
While the glue is still wet, generously sprinkle salt over the entire design. This is where the excitement begins – kids love this part! Let them pour the salt themselves (sensory play win!). Shake off the excess salt: you can either wait a few minutes so that it dries to the glue OR shake it off right away.
4. Time to Paint!
Once your salt-covered snowflake is ready:
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Dip your brush in watercolor paint
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Gently touch and tap the brush to the salt lines
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Watch in amazement as the color spreads through the salt crystals!
Mom hack: Use droppers instead of brushes for extra fine motor practice and controlled color application.
5. Let Dry and Enjoy!
Once your little artist has completed painting their salt snowflake, let dry completely. You can shake off any excess salt and then spray with hairspray to help preserve it!
More Winter STEM Activities Your Kids Will Love
Love this activity? Check out all of our winter-themed learning activities here!
Ready to Try This Magical Winter Art Activity?
Grab your supplies and get ready for some winter wonderland fun! Don't forget to tag me in your creations – I love seeing your little artists at work! Check out my Amazon storefront for all the supplies you'll need for this and other engaging learning activities.
Remember to pin this post for later and follow me for more fun learning activities, parenting tips, and holiday traditions your family will love!
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