If you’re looking for winter activities that are both fun and educational, keep reading. I’ve compiled a list of Hibernation Activities for Preschoolers that will help you teach this fascinating natural phenomenon. Don’t miss these winter activities for kids for more seasonal fun.
Animals of all sizes use hibernation to survive the cold months. This fascinating concept is a great way to engage young learners in science, sensory play, and creative crafts.
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Read my disclosure policy here.
Fun Hibernation Facts for Kids
Understanding hibernation starts with some incredible facts that will fascinate young children. Here are three to share with your preschooler as you begin your lesson on the animals that sleep through winter.
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation Saves Energy: When winter comes, food becomes scarce. To survive, animals like bears and hedgehogs enter a state called “hibernation,” where their breathing and heart rates slow down, using stored fat as energy. This helps them stay alive during months when food is hard to find.
Not Every Animal Hibernates the Same Way: Bears go into a deep sleep, but they don’t fully hibernate like ground squirrels, who experience a near-total body shutdown. Some cold-blooded animals, like frogs, even partially freeze to survive the cold.
Hibernation Is Like a Long Nap—but Better: Most animals don’t need to eat, drink, or even go to the bathroom while they hibernate. They’ve evolved to conserve their energy in amazing ways.
Recommended Hibernation Books
If you’re searching for an engaging book to read with your child that focuses on hibernation, we have some fantastic suggestions just for you. Add these to your winter reading list.
Learning about hibernation isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to introduce your child to the changing seasons, animal behaviors, and problem-solving in nature. It builds their scientific curiosity while giving them a foundation in biology. It’s a theme that lends itself beautifully to creative crafts, sensory play, and storytime.
Recommended Winter Printables
Embrace the cozy vibes of winter, and let the fun begin with these printable packs. Stay warm, and let the activities bring joy to your home this season.
Winter Activities Kids Must Try
I think you’re going to enjoy these activities. I have them in mind for the cool winter months. They’re perfect for cozying up and making the most of this season.
This popsicle sticks bear cave activity from Glued to My Crafts doubles as an alphabet lesson! Your preschooler will create an adorable “H” shape while learning about the letter and a bear's cozy den.
Inspired by Jan Brett’s book The Snowy Nap, Books and Giggles provides a step-by-step hedgehog craft. It’s perfect for fine motor skills and adds a literacy element if you pair it with Brett’s enchanting story.
Use this fun cut-and-paste printable from 3 Boys and a Dog to help your preschooler match animals with their hibernation habitats. This hands-on activity reinforces what your child has learned about how animals survive winter.
School Time Snippets offers a no-mess sensory bag activity in which kids move animal-shaped stones into their hibernation spots. It’s equal parts creative and calming.
Take sensory play to the next level with a grippingly tactile felting project from Rainy Day Mum. This activity results in a beautiful wool mat your children can use to act out hibernation scenarios.
Paper Plate Hedgehog Craft – Preschool Hibernation Theme Idea
This activity from Artsy Momma lets kids create their hibernating hedgehog craft. It’s as adorable as it is easy to execute, thanks to its simple materials and engaging process.
Discover engaging hibernation activities on Mrs. Goff's Kinders. This resource offers creative ideas, such as the hibernating bear in a cave, and interactive games to help your child learn about hibernation in a playful and memorable way.
Check out this simple and adorable craft that helps children learn about hibernation hands-on. Using everyday materials, this activity guides kids in creating their own hibernating bear craft, promoting creativity and understanding of nature.
This adorable craft from Glued to My Crafts is a great way to help your preschooler understand hibernation. You can create a bear snuggled up in its winter den using a paper plate and some simple materials.
Craft a miniature winter forest scene complete with “hibernating” animals using this Mama's Happy Hive guide. It’s perfect for developing storytelling and creative play.
Fun Bear Craft for the Preschool Hibernation Theme
Pair delightful winter picture books like Over and Under the Snow or Time to Sleep with this hibernating bear craft—this creates a well-rounded literacy and art activity.
Kids can learn about how animals survive the cold with this hands-on sensory bin from The Natural Homeschool. Filled with objects mimicking snow, dirt, and dens, it’s an incredibly engaging way to reinforce the hibernation lesson.
Explore hibernation with your preschooler this winter through fun and educational activities. Try cutting and pasting, creating sensory bins, or crafting a mini winter wonderland for a mix of learning and play.
