Children love discovering new sounds, especially those connected to winter traditions. A simple “Guess the Sound of Winter” game is an easy way to offer fun activities for kids that spark curiosity without needing constant staff involvement.
You don’t need audio editing skills or special equipment. With a tablet and a few free tools, you can prepare this activity for any library event, winter display, or drop-in corner.
Below is a clear walkthrough to help you set it up confidently.
Step 1: What You Need
To begin, you’ll need:- Ten short sound clips
- A tablet or computer for setup
- A place to upload the final audio file
- A simple form for collecting answers
Free sound libraries such as Pixabay offer snow steps, bells, wind, fire, or music box sounds. Choose a mix that feels right for your community.
Write down all ten sounds in the order you plan to use them and give each one a short name. This becomes your answer key and helps keep things organised during your library event.
Step 2: Rename the Sound Files
Rename each downloaded file to match your list. For example:
01_snow_footsteps
02_wrapping_paper
03_fireplace
...
Clear numbering ensures everything stays in the right order when you combine the sounds.
Step 3: Combine All Sounds into One Track
Use a free online tool such as Audio Joiner, VocalRemover or Clideo. These tools work in your browser and don’t need installation.- Upload your ten files
- Check the order
- Add a short pause between sounds
- Click merge
- Download your final MP3
Now you have one simple audio track that visitors can listen to as part of this activity.
Step 4: Upload the Audio File
Upload the MP3 to a platform your visitors can access. Google Drive works well, but OneDrive or your library website also work.
Copy the link. You’ll use it when creating your QR code or directing visitors to the sound file.
Step 5: Create a Quick Answer Form
Google Forms is perfect for this and takes only a few minutes to set up.
- Create a Blank Form
- Title it: The Sound of Winter – Answer Sheet
- In the form description, list the sound names so visitors know the options.
- Add ten short-answer questions, labelled Sound 1 to Sound 10, where players can write their answers.
- Turn off email collection.
- Keep the form open for anyone to submit.
This keeps the activity simple and self-guided, especially during busy times. Families can join in without needing staff help.
Optional: Add a “Name” field if you want to award a small prize to, e.g., the fastest five participants. This helps you track winners and makes this library event more exciting.
Step 6: Make Two QR Codes
Use any free QR Code Generator to create:- QR Code 1 for the audio file
- QR Code 2 for the answer form
Place them together on a poster or table sign.
Visitors scan one code to listen and the other to submit their guesses. This setup is perfect for drop-in engagement during a library event or as a part of December’s fun activities for kids.
You can also set up two shared tablets:
- One tablet plays the audio
- One tablet has the answer form open
This keeps the station tidy and accessible for younger kids.
Step 7: Keep Your Answer Sheet
Use your original list to check answers or to publish them later.
You can reveal the answers at the end of December or right after New Year. It adds a nice finishing touch and gives children a reason to come back after the holidays.
And if you offer a small prize for the winners, even better. After all, who doesn’t like a gift?
Making Winter Activities Easy for Every Visit
This activity is simple to prepare and works for all ages. It invites families to explore sound, try something new, and enjoy a fun moment together. It’s a great fit for libraries looking to offer fun activities for kids without adding extra workload.
You can also adapt this idea for any season or theme; spring birds, autumn leaves, instruments, everyday noises, or story-related sounds. This makes the activity useful far beyond winter and easy to repeat throughout the year.
By offering small digital experiences like this, you give families a warm reason to pause, play, and discover something new each time they visit.
