When you live in the Midwest you can pretty much guarantee that your school year has a snow day or two built into it. On average, our part of the woods misses 2-5 days of school for inclement weather each school year.
With your kids stuck at home, what is there to do to keep them from bouncing off the walls? Or the dreaded “I am bored!” Here are a few ideas to help keep you from losing your mind!
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Building a snow man is probably the top snow activity across the planet. A scarf, a carrot, and some good packing snow are really all you need for this activity. Roll out 3 balls. Stack them one on top of another. Add your props and your done. Time for some selfies with your new little Olaf.
Man and his best friend. 
The easy way to build a snowman.
Now let’s step it up a notch. How about a snow family? Or snow animals? Or maybe build an igloo if you are really ambitious. @hamiltonsrv.com has a post on How to Build an Actual Igloo that can give you some great pointers on your snow day structures.
Snow Day Painting
Your kids will have a great time painting the snow this winter on their snow day. with snow paint. @craftymorning.com has a recipe for snow paint that is super easy. All you need is a few drops of liquid food coloring and cold water. Mix in a squeeze bottle for easy writing. How great it is to have a huge blank canvas to design their works of art. Bonus – the mess stays outside!
You can also use kool-aid packets if you don’t have food coloring. The more you add the stronger the color will be. Use spray bottles for a different effect.
*Be careful, food coloring stains.
Sledding
There is something about coasting down a hillside with wind in your face and snow dusting your eyelashes that brings back your childhood. And introducing children to the sledding experience is truly magical. There are several store bought sledding apparatuses that will ensure a fast, fun thrill ride. But in a pinch, a sled made with duct tape and cardboard will work just fine. Here are a few sled building ideas to check out.
Snowball Fight
If the neighbors are off school too, get them all together and break up into teams for a big snowball fight. What an awesome way to run around and work those gross motor skills, plus burn off some energy.
If your fun is inside, here is a tutorial on how to make snowballs for an indoor fight from @themormonhome.com. If you’re not that crafty, order premade indoor snowballs from Amazon here.
More Outside Fun
- Make frozen bubbles.
- Make snow angels.
- Go ice skating.
- Put out bird seed for birds.
- Shovel the driveway.
Moving It Inside
From snowball fights to snowball stacking, these 7 indoor snowball games & activities will get the kids moving and playing indoors (without getting cold) from @amomwithalessonplan.com.
Playdough
Kids will jump at any reason to dig their hands into playdough. This is an easy way to add some fine motor development into their snow day. @aspectacledowl.com has a great playdough snowman kit idea that I love.
More Indoor Fun
- Have a scavenger hunt.
- Color or make a craft.
- Have a dance party.
- Put on a play.
- Bake cookies.
- Play board games
- Make a fort
- Have a pajama day
- Movie marathon
- Make hot chocolate
Warming Up With Some Hot Chocolate
There is nothing better than warming your sweet peas up with a mug of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows melting on top. This could be my favorite memory of snow days when I was a child. @mymommystyle.com has an easy homemade hot chocolate recipe you should try.
I hope that you get to enjoy their snow day as much as they do. It’s one of the biggest reason to act like a kid again. Be sure to take tons of pictures! ~Susie Pea
For more fun ideas with kiddos , check out my post on Geocaching with Kids. Or my post on How to Host a Successful Grandma Camp.
“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
