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Snow Days with Kids: Fun Activities and Yummy Recipes!
- Little Family Wonders
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
In a state like Oklahoma, the weather can be quite unpredictable, but occasionally, we can look forward to some snowfall. That's why I'm not only stocking up on essentials like bread and milk; I'm also preparing fun activities to keep everyone entertained for hours. When the weather turns chilly, it's the ideal time to embrace the day with warmth, creativity, and joy. Here are some engaging activities and ideas for making the most of snow days with your kids, along with a tasty recipe for snow ice cream and other delightful snow day treats.
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A Winter Surprise: Welcoming Snow with a Dance Party
It's a new year, and this winter promises to bring magical moments for our children to cherish. Last night, my family gathered at my parents’ house for a cozy weekend together. As we settled in, the children eagerly watched the sky through the window, anticipation growing as they waited for the first snowfall of the season.
When the snow finally started to fall, my niece was so excited she rallied everyone to join her for a spontaneous dance party in the sunroom, where large open windows provided a breathtaking view of the snowfall outside. With the soft glow of dim lights and the picturesque scene of snow gently descending, the children danced to festive Christmas songs, filling the room with laughter and joy.
Let's Build a Snowman: Outdoor Fun Awaits!
When the snow keeps everyone indoors for extended periods, kids can quickly start to feel restless or bored. Here are some fun and engaging ideas to help keep your little ones entertained and smiling during snow days at home.
Winter Scavenger Hunt:
Kick off the fun with an indoor scavenger hunt to help the children gather all their winter necessities before heading outside! Once they’ve collected everything on their list, it’s time to bundle up and venture outdoors to continue the hunt. Encourage them to explore their surroundings and discover the wonders of the season, turning it into a fun and educational adventure! To make it even more enjoyable, we have a fun printout available in our resource library for you to download and print. Get ready for a day filled with exploration and discovery!
Build a Snowman
This classic activity always brings joy! Let the kids unleash their creativity by decorating the snowman with fun items from around the house. Think scarves, buttons, and even old hats to give it character. And don't forget the carrot nose—just like my six-year-old always reminds me.
Make a Snow Angel
Making a snow angel is a delightful and classic winter activity that captures the essence of a snowy day. It’s simple, fun, and allows kids to express their creativity while enjoying the winter landscape. Here’s how to make the perfect snow angel, along with some tips for enhancing the experience.
Snowball Fight
Rally the troops for a friendly snowball fight! Decide on specific boundaries, such as the playing area, and agree on a few gameplay rules: no aiming for the face, and players must avoid throwing snowballs that contain ice. A snowball fight is not only fun but also a great way to promote teamwork and communication among the kids.
Sledding
Grab some sleds or toboggans and head to a nearby hill for some thrilling sledding fun! Sledding is an exhilarating winter activity that kids of all ages love. Make sure to choose a safe and suitable hill, free of obstacles and away from roads. Establish rules about how to sled down safely. Once everyone is ready, take turns zooming down the hill and celebrating the excitement at the bottom. Consider building a snow ramp or giving a gentle push for extra momentum!
Snow Fort Building
Encourage kids to tap into their imaginative play by constructing a snow fort! This activity allows for teamwork and creativity—kids can work together to build a fortress out of snow bricks. Use buckets or containers to pack the snow tightly and shape it into walls. Once the fort is built, it can serve as a base for snowball fights or imaginative play scenarios.
Enjoy a Exciting Ride in a Remote-Controlled UTV
Add a fun and adventurous twist to outdoor play by letting the kids take turns driving a remote-controlled UTV in the snow! This activity blends the thrill of racing with the magic of winter. Find a flat, obstacle-free space and let the children maneuver their remote-controlled vehicles through the snow. Watching them steer their UTVs through the winter wonderland is sure to bring lots of smiles and outdoor fun!
Winter Nature Walk
Take a winter nature walk to discover the beauty of the snowy landscape. Encourage the kids to pay attention to the sights, sounds, and even smells of winter. Bring along a nature journal to collect pine needles, interesting leaves, and other items. They can document their findings with drawings and notes, which will not only foster a love for nature but also engage their observational skills.
Create Snow Art
Transform your snowy backyard into a vibrant canvas with the fun activity of creating snow art! This creative project allows kids to express themselves freely while adding a splash of color to the winter landscape. It’s easy, engaging, and the perfect way to turn a plain blanket of snow into an artistic masterpiece.
What You’ll Need:
Food Coloring: Use various colors to create a range of vibrant hues. Liquid food coloring works best, but you can also use powdered food coloring mixed with water.
Spray Bottles: These will be used to apply the colored water to the snow. Empty spray bottles or squirt bottles work well for this activity.
Water: Fill the spray bottles with water, adding food coloring to create your desired shades.
Creating snow art is a fantastic way to blend creativity with outdoor winter fun. It allows kids to experience art in a new way while enjoying the beauty of the snowy landscape. So gather your supplies, head outside, and watch their creativity blossom in the winter wonderland!
How Long Is Too Long? Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe During Snowy Playtime
Kids can typically play outside safely in the snow for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on various factors such as temperature, wind chill, clothing, and their activity level. It’s important to monitor their comfort and signs of cold, such as shivering, numbness, or pale skin.
To ensure safety:
Dress children in layered, waterproof, and insulated clothing.
Provide breaks indoors to warm up.
Keep an eye on them for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
Limit outdoor playtime based on the weather conditions and their individual tolerance.
Always tailor outdoor activity durations to the specific weather and your child's needs.
Providing Warmth: Indoor Snow Days With Kids Activities
Warm Bubble Bath
Pamper the kids with a cozy, warm bubble bath infused with soothing bath salts. This delightful escape not only helps them unwind after a day of outdoor fun but also offers a calming way to warm up from the chilly weather. Check out these fantastic bath salts designed specifically for kids to help them feel relaxed and ready for a peaceful evening!
Comfy Pajamas
After their bath, let the kids slip into their favorite cozy pajamas—such as soft onesie pajamas—since there's something extra special about putting on snug clothes that makes a snow day feel even more warm, inviting, and fun.
Winter Worksheets
Explore free color sheets online or download this "Build a Snowman" worksheet to add a winter touch to learning. These printable resources are ready to print and perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained throughout the snowy season!
Play Board Games
Dust off some board games for a friendly family competition! One game my kids absolutely love is "Don't Break the Ice", where players must carefully tap out blocks of ice without letting the penguin fall through. It’s a simple yet exciting game that they can even play on their own! This game promotes teamwork and adds tons of fun to your indoor activities.
Indoor Snowball Fight
Gather everyone for a friendly indoor snowball fight! To enhance the experience, consider purchasing soft, stuffed artificial snowballs that mimic the real thing without the chill. Open all the windows and blinds to let in natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for your indoor snowball battle. Enjoy the laughter and excitement as everyone gets into the spirit of winter, all from the comfort of your home!
Book and Activity
Choose a selection of winter-themed books to read together, accompanied by engaging activities related to the stories. After reading, you might do a craft or a fun project inspired by the book, like creating paper snowflakes or winter-themed artwork.
Here is a fun book and activity for younger children:
"The Mitten" by Jan Brett
Gather your little ones for a heartwarming reading of "The Mitten", a beautifully illustrated story by Jan Brett. This delightful tale follows a young boy named Nick who loses his white mitten in the snow, leading to a series of charming events as various animals seek refuge inside it. The enchanting illustrations and engaging narrative make it perfect for a cozy snow day read-aloud session.
Craft: Popsicle Stick Animal Puppets
After reading "The Mitten", enhance the experience with a fun craft by making popsicle stick animal puppets!
Materials Needed: Craft sticks, construction paper, scissors, glue, markers, googly eyes (optional), cotton balls (optional), and other decorative supplies.
Instructions:
Create Animal Puppets: Choose animals from the story, cut out shapes from construction paper for their bodies and features, and decorate with markers.
Assemble the Puppets: Attach the shapes to craft sticks with glue; add googly eyes and other textures if desired.
Reenact the Story: Use the puppets to act out scenes from *The Mitten*, encouraging creativity.
Enjoy the Performance: Set up a puppet stage for kids to showcase their performances.
This activity promotes a love for reading and sparks creativity, making your cozy day enriched with stories and crafts!
Craft Kits and Other Activities
Whenever people ask for gift ideas for kids at Christmas or birthdays, I always recommend craft supplies. This way, they get a few new toys and their craft kits are stored away for a rainy day—or in this case, a snowy day. As we gather around the dining table, I encourage my kids to express their ideas freely, experimenting with colors, textures, and designs. Sometimes, it’s not just about the finished project, but about the joy of creating together that brings us closer.
Living Room Fort
Create an indoor movie fort using blankets, pillows, and furniture to make a cozy little nook for watching movies. Kids can help construct the fort and make it their own special space, filled with blankets and fairy lights!
Drive In Movie Marathon:
This year, the kids received inflatable cars and super soft movie blankets for Christmas, making our movie nights even more special. They’re perfect for snuggling up together on the floor, creating an atmosphere like a drive-in theater right in our living room. On days when we get to stay cozy in our pajamas all day, these comfy setups make movie marathons feel extra fun and memorable. Whether it's a weekend escape or a snow day treat, our little home theater transforms ordinary days into cozy, cinematic adventures.
Top Five Snow Day Movie Marathon
Frozen (2013)A magical story about sisterhood and self-discovery with stunning visuals and memorable songs. Perfect for all ages.
Happy Feet (2006)An uplifting animated musical that focuses on individuality through the journey of a tap-dancing penguin in Antarctica.
Ice Age (2002)A fun and adventurous animated film about a group of prehistoric animals who band together during the ice age, featuring humor and heart.
Snow Dogs (2002)A family comedy about a Miami man who inherits a team of sled dogs, leading to heartwarming and humorous moments.
Little Foot (1990)A charming animated adventure following Little Foot, a curious young dinosaur, as he explores a prehistoric world filled with friendship and discovery.
Comforting Warmth: Delightful Cozy Foods & Snacks
Warm Up with Some Hot Cocoa
There's nothing quite like a cozy cup of hot cocoa to warm you up on a chilly snow day! You can easily prepare it using either a crockpot or a Keurig maker, depending on your preference and the number of servings you need. No matter how you make it, don't forget to top your cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows for that extra indulgence. Snuggle up with a warm mug and enjoy the comforting taste of hot cocoa while watching the snow fall outside!
Warm Up with Chex Mix
There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma filling your home as a batch of homemade Chex Mix bakes for an hour, creating cozy comfort on a chilly snow day! This crunchy treat is quick and simple to make, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Gather your family, enjoy some laughter and stories, and savor the satisfying crunch of Chex Mix while watching the snow drift outside. Here’s our favorite recipe to get you started!
Creamy Basil Tomato Soup with Sourdough Grilled Cheese
After a fun-filled morning, it’s time to refuel with a warm, hearty lunch featuring Basil Tomato Soup served alongside Sourdough Grilled Cheese.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Soup:
2 cans of diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil
For the Sourdough Grilled Cheese:
1-2 tablespoons of butter
2 slices of mozzarella cheese
2 slices of white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Make the Creamy Basil Tomato Soup:
In a pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; simmer for about 20 minutes.
Blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
2. Prepare the Sourdough Grilled Cheese:
Lightly butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread, ensuring even coverage.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
Layer with one slice of mozzarella cheese, both slices of white cheddar cheese, and the other slice of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Place the second slice of sourdough bread on top, buttered side up.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula.
Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheeses are melted and gooey.
3. Serve:
Once the grilled cheese is crispy and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute, then slice it in half.
Serve the grilled cheese alongside the warm basil tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Homemade Snow Ice Cream
What better way to enjoy a winter day than by making homemade snow ice cream? Be sure to top it with sprinkles for an extra touch of fun! This beloved tradition in our home is always a hit, combining fresh snow with sweet ingredients to create a uniquely delicious treat that perfectly captures the magic of the season. Sharing this special experience together makes it even more memorable! (And remember—avoid collecting the very first snow, as it can contain impurities.)
Final Thoughts on Snow Days
Snow days offer a perfect chance to make lasting memories. With a little creativity, warm meals, and plenty of laughter, they can turn into treasured family traditions. So next time your yard is covered in snow, embrace the day and enjoy every moment—your family will thank you for it! We’d love to hear how you plan to fill your snow day with fun—share your ideas in the comments below!
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